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KEF R2c vs KEF R7 Comparison

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KEF R2c

Passive Center Channel | 74-28k Hz

KEF R2c
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KEF R7

Passive Floor-standing | 48-28k Hz

KEF R7
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KEF R2c KEF R2c
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KEF R7 KEF R7
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KEF R2c
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KEF R7
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KEF R2c vs KEF R7 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by KEF. KEF R2c is a Center Channel speaker whereas the R7 is a Floor-standing speaker.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of KEF R2c and KEF R7 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

KEF R2c Key Specs

  • 3-way Design
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 5" Midrange
  • 2 x 5.25" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer
  • 74-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:15-200watts
  • Weight:16.90kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 177.0" x 21-11/16" x 12-7/16"( 177.0 x 551.0 x 316.0mm )

KEF R7 Key Specs

  • 3-way Design
  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 5" Midrange
  • 2 x 6.5" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer
  • 5" Midrange
  • 48-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:15-250watts
  • Weight:31.40kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 1113.0" x 8" x 15-5/16"( 1113.0 x 200.0 x 389.0mm )

R2c and R7 are members of KEF's R series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.

KEF R Series History
Model Body Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
KEF R3
  
Bookshelf 52-28k Hz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
KEF R7
Floor-standing 48-28k Hz 88 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
KEF R11
  
Floor-standing 46-28k Hz 90 dB8Ω 4 x 6.5"
KEF R5
  
Floor-standing 58-28k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
KEF R2c
Center Channel 74-28k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"

What size room are the KEF R2c and KEF R7 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 R2c KEF R7
Near-field Poor Bad
Small Room Average Poor
Mid-size Room Good Average
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 R2c and KEF R7 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 R2c and R7 are 3-way speakers.

Driver KEF R2c KEF R7
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 2 x 6.5-inch

R2c features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter , a 5" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 400Hz and 2900Hz. On the other hand, the R7 features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter , a 5" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 400Hz and 2900Hz.

Frequency Response

R2c has a frequency range of 74-28k Hz whereas R7 has a frequency range of 48-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the R7 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R2c's min frequency of 74Hz.

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

R2c
R7
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Center Channel Speakers

KEF R2c
KEF R7
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

R2c and R7 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R2c sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the R7's is at 88 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the KEF R7 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF R2c, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Center Channel Speakers

R2c
R7
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.

R2c can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R2c has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the R7.

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 R2c and R7 features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.

KEF R2c Terminals
KEF R2c's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring

KEF R7 Terminals
KEF R7's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Both R2c and R7 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.

If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.

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 R2c's and KEF R7's external dimensions. KEF R2c has external dimensions of 177.0 x 551.0 x 316.0mm ( 6-15/16 x 21-11/16 x 12-7/16inch) whereas KEF R7 has external dimensions of 1113.0 x 200.0 x 389.0mm ( 43-13/16 x 8 x 15-5/16inch) .

KEF R2c is 936mm shorter and 73mm less deeper than KEF R7 but it is also 351mm wider.

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 R2c is approximately 1741.2cm2 / 269.9inch2 and base area of the KEF R7 is approximately 778.0cm2 / 120.6inch2. The R2c requires 124% more surface area than the R7 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.

What's in the Box of KEF R2c?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of R2c:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • User Manual
  • Warranty Information
  • What's in the Box of KEF R7?

    Here are the items that come with the R7:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • 2 Foam port plugs
  • 4 Outrigger feet
  • 4 Spikes
  • 4 Protective discs
  • 4 Screws
  • 4 Washers
  • Wrench
  • Hex-key
  • User Manual
  • Warranty Information

  • Reasons to choose KEF R2c over KEF R7
    Height 177mm vs 1113mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Price per pair* 1300USD vs 4500USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

    Reasons to choose KEF R7 over KEF R2c

    Max Input Power 250 watts vs 200 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Sensitivity 88 dB vs 87 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Woofer Size 6.5 inches vs 5.25 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 48 Hz vs 74 Hz Generates deeper bass
    Base Surface Area 778cm2 vs 1741cm2 Takes less floor space
    KEF R2c vs KEF R7 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General KEF R2c KEF R7
    Brand KEF KEF
    Speaker Type Center channel speaker Floor-standing speaker
    Power Range 15-200 watts 15-250 watts
    Sensitivity 87 dB 88 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Impedance 3.2 ohms 3.2 ohms
    Frequency Response 74-28k Hz 48-28k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 2 2
    Woofer Size 5.25" 6.5"
    Woofer Composition Hybrid Aluminum Hybrid Aluminum
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type Dome Dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver 5" 5"
    Crossover Frequency 400Hz and 2900Hz 400Hz and 2900Hz
    Firing Direction rear rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 177.0mm (7") 1113.0mm (43.8")
    Width 551.0mm (21.7") 200.0mm (7.9")
    Depth 316.0mm (12.4") 389.0mm (15.3")
    Weight 16.90kg (37.2lbs) 31.40kg (69.1lbs)
    Enclosure Acoustic Suspension Bass Reflex
    Finish n/a MDF/Lacquer
    Available Colors Black Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut Black Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs Yes Yes
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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