In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by KEF. KEF R2 Meta is a Center Channel speaker whereas the R8 Meta is a Surround speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF R2 Meta and KEF R8 Meta first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | KEF R2 Meta | KEF R8 Meta |
|---|
| Brand | KEF
United Kingdom · founded 1961 | KEF
United Kingdom · founded 1961 |
|---|
| Design | 3-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Uni-Q driver | 12th Generation Uni-Q | 12th Generation Uni-Q |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Hard-Dome | 1" Hard-Dome |
|---|
| Midrange | 5" | — |
|---|
| Woofer | 2 x 5.25" Hybrid Aluminum | 5.25" |
|---|
| Frequency response | 67-28k Hz | 97-17.5k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 87 dB | 85 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 15-200 watts | — |
|---|
| Weight | 15.45kg / 34lbs | 4.49kg / 9.9lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6-15/16" x 21-3/4" x 12-1/4"
177.0 x 553.0 x 312.0mm | 7-1/4" x 6-15/16" x 10-7/16"
184.2 x 176.2 x 265.1mm |
|---|
R2 Meta and R8 Meta are members of KEF's R META series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that R2 Meta is a 3-way design whereas the R8 Meta is a 2-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.
KEF R2 MetaKEF R8 Meta
TweeterMidrangeWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
KEF R2 Meta |
KEF R8 Meta |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 5-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-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 R8 Meta features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Woofer.
Frequency Response
R2 Meta has a frequency range of 67-28k Hz whereas R8 Meta has a frequency range of 97-17.5k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 67Hz, the R2 Meta can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R8 Meta's min frequency of 97Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
R2 Meta and R8 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 R8 Meta's is at 85 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the KEF R2 Meta a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF R8 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
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
R2 Meta features Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. R8 Meta has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
KEF R2 Meta's Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 R8 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 R8 Meta has external dimensions of 184.2 x 176.2 x 265.1mm ().
KEF R8 Meta is 376.8mm narrower and 46.9mm less deeper than KEF R2 Meta but it is also 7.2mm taller.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
KEF R2 Meta needs about 269% more floor or shelf area. KEF R2 Meta is 47mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall.
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 R8 Meta is approximately 467.1cm2 / 72.4inch2. The R2 Meta requires 269% more surface area than the R8 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