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KEF Q650c vs SVS Ultra Center Comparison

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KEF Q650c

Passive Center Channel | 64-28k Hz

KEF Q650c
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SVS Ultra Center

Passive Center Channel | 45-32k Hz

SVS Ultra Center
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KEF Q650c KEF Q650c
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SVS Ultra Center SVS Ultra Center
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KEF Q650c
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SVS Ultra Center
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KEF Q650c vs SVS Ultra Center Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Q650c and Ultra Center, two Passive Center Channel speakers from KEF and SVS.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of KEF Q650c and SVS Ultra Center first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

KEF Q650c Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 2 x 6.5" aluminum Woofer
  • 64-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:15-150watts
  • Weight:13.64kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 212.0" x 24-13/16" x 11-15/16"( 212.0 x 631.0 x 304.0mm )

SVS Ultra Center Key Specs

  • 3-way Design
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 4" Midrange
  • 2 x 6.5" composite glass-fiber Woofer
  • 4" Midrange
  • 45-32k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:20-225watts
  • Weight:14.09kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 207.0" x 22-1/16" x 11-3/16"( 207.0 x 561.0 x 285.0mm )

What size room are the KEF Q650c and SVS Ultra 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 Q650c SVS Ultra Center
Near-field Poor Poor
Small Room Average Poor
Mid-size Room Good Good
Large Room Average Good
Very Large Room Poor 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 Q650c and SVS Ultra Center compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Drivers

One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Q650c is a 2-way design whereas the Ultra Center is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.

Driver KEF Q650c SVS Ultra Center
Driver Setup 2-way 3-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - 1 x 4-inch
Woofer 2 x 6.5-inch 2 x 6.5-inch

Q650c features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz. On the other hand, the Ultra Center features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" composite glass-fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 500Hz and 2200Hz.

Frequency Response

Q650c has a frequency range of 64-28k Hz whereas Ultra Center has a frequency range of 45-32k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the Ultra Center can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Q650c's min frequency of 64Hz.

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

Q650c
Ultra Center
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Center Channel Speakers

KEF Q650c
SVS Ultra Center
Min
Average
Max

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

Q650c and Ultra Center have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 87 dB.

Sensitivity

Center Channel Speakers

Q650c
Ultra Center
Min
Average
Max

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.

Q650c can handle a max power of 225 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Q650c has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS , 75 watts less than the Ultra 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 Center features 5-Way post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Q650c has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

KEF Q650c Terminals
KEF Q650c's Binding post terminals

SVS Ultra Center5-Way post Terminals
SVS Ultra Center's 5-Way post 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 Q650c's and SVS Ultra Center's external dimensions. KEF Q650c has external dimensions of 212.0 x 631.0 x 304.0mm ( 8-5/16 x 24-13/16 x 11-15/16inch) whereas SVS Ultra Center has external dimensions of 207.0 x 561.0 x 285.0mm ( 8-1/8 x 22-1/16 x 11-3/16inch) .

KEF Q650c is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 70mm wider, 5mm taller and 19mm deeper than SVS Ultra 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 Q650c is approximately 1918.2cm2 / 297.3inch2 and base area of the SVS Ultra Center is approximately 1598.9cm2 / 247.8inch2. The Q650c requires 20% more surface area than the Ultra Center which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.

Weight Comparison

The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The KEF Q650c weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs and the SVS Ultra Center weighs 14.09kg / 31lbs. This makes the Ultra Center 3% heavier than the Q650c.

Here is a comparison of how Q650c and Ultra Center's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
KEF Q650c
SVS Ultra Center
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of KEF Q650c?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Q650c:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owners Manual
  • Warranty Information
  • What's in the Box of SVS Ultra Center?

    Here are the items that come with the Ultra Center:
  • Center channel loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • 2 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)
  • 4 Rubber feet
  • Owners Manual
  • SVS brochure
  • Online Product Registration Card

  • Reasons to choose KEF Q650c over SVS Ultra Center
    Passive Radiator one 6.5-inch vs None Increases the bass performance
    Price per pair* 750USD vs 799USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

    Reasons to choose SVS Ultra Center over KEF Q650c

    Max Input Power 225 watts vs 150 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Driver Setup 3-way vs 2-way Have a dedicated mid-range driver
    Low Frequency Response 45 Hz vs 64 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 32k Hz vs 28k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Height 207mm vs 212mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 1598cm2 vs 1918cm2 Takes less floor space
    KEF Q650c vs SVS Ultra Center Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General KEF Q650c SVS Ultra Center
    Brand KEF SVS
    Speaker Type Center channel speaker Center channel speaker
    Power Range 15-150 watts 20-225 watts
    Sensitivity 87 dB 87 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Impedance 4.2 ohms n/a
    Frequency Response 64-28k Hz 45-32k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 2 2
    Woofer Size 6.5" 6.5"
    Woofer Composition aluminum composite glass-fiber
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type Dome Dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No 4"
    Crossover Frequency 2500Hz 500Hz and 2200Hz
    Firing Direction n/a rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 212.0mm (8.3") 207.0mm (8.1")
    Width 631.0mm (24.8") 561.0mm (22.1")
    Depth 304.0mm (12") 285.0mm (11.2")
    Weight 13.64kg (30lbs) 14.09kg (31lbs)
    Enclosure Passive Radiator Bass Reflex
    Available Colors Satin White, Satin Black, Walnut Black Oak,Piano Gloss Black,Piano Gloss White
    Grille optional Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs n/a Yes
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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