In this review, we will be comparing Reference 2 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 Reference 2 Meta and Wharfedale Elysian C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the KEF Reference 2 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 Reference 2 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 Reference 2 Meta and Elysian C are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF Reference 2 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
|
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 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
Reference 2 Meta has a frequency range of 80-35k 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 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 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 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 Elysian C's is rated at 91 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Wharfedale Elysian C 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 Elysian C has a max power handling value of 250 watts RMS, 50 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 Elysian C 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
Wharfedale Elysian C'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 Wharfedale Elysian C'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 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 201mm wider, 116mm taller and 35mm deeper than KEF Reference 2 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 Reference 2 Meta is approximately 2110.5cm2 / 327.1inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale Elysian C is approximately 3074.7cm2 / 476.6inch2. The Reference 2 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 Reference 2 Meta weighs 22.80kg / 50.2lbs and the Wharfedale Elysian C weighs 30.23kg / 66.5lbs. This makes the Elysian C 33% heavier than the Reference 2 Meta.
Here is a comparison of how Reference 2 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 Wharfedale Elysian C?
Here are the items that come with the Elysian C:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille2 Terminal-jumpersUser Manual
 Max Input Power |
300 watts
vs
250 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
205mm
vs
321mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2110cm2 (630x335mm)
vs
3074cm2 (831x370mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
91 dB
vs
86 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
80 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| Passive Radiator |
Foamed Rubber
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Price per pair* |
4995USD
vs
6000USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
KEF Reference 2 Meta |
Wharfedale Elysian C |
| Brand |
KEF |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
50-300 watts |
50-250 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
91 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.2 ohms |
3.5 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
80-35k Hz |
35-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
8.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
aluminium cone |
coated fiberglass matrix |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
27 x 45mm" |
| Tweeter Type |
aluminium dome with MAT |
Air Motion Transformer (AMT) |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
5" |
6" |
| Crossover Frequency |
450Hz and 2100Hz |
360Hz and 2900HZ |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
205.0mm (8.1") |
321.0mm (12.6") |
| Width |
630.0mm (24.8") |
831.0mm (32.7") |
| Depth |
335.0mm (13.2") |
370.0mm (14.6") |
| Weight |
22.80kg (50.2lbs) |
30.23kg (66.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Sealed |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Lacquer |
| Available Colors |
High-Gloss White/Blue, High-Gloss White/Champagne, High-Gloss Black/ Grey, High-Gloss Black/Copper, Satin Walnut/Silver |
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 |