Which is the best?(7.4.4 bed-layer speaker slection)

[KING DRANZER]

I am looking at the below listed few KEF Speakers to choose from. Doing a dedicated theater room this time. So what will be the best of the below listed speakers.

Prices(for reference for 1Pc each not pair) :

KEF Q650C - $695
KEF Q950 - $1020
KEF R3 Meta - $1275
KEF Ci3160RL - $1475
KEF R6 Meta - $2125

I am not readily considering Q650C to be in the run. Just listed it for price comparison. And R6 Meta is out of the budget so no way I be considering it.

Q950 vs Ci3160RL(75L Sealed Enclosure) be interesting. How do they compare. Which is better in every aspect. Q950 has larger drivers but Ci3160RL is a step up line with smaller drivers. Which will be the best out of those.

Yes all of those no matter which one I choose be paired with 4 SUBs.

The reason to choose KEF. I tried many systems recently(credit to you guys and community). Without breaking the bank I don't think I can speakers which can offer dimensionality and imaging to the level of KEF Q and R series. I checked R5 setup and that was absolutely insane. But sadly as it is discontinued and the new Meta series being insanely expensive I dropped it from the list. But then I came across Ci3160RL. But have no idea of how it compares to Q series and R series and what will be the limitations. If I pick it up I plan to use it in a sealed enclosure(75L). Is Ci3160RL improvement over Q950.

 

[everettT]

I'd go with the in walls if it were me out of those choices, they're great speakers. Here is a thread on an all KEF system with them.

My acoustically treated Home Theatre (updated)

I changed my amplifiers and added another pair of ceiling speakers. Here is the new connection diagram. The wiring and the equipment rack is so much simpler now. Amplitude-16 has enough power to run all speakers.

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[KING DRANZER]

I'd go with the in walls if it were me out of those choices, they're great speakers. Here is a thread on an all KEF system with them.

My acoustically treated Home Theatre (updated)

I changed my amplifiers and added another pair of ceiling speakers. Here is the new connection diagram. The wiring and the equipment rack is so much simpler now. Amplitude-16 has enough power to run all speakers.

www.audiosciencereview.com

Yes was considering it. There is no direct comparison of it against any other speaker in Q or R lineup. Hence am not sure how it stacks up against them. Will do bit more research.

 

[everettT]

Yes was considering it. There is no direct comparison of it against any other speaker in Q or R lineup. Hence am not sure how it stacks up against them. Will do bit more research.

In order to get THX Ultra certification, the speaker has to meet rigorous criteria and out of all the speakers you listed, the price and performance is right. Nothing in the Q lineup will come close and the larger R Meta speakers are a bit step in price for comparison.

 

[KING DRANZER]

In order to get THX Ultra certification, the speaker has to meet rigorous criteria and out of all the speakers you listed, the price and performance is right. Nothing in the Q lineup will come close and the larger R Meta speakers are a bit step in price for comparison.

LOL. Not a bit step up. It is a huge step up. Only Ci3160RL is as far as I can push it. I cannot afford to get R6 Meta or R5 Meta.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I was looking at the Ci5160RL-THX in-wall.

6.5" Woofers x 4 just like the R11 tower. You can dream.

 

[KING DRANZER]

I was looking at the Ci5160RL-THX in-wall.

6.5" Woofers x 4 just like the R11 tower. You can dream.

That is well above my range too.

Okay Ci3160RL and Ci5160RL. Look like R series but how close do they compare to in sound quality. Are they similar and close to R5 and R11 respectively.

 

[lovinthehd]

LOL. Not a bit step up. It is a huge step up. Only Ci3160RL is as far as I can push it. I cannot afford to get R6 Meta or R5 Meta.

Think he just forgot an "e" for "steep"....but kinda goes both ways!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Okay Ci3160RL and Ci5160RL. Look like R series but how close do they compare to in sound quality. Are they similar and close to R5 and R11 respectively.

I think very close. Seems like the same speakers, just designed differently for 2 different applications.

Definitely check with your dealer to see if they have any promos or preowned models. Never know.

 

[everettT]

That is well above my range too.

Okay Ci3160RL and Ci5160RL. Look like R series but how close do they compare to in sound quality. Are they similar and close to R5 and R11 respectively.

This is Erin's review of the 31 series, video review is included in the link. Measurements are close to KEFs and other then the mid bass bump, it looks good and you can compare to the other models. Just remember inwall measurements are more difficult then "box speakers" as the baffle isn't infinite but as close as it can be for the measurement gear.

Kef Ci3160RL-THX In-Wall Speaker Review

Kef Ci3160RL-THX Review

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

 

[KING DRANZER]

I think very close. Seems like the same speakers, just designed differently for 2 different applications.

Definitely check with your dealer to see if they have any promos or preowned models. Never know.

This is Erin's review of the 31 series, video review is included in the link. Measurements are close to KEFs and other then the mid bass bump, it looks good and you can compare to the other models. Just remember inwall measurements are more difficult then "box speakers" as the baffle isn't infinite but as close as it can be for the measurement gear.

Kef Ci3160RL-THX In-Wall Speaker Review

Kef Ci3160RL-THX Review

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

If it is real close to R series then I may pick it easy. Because R5 setup left me in speechless specially when comparing it against others in its class range JBL HDI, Polk L600, Focal Aria, B&W 704, DT 9060 in same room. KEF R5 sounded the best. The next I liked was Aria and L600 then HDI followed by 704 and DT9060. DT 9060 did not feel like it was even the part of same group. I think people buy Definite Technology for its aesthetics instead of its performance.

But yeah. Sadly R5 is discontinued. R5 Meta is insanely priced. So I guess that leaves me with Ci3160. Will be a pain to install considering I need to make 4ft x 8ft baffles for them and 4cuft sealed enclosure. But is well worth the price and effort if it is actually close to R series in Performance.