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B&W 705s3 vs Kef Meta R3

I was at Magnolia the other day and out of curiosity, I asked the salesman to play these 2 speakers back to back.  I really couldn't believe how muffled the Metas were compared to the Bowers.  I then compared other bigger models of each and heard the same sound signature.  What was the problem here?  I've owned a ton of different speakers and never heard quite a contrast.  I should add that I am biased towards Kef.

 

Has anyone else out there compared these 2 lines in a real world setting? 

128x128b_limo
rubicon15
102 posts
 

Consider going back to Best Buy and examine the wire terminations for yourself. Are both pairs of speakers connected to similar or the same source components? Keep in mind, everyone is trying to persuade or sell you a pair of speakers. If you live in a large city, go to another BB, check out the terminations, and audition the same speakers. Ideally, audition the speakers using the same amp etc. Remember, play music that you are very familiar with during each audition. 

jhnnrrs
112 posts
 

The 705s3 are one of the best sounding of the B&W's.  As far as I am concerned, the KEF R3 Meta are just awful sounding - lacking dynamics, excitement, and frequency extension.

classdstreamer's avatar
classdstreamer
172 posts
 

@b_limo Your experience at Best Buy matches mine. B&W outshines KEF at my Best Buy too. I’ve lived with 2 sets of KEF speakers a 1 set of B&W. Like AudioTroy, I also question Best Buy’s receiver pairings. And, I wonder about the switching and cabling situation. That said, OCD Mikey recorded a similar outcome at an audio dealership.

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,726 posts
 

@b_limo 

KEF speakers are anything but dull, in fact they might be considered analytical and or bright by some. I just replaced my KEF Reference 5’s with Sonus Farber’s to tame some of the brightness in my system.

All the best.

jbmac75
197 posts
 

Well then. Guess I will keep them...my Paradigms. Happy day.

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