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KEF R3 Meta
Like the Epikore 3, the R3 Meta is a three-way design. Although it uses separate bass, mids and treble drivers, whereas the Epikore 3 uses a hybrid tweeter setup.
The R3 Meta delivers a tighter and more impactful low end, while the Epikore 3 reaches deeper into the sub bass region and does so with a bigger body. The Epikore has a grander appearance in the lows than the KEF. While the KEF is fast, energetic and oh so dynamic, the Epikore sounds more natural and lusher, but it also has higher definition and resolution in the lows. The texture of the DALI is also finer nuanced and more detailed than the R3 Meta’s.
In the midrange, the DALI is fuller, richer and warmer throughout than the KEF. Where the R3 Meta opts for transparency and a more analytical approach, the DALI goes for a natural and big sound. It portrays instruments in a livelier and more life-like manner than the R3 Meta, giving them more flesh on the bones, while also highlighting their contours better.
In direct comparison between the two, the KEF has a more sterile sound than the Epikore. It sounds less true to life. Both speakers have a room filling vocal presence, where they create grand scenes. The Epikore does take it up a notch though. Vocals feel fuller and more emotionally engaging than on the KEF to me.
The treble of the Epikore 3 is more extended and delivers a cleaner, yet softer sound. KEF’s treble has always been a bit conflicting to me. I have to position the R3 Meta slightly off axis to my listening spot for the treble to be easier on the ear. The Epikore doesn’t have the same issue at all. It sounds faster and crisper, while also being more accessible at the same time. KEF’s R3 Meta has a more metallic zing and a brighter tuning per se than the Epikore 3.
Radiant Acoustics Clarity 6.2
Radiant Acoustics is one of the newest adventures from Peter Lyngdorf, the man behind DALI. The Clarity 6.2 is their first bookshelf speaker, which only sells direct to consumers. It is a two-way speaker using Purifi drivers for mids/bass and DALI made AMT treble drivers.
The Clarity 6.2 is rather new to my place but during the past weeks I have collected many impressions of them already. A full review of Clarity 6.2 is in progress.
The Epikore 3 is a fuller and richer sounding speaker, that especially separates itself from the Clarity 6.2 in its warmth and emotions. While the Clarity 6.2 surely packs a punch, the Epikore 3 goes deeper with a bigger body. The Radiant Acoustics speaker has a denser and more impactful low-end, similar to the one found in the KEF R3 Meta, but with higher precision and dynamics.
Vocals sound a bit more compressed on the Clarity 6.2 than on the Epikore 3, which sounds grander and fuller. It also has a higher emotional presence than the Clarity. An area where the Radiant Acoustics really shines is definitely in its sheer resolution and imaging. Here they truly put up a fight with the Epikore. Though the DALI still edges the Radiant out in micro detailing, the instrumental positioning and separation are done exemplarily well on both. However, the Epikore sets spacial cues with higher precision and highlights instruments better. DALI’s Epikore creates a larger scale sound stage, where especially depth and height are superior to the Radiant Acoustics speaker. Layering on the Epikore is also done in a finer manner.
The Epikore has a richer and warmer midrange tuning, which sounds more natural and musical to me. The Clarity 6.2 has a more dynamic sound in contrast to the full and lush Epikore 3. Both speakers impress me with their own qualities, but on pure enjoyment and excitement, I place the Epikore 3 in front. The Epikore for example manages to transport me back to the Kraftwerk concert in July of 2024 with its realism, something the Clarity did not achieve that well.
Both speakers are masters when it comes to emotions and vocal clarity. The Radiant Acoustics often fascinates me in that regard. DALI’s Epikore creates a sound that somehow rolls at you, a sound that wraps you in and takes you with it. The Epikore also fills the room with a more visceral physical presence, where music sounds bigger and fuller.
Conclusion
The Epikore 3 is one of the finest bookshelf speakers I have ever heard. It delivers on all fronts but convinces most with its realism and lush midrange that lets me enjoy my music to the fullest. I have not found a single genre the Epikore can’t master. For that versatility and impressive sound, I cannot recommend it enough, if your wallet supports it.
During the last weeks the Epikore 3 has excelled in all aspects. Its natural, rich and warm sound is perfect to breathe life into music and to just sit back and let it take you away. It is like watching a sunset on the beach, you can’t help but smile and enjoy.
DALI’s Epikore 3 is an example of how good sound in a small form factor can be and should be recognized for its impeccable design and quality. To me, the Epikore 3 is a masterpiece with flawless sound and build quality. Sure, they come with a big price tag, but the DALI Epikore 3 is so damn worth it and one of the best bookshelf loudspeakers I ever had the pleasure of hearing.
The Epikore 3 is an epochal loudspeaker and should be on everybody’s watch-list who is looking for a summit-fi stand-mount speaker. It’s a Recommended Buy!
Summary
Pros:
Sublime sound
Lush and rich midrange
Deep and natural bass
Excellent detail retrieval
Build quality
Cons:
Pricey
