In this review, we will be comparing Reference 2 Meta and R2c, two Passive Center Channel speakers by KEF Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF Reference 2 Meta and KEF R2c first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the KEF Reference 2 Meta and KEF R2c 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 Reference 2 Meta and KEF R2c 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 Reference 2 Meta and R2c are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF Reference 2 Meta |
KEF R2c |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 5-inch |
1 x 5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
Reference 2 Meta features a 1" aluminium dome with MAT Tweeter , a 5" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" aluminium cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 450Hz and 2100Hz. On the other hand, the 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.
Frequency Response
Reference 2 Meta has a frequency range of 80-35k Hz whereas R2c has a frequency range of 74-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 74Hz, the R2c can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Reference 2 Meta's min frequency of 80Hz.
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
Reference 2 Meta is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the R2c 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 Reference 2 Meta can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Reference 2 Meta sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the R2c's is rated at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the KEF R2c a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Reference 2 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.
Reference 2 Meta can handle a max power of 300 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R2c has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS, 100 watts less than the Reference 2 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 Reference 2 Meta and R2c features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
KEF Reference 2 Meta's Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
KEF R2c's Binding post terminals allows 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 Reference 2 Meta's and KEF R2c's external dimensions. KEF Reference 2 Meta has external dimensions of 205 x 630 x 335 mm ( 8.1 x 24.8 x 13.2 in) whereas 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) .
KEF Reference 2 Meta is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 79mm wider, 28mm taller and 19mm deeper than KEF R2c.
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 Reference 2 Meta is approximately 2110.5cm2 / 327.1inch2 and base area of the KEF R2c is approximately 1741.2cm2 / 269.9inch2. The Reference 2 Meta requires 21% more surface area than the R2c which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Reference 2 Meta weighs 22.80kg / 50.2lbs and the KEF R2c weighs 16.90kg / 37.2lbs. This makes the Reference 2 Meta 35% heavier than the R2c.
Here is a comparison of how Reference 2 Meta and R2c'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 R2c?
Here are the items that come with the R2c:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille4 Self-adhesive rubber feetUser ManualWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
300 watts
vs
200 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Low Frequency Response |
74 Hz
vs
80 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
177mm
vs
205mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1741cm2 (551x316mm)
vs
2110cm2 (630x335mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1300USD
vs
6000USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
KEF Reference 2 Meta |
KEF R2c |
| Brand |
KEF |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
50-300 watts |
15-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.2 ohms |
3.2 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
80-35k Hz |
74-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
aluminium cone |
Hybrid Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
aluminium dome with MAT |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
5" |
5" |
| Crossover Frequency |
450Hz and 2100Hz |
400Hz and 2900Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
205.0mm (8.1") |
177.0mm (7") |
| Width |
630.0mm (24.8") |
551.0mm (21.7") |
| Depth |
335.0mm (13.2") |
316.0mm (12.4") |
| Weight |
22.80kg (50.2lbs) |
16.90kg (37.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Sealed |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Available Colors |
High-Gloss White/Blue, High-Gloss White/Champagne, High-Gloss Black/ Grey, High-Gloss Black/Copper, Satin Walnut/Silver |
Black Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut |
| 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 |