In this review, we will be comparing R6 Meta and Revel Performa3 C208, two Passive Center Channel speakers from KEF and Revel. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF R6 Meta and Revel Performa3 C208 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the KEF R6 Meta and Revel Performa3 C208 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the KEF R6 Meta and Revel Performa3 C208 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both R6 Meta and Revel Performa3 C208 are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF R6 Meta |
Revel Performa3 C208 |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 5-inch |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 8-inch
|
R6 Meta features a 1" Aluminum with MAT absorber Hard-Dome Tweeter , a 5" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 500Hz and 2400Hz. On the other hand, the Revel Performa3 C208 features a 1" aluminum dome with proprietary acoustic lens and waveguide Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 8" anodized aluminum cone with cast frames Woofer .
Frequency Response
R6 Meta has a frequency range of 65-28k Hz whereas Revel Performa3 C208 has a frequency range of 50Hz- 20kHz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the Revel Performa3 C208 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R6 Meta's min frequency of 65Hz.
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
R6 Meta is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the Revel Performa3 C208 which has a nominal impedance of 8 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 R6 Meta can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. R6 Meta sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the Revel Performa3 C208's is rated at 89 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Revel Performa3 C208 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF R6 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.
R6 Meta can handle a max power of 350 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R6 Meta has a max power handling value of 250 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the Revel Performa3 C208.
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
R6 Meta features Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Revel Performa3 C208 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
KEF R6 Meta's Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Revel Performa3 C208's Binding post terminals
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 R6 Meta's and Revel Performa3 C208's external dimensions. KEF R6 Meta has external dimensions of 202.0 x 626.0 x 339.0mm ( 7-15/16-inch x 24-5/8-inch x 13-5/16-inch) whereas Revel Performa3 C208 has external dimensions of 307.0 x 737.0 x 348.0mm ( 12-1/16 x 29 x 13-11/16inch) .
Revel Performa3 C208 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 111mm wider, 105mm taller and 9mm deeper than KEF R6 Meta.
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 R6 Meta is approximately 2122.1cm2 / 328.9inch2 and base area of the Revel Performa3 C208 is approximately 2564.8cm2 / 397.5inch2. The R6 Meta requires 17% less surface area than the Revel Performa3 C208 which gives it a small advantage 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 R6 Meta weighs 17.82kg / 39.2lbs and the Revel Performa3 C208 weighs 23.41kg / 51.5lbs. This makes the Revel Performa3 C208 31% heavier than the R6 Meta.
Here is a comparison of how R6 Meta and Revel Performa3 C208's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of KEF R6 Meta?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R6 Meta:
1 R2 Meta 1 microfiber grille Rubber feet User manual and warranty information
What's in the Box of Revel Performa3 C208?
Here are the items that come with the Revel Performa3 C208:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Short feet2 Long feet2 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)Owners Manual
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
202mm
vs
307mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2122cm2 (626x339mm)
vs
2564cm2 (737x348mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1999USD
vs
2200USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
350 watts
vs
250 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
89 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
KEF R6 Meta |
Revel Performa3 C208 |
| Brand |
KEF |
Revel |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
15-250 watts |
50-350 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.2 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
65-28k Hz |
50Hz- 20kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Hybrid Aluminum |
anodized aluminum cone with cast frames |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
dome with proprietary acoustic lens and waveguide |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
5" |
4" |
| Crossover Frequency |
500Hz and 2400Hz |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
202.0mm (8") |
307.0mm (12.1") |
| Width |
626.0mm (24.6") |
737.0mm (29") |
| Depth |
339.0mm (13.3") |
348.0mm (13.7") |
| Weight |
17.82kg (39.2lbs) |
23.41kg (51.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Sealed |
Passive Radiator |
| Available Colors |
Black Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut |
Gloss Black |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 years |
5 Years |