In this review, we will be comparing R6 Meta and Elysian C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from KEF and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF R6 Meta and Wharfedale Elysian C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the KEF R6 Meta and Wharfedale Elysian C 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 Wharfedale Elysian C 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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Drivers
Both R6 Meta and Elysian C are 3-way speakers.
Driver |
KEF R6 Meta |
Wharfedale Elysian C |
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
27 x 45mm-inch
|
Midrange
|
1 x 5-inch |
1 x 6-inch |
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 8.5-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 Elysian C features a 27 x 45mm" Air Motion Transformer (AMT) Tweeter , a 6" Midrange and 2 x 8.5" coated fiberglass matrix Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 360Hz and 2900HZ.
Frequency Response
R6 Meta has a frequency range of 65-28k Hz whereas Elysian C has a frequency range of 35-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 35Hz, the Elysian C 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 Elysian C which has a nominal impedance of 6 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 Elysian C's is rated at 91 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Wharfedale Elysian C 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.
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 R6 Meta and Elysian C features dual binding post speaker terminals for 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 R6 Meta's and Wharfedale Elysian C'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 Wharfedale Elysian C has external dimensions of 321.0 x 831.0 x 370.0mm ( 12-5/8 x 32-11/16 x 14-9/16inch) .
Wharfedale Elysian C is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 205mm wider, 119mm taller and 31mm 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 Wharfedale Elysian C is approximately 3074.7cm2 / 476.6inch2. The R6 Meta requires 31% less surface area than the Elysian C 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 Wharfedale Elysian C weighs 30.23kg / 66.5lbs. This makes the Elysian C 70% heavier than the R6 Meta.
Here is a comparison of how R6 Meta and Elysian C'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 Wharfedale Elysian C?
Here are the items that come with the Elysian C:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille2 Terminal-jumpersUser Manual
High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
202mm
vs
321mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
2122cm2 (626x339mm)
vs
3074cm2 (831x370mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
1999USD
vs
4995USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Sensitivity |
91 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Nominal Impedance |
6 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Minimum Impedance |
3.5 ohms
vs
3.2 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
Woofer Size |
8.5 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
35 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Passive Radiator |
Foamed Rubber
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
General |
KEF R6 Meta |
Wharfedale Elysian C |
Brand |
KEF |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
15-250 watts |
50-250 watts |
Sensitivity |
88 dB |
91 dB |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
6 ohms |
Impedance |
3.2 ohms |
3.5 ohms |
Frequency Response |
65-28k Hz |
35-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
8.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Hybrid Aluminum |
coated fiberglass matrix |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
27 x 45mm" |
Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Air Motion Transformer (AMT) |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
5" |
6" |
Crossover Frequency |
500Hz and 2400Hz |
360Hz and 2900HZ |
Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
202.0mm (8") |
321.0mm (12.6") |
Width |
626.0mm (24.6") |
831.0mm (32.7") |
Depth |
339.0mm (13.3") |
370.0mm (14.6") |
Weight |
17.82kg (39.2lbs) |
30.23kg (66.5lbs) |
Enclosure |
Sealed |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Lacquer |
Available Colors |
Black Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut |
Piano Black, Piano Walnut,White |
Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 years |
5 Years |