In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by KEF. KEF R2 Meta is a Center Channel speaker whereas the R11 Meta is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF R2 Meta and KEF R11 Meta first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
KEF R2 Meta Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 12th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 5" Midrange
- 2 x 5.25" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer
- 67-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:15-200watts
- Weight:15.45kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 177.0" x 21-3/4" x 12-1/4"( 177.0 x 553.0 x 312.0mm )
KEF R11 Meta Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 12th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 1" Vented dome Tweeter
- 5" Midrange
- 4 x 6.5" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer
- 5" Midrange
- 46-28 Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:15-300watts
- Weight:36.59kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1296.0" x 12-1/4" x 15-1/8"( 1296.0 x 312.0 x 385.0mm )
R2 Meta and R11 Meta are members of KEF's R META series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
What size room are the KEF R2 Meta and KEF R11 Meta 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 R2 Meta |
KEF R11 Meta |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Are you nuts? |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Good |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Average |
Good |
(* 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 R2 Meta and KEF R11 Meta 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
Both R2 Meta and R11 Meta are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF R2 Meta |
KEF R11 Meta |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 5-inch |
1 x 5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
4 x 6.5-inch
|
R2 Meta features a 1" Aluminum with MAT absorber Hard-Dome Tweeter , a 5" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 560Hz and 2500Hz. On the other hand, the R11 Meta features a 1" Aluminum with MAT absorber Vented dome Tweeter , a 5" Midrange and 4 x 6.5" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 330Hz and 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
R2 Meta has a frequency range of 67-28k Hz whereas R11 Meta has a frequency range of 46-28 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the R11 Meta can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R2 Meta's min frequency of 67Hz.
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
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
R2 Meta and R11 Meta have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R2 Meta sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the R11 Meta's is at 90 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the KEF R11 Meta a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF R2 Meta, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the R2 Meta and the R2 Meta can provide this impedance level.
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.
R2 Meta can handle a max power of 300 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R2 Meta has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the R11 Meta.
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
Both R2 Meta and R11 Meta features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
KEF R2 Meta's Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
KEF R11 Meta's Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
KEF R11 Meta Port
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 R2 Meta's and KEF R11 Meta's external dimensions. KEF R2 Meta has external dimensions of 177.0 x 553.0 x 312.0mm ( 6-15/16-inch x 21-3/4-inch x 12-1/4-inch) whereas KEF R11 Meta has external dimensions of 1296.0 x 312.0 x 385.0mm ( 51-inch x 12-1/4-inch x 15-1/8-inch) .
KEF R2 Meta is 1119mm shorter and 73mm less deeper than KEF R11 Meta but it is also 241mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of KEF R2 Meta and KEF R11 Meta in scale.
Comparison image of KEF R2 Meta and KEF R11 Meta Size and External Dimensions
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 R2 Meta is approximately 1725.4cm2 / 267.4inch2 and base area of the KEF R11 Meta is approximately 1201.2cm2 / 186.2inch2. The R2 Meta requires 44% more surface area than the R11 Meta which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of KEF R2 Meta?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R2 Meta:
1 R2 Meta 1 microfiber grille Rubber feet User manual and warranty information
What's in the Box of KEF R11 Meta?
Here are the items that come with the R11 Meta:
R11 Meta Microfiber grille Plinth and spike accessories Port bungs User manual and warranty information