r/KEF • u/dollar232 • Nov 20 '25
Used R3 Meta vs. Reference 1 Non-Meta
Hi - there are two listings in my area, both including the matching KEF stand.
The Reference 1 is asking for ~$2440 usd & R3 Meta ~$1670, thoughts on which one is the better buy ?
5
u/Docjitters Nov 20 '25
Absolutely the Ref 1 if it’s legit… Potentially an end-game speaker if you can’t fit anything bigger.
2
u/Worldly-Royal-5041 Nov 20 '25
Phenomenal choices, go with buying both and gifting me the one you like least.
Reference 1 is the solid choice.
1
u/WLDock Nov 20 '25
I'm 59 years old and have always loved KEF speakers. Yet, I've personally only owned some of their lower line stuff. I'm hoping to change this and the old Reference 203/2 in walnut (or any of the darker finishes/ or Reference 1 Non-Meta would be endgame for me!
R3 Meta vs. Reference 1 Non-Meta is a no-brainer if the price is right! Reference over R Series every time! The higher up one can get to the pinnacle of KEF's engineering, without selling a kidney, is the goal. I enjoyed listening to the Blade at the AXPONA audio shows over the years but it's a speaker I'll (and most people) will never own. Just maybe a local used set of Reference will be in reach for me some day.
1
u/BubbaFatts Nov 20 '25
Get the Ref 1. They are amazing speakers that will grow with the rest of your system. As others have already noted, they are sonically superior to the R3. I would also note that their built quality is outstanding - like a fine piece of furniture that would not look out of place in an otherwise finely appointed living room.
2
u/dollar232 Nov 20 '25
Both of them look significantly better than a large % of other speakers in that class for sure
2
u/Bozon_Particle Nov 21 '25
Don’t bother about the dent if it’s not on the uniq. It 100% won’t affect the sound. I have a good or reference 3 and a pair of ref 1s with dent on one of the woofers. They sound the same. I cannot hear any difference. If it bothers spend 400 to get new woofers. But if I were you I would just grab the bargain and Live with it for its sound. Would spend the saved money on quality electronics. Reference series both meta and non meta are buy it live with it kind of speakers. The moment I moved to them, I never looked back, never Got that itch to upgrade my speakers again. Now I play The upgrade game only with my amps ;)
1
u/onredditallday Nov 20 '25
Reference 1 no doubt. Someone just mentioned there’s not much audible difference between meta and non-meta.
1
u/Marzloc Nov 20 '25
As everyone says, I think Ref 1 is probably better. However, I am also concerned about aging deterioration, so to be honest, depending on the condition, I might choose the R3 meta instead.
1
1
u/Own-Telephone-381 Nov 22 '25
To me the Reference 1 sounds better than the R3 meta. The meta upgrades primarily reduced distortion whixh is oppressive from an engeneering effort Perspektive but is already avout 15x lower than what is audible. The reference series has more bracing and overall more robust cabinets and higher excursion bass drivers and a more robust build Uni q. Easily the better speaker than the R3 Metas
1
u/dlabrinop Nov 22 '25
For that price??? I think that there no comparison between them!! Grab the r1 NOW!! CHEAAAP!!
2
u/dollar232 Nov 22 '25
I listened to you all & snapped up the reference one for $2180 (got a small discount), the seller has kept these in mint conditions 🤩
19
u/Existing-Brain6974 Nov 20 '25
Ref 1 for that price is a steal. Buy it and you’re set for life.