In this review, we will be comparing Q6 Meta and Ultra Evolution Center, two Passive Center Channel speakers from KEF and SVS.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF Q6 Meta and SVS Ultra Evolution Center first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
KEF Q6 Meta Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 12th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 0.75" Hard-dome Tweeter
- 4" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer
- 63-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:Up to 200watts
- Weight:14.14kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 210.0" x 24.8" x 11.9"( 210 x 629 x 303 mm )
SVS Ultra Evolution Center Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 4.5" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" Composite glass-fiber Woofer
- 4.5" Midrange
- 40-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:20-225watts
- Weight:12.20kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 199.0" x 22" x 11.78"( 199 x 560 x 299.2mm )
What size room are the KEF Q6 Meta and SVS Ultra Evolution Center speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision
factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size
and max power parameters:
| Listening Environment* |
KEF Q6 Meta |
SVS Ultra Evolution Center |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Good |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Average |
Average |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the KEF Q6 Meta and SVS Ultra Evolution Center compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Q6 Meta and Ultra Evolution Center are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF Q6 Meta |
SVS Ultra Evolution Center |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 4-inch |
1 x 4.5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Q6 Meta features a 0.75" vented aluminum dome with MAT absorber Hard-dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 560 Hz, 2.7 kHz. On the other hand, the Ultra Evolution Center features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter , a 4.5" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Composite glass-fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 450HZ and 2200Hz.
Frequency Response
Q6 Meta has a frequency range of 63-20k Hz whereas Ultra Evolution Center has a frequency range of 40-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 40Hz, the Ultra Evolution Center can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Q6 Meta's min frequency of 63Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
SVS Ultra Evolution Center
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Q6 Meta is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Ultra Evolution Center which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Q6 Meta can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Q6 Meta sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the Ultra Evolution Center's is rated at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the SVS Ultra Evolution Center a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q6 Meta, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using
an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the
max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Q6 Meta can handle a max power of 225 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Q6 Meta has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS , 25 watts less than the Ultra Evolution Center.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Ultra Evolution Center features Gold-plated 5-way posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Q6 Meta has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
SVS Ultra Evolution Center's Gold-plated 5-way terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare KEF Q6 Meta's and SVS Ultra Evolution Center's external dimensions. KEF Q6 Meta has external dimensions of 210 x 629 x 303 mm ( 8.3 x 24.8 x 11.9 in.) whereas SVS Ultra Evolution Center has external dimensions of 199 x 560 x 299.2mm ( 7.83 x 22.05 x 11.78”) .
KEF Q6 Meta is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 69mm wider, 11mm taller and 4mm deeper than SVS Ultra Evolution Center.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the KEF Q6 Meta is approximately 1905.9cm2 / 295.4inch2 and base area of the SVS Ultra Evolution Center is approximately 1674.4cm2 / 259.5inch2. The Q6 Meta requires 14% more surface area than the Ultra Evolution Center which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.