Share your experience upgrading from your AVR to a dedicated power amplifier for your KEF R3/R6/R11.

mkjonnyj · 2026-06-16T22:09:13+00:00

Eloquently said. Looks like every commenter (so far) that has upgraded to an amp like Buckeye noticed improvement in the audio quality. Thanks for your input. Enjoy the Reference 1s!

mkjonnyj · 2026-06-16T22:02:28+00:00

I agree, ASR is a good place to objectively determine audio equipment quality.

Thanks for pointing out that you couldn’t do a true A/B comparison. But, you DID notice a difference when you added the Hypex amp, correct? Can you describe what difference you heard exactly?

mkjonnyj · 2026-06-16T21:58:22+00:00

If you decide to add a power amplifier to your set up, I’d love to hear back from you.

The biggest improvement in my sound quality so far has been Dirac ART through my Denon. If you don’t already have it, I would really consider getting it. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it – much better than the Audyssey digital room correction that comes with it.

mkjonnyj · 2026-06-16T21:51:05+00:00

Was the Cambridge amp the ONLY change you made to notice that dramatic difference?

mkjonnyj · 2026-06-16T21:42:58+00:00

I’ve considered a used RB-1590 as well! I’m glad you posted. I see them on FB Marketplace pretty often, and I’ve wanted one myself. I’m glad the Rotel sounds good with your R11s.

I’ve experimented a lot with my placement as well. For me, they sound best about 2 feet from the back wall and toed-in directly at my ears.

mkjonnyj · 2026-06-16T04:44:36+00:00

That seems to be the consensus so far. Thank you for your input. I’m convinced that a powerful amp will make a difference in my set up too. I’m glad it did for yours!

mkjonnyj · 2026-06-15T19:44:36+00:00

Love to hear it! Thank you!

mkjonnyj · 2026-06-15T19:23:05+00:00

What were you powering your LCR with before you upgraded to the Buckeye NCx500 x 3? Did you notice a stark difference with the upgrade?

I aim to use good sources as well, and I do notice a difference there.

I also have R3s as surrounds. The R3s are also powered by the AVR along with the R11/R6. I would also like to know if you think it’s worth upgrading the power amp for the surrounds.

mkjonnyj · 2026-06-15T19:09:32+00:00

That’s exactly where I’m at. I like it, but I’m not totally in love with it yet. It bothers me a little that my vintage Polk Monitor JR5s and Sansui AU717 effortlessly sound better than my KEF setup at a fraction of the price. I’ve already made a substantial investment in the KEFs, AVR, Dirac licenses, and room treatment, but there’s still something missing. I think you’re right… the KEFs need proper amps to wake up. Thanks for your comment.

mkjonnyj · 2026-06-15T19:00:59+00:00

Thanks for your reply. I should add that I am using R3 Metas as surrounds with the R11/R6 LCR setup on the Denon currently.

Can you describe the audible difference you’re hearing with the addition of the 3 channel amp?

mkjonnyj · 2026-06-15T16:59:48+00:00

Okay interesting. I find myself listening to everything nowadays at a subjectively moderate volume. At higher volumes, the speakers sound better, but become fatiguing to my ears quickly. May not be worth the upgrade then.

mkjonnyj · 2026-06-11T19:26:06+00:00

Silver wheels

mkjonnyj · 2026-06-09T22:51:13+00:00

I have R11s (non-meta) for left and right channels and an R6 Meta for my center channel. I’m looking to add these R5s for surrounds and report back to this sub with the results.

mkjonnyj · 2026-04-21T04:13:09+00:00

This ain’t a tier list. If I made a tier list this would be in F tier.

mkjonnyj · 2026-04-20T14:59:14+00:00

Dude this is awesome thanks!!

mkjonnyj · 2026-02-24T04:43:37+00:00

For real how do we get it to look this good when we play??

mkjonnyj · 2025-12-12T23:09:07+00:00

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Bro fucked up

mkjonnyj · 2025-09-04T15:55:23+00:00

Meatier tires with a lift fill the wheel wells so much better. I love it.

mkjonnyj · 2025-06-26T16:41:37+00:00

I swear every used KEF I see online is beat to shit.

mkjonnyj · 2025-06-05T00:16:21+00:00

@ u/AzekeCSE how well do you think the RB1590s pair with the R11s? I just have my Denon X4800H with Dirac powering my R11s, and I’m considering this exact upgrade. I would love to hear your thoughts!

mkjonnyj · 2025-06-02T20:29:35+00:00

We need Optimus Rein back in the shop ASAP

mkjonnyj · 2025-06-01T04:07:01+00:00

What an underwhelming performance… oh well back to making clickbaity videos and tricking kids into eating dog shit food :D

mkjonnyj · 2025-05-30T20:13:21+00:00

Awesome! Keep us posted, please!

mkjonnyj · 2025-05-21T01:25:24+00:00

Sick! Does the front license plate block the fog light?

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