Mofi Sourcepoint 8 vs. KEF R3 Meta


I'm considering one of these two critically praised speakers for my 21' x 14' room. I'll pair them with a Rythmik F12 subwoofer to cover the lower frequencies. I don't have access to a local retailer to compare them side-by-side, so I'm posting here to see if anyone has listened to both and can offer their opinion, or observations. 

output555

Based on my experience with the R3s (non-Meta) I wouldn’t hesitate to try the MoFis first.

I say that because the R3 is one of the most disappointing speakers I have owned, among dozens, over the last 15 years. Yes, it measures well, but it’s one of the speakers that taught me to not put so much stock into graphs. Graphs generally won’t tell you if a tweeter is well extended BUT also fatiguing. There are good aluminum tweeters out there but the one in the original R3 is not one of them. I much prefer the sound of the LS50 with its Al/Mg tweeter, but those are quite limited in maximum output.

IME, a speaker that can be had for similar or less money than the R3s but is considerably better is the Revel F206. It would be a good fit for your room size and you wouldn’t need stands. It is just as good if not better at imaging and cohesion than the coax R3. 

What specific sound characteristics are most important to you? What speakers do you have now (if any) and what specific improvements are you looking for?  Also, what amp will you be using?  Nice sub BTW. 

These standmount speakers will have a similar footprint as a floorstander...and your room is a decent size.

Do you have a meaty amp and some freedom of placement? If you do, I would suggest the Unifi reference floorstander from Andrew Jones. It can sound quite good without TAD-like prices. It should scale up as the quality of your front-end electronics go up and the rythmik should pair well with it.

https://www.audioadvice.com/products/elac-uni-fi-reference-ufr52-tower-speaker-black

Both are good, I have heard and could probably live with either.   Lots of reliable information out there to help decide.  I’d start with Erin’s Audio Corner on YouTube for a thorough overview of both. 
 

I’d probably lean towards the KEFs personally being more compact and easy to handle and setup accordingly, plus the more modern aesthetics. 

For reference, I currently run Vanatoo Transparent 1, KEF ls50 meta + powered sub, Sonus Faber Concerto Domus, and  Ohm 5000 in different rooms concurrently .

I really wouldn’t go with either but the KEF, if there were no other options. Resale value would be one reason, if and when you want to move on. They aren't cheap new.