In this review, we will be comparing LCR80 and R2c, two Passive Center Channel speakers from McIntosh and KEF.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of McIntosh LCR80 and KEF R2c first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | McIntosh LCR80 | KEF R2c |
|---|
| Brand | McIntosh
United States · founded 1949 | KEF
United Kingdom · founded 1961 |
|---|
| Design | 3-way | 3-way |
|---|
| Uni-Q driver | — | 12th Generation Uni-Q |
|---|
| Tweeter | 0.75" Dome | 1" Dome |
|---|
| Midrange | 2" | 5" |
|---|
| Woofer | 2 x 6" | 2 x 5.25" Hybrid Aluminum |
|---|
| Frequency response | 80-45k Hz | 74-28k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 81 dB | 87 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | — | 15-200 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 10.89kg / 24lbs | 16.90kg / 37.2lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 8" x 24" x 8-3/8"
203.2 x 609.6 x 212.7mm | 6-15/16" x 21-11/16" x 12-7/16"
177.0 x 551.0 x 316.0mm |
|---|
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both LCR80 and R2c are 3-way speakers.
McIntosh LCR80KEF R2c
TweeterMidrangeWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
McIntosh LCR80 |
KEF R2c |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 2-inch |
1 x 5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
LCR80 features a 0.75" Dome Tweeter, a 2" Midrange and 2 x 6" Woofer. 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
LCR80 has a frequency range of 80-45k 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 LCR80's min frequency of 80Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
LCR80 and R2c have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. LCR80 sensitivity is rated at 81 dB and the R2c's is at 87 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the KEF R2c a more sensitive speaker compared to McIntosh LCR80, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
R2c features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. LCR80 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
KEF R2c's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare McIntosh LCR80's and KEF R2c's external dimensions. McIntosh LCR80 has external dimensions of 203.2 x 609.6 x 212.7mm () 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 R2c is 58.6mm narrower and 26.2mm shorter than McIntosh LCR80 but it is also 103.3mm deeper.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
KEF R2c needs about 34% more floor or shelf area. KEF R2c is 103mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. McIntosh LCR80 is 26mm taller.
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 McIntosh LCR80 is approximately 1296.6cm2 / 201.0inch2 and base area of the KEF R2c is approximately 1741.2cm2 / 269.9inch2. The LCR80 requires 26% less surface area than the R2c 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 McIntosh LCR80 weighs 10.89kg / 24lbs and the KEF R2c weighs 16.90kg / 37.2lbs. This makes the R2c 55% heavier than the LCR80.
Here is a comparison of how LCR80 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 loudspeaker
- Grille
- 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- User Manual
- Warranty Information
 Woofer Size |
6 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
45k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
1296cm2
vs
1741cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
87 dB
vs
81 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
|
Low Frequency Response |
74 Hz
vs
80 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
177mm
vs
203mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
1300USD
vs
2500USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
McIntosh LCR80 |
KEF R2c |
| Brand |
McIntosh |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Sensitivity |
81 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.2 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
80-45k Hz |
74-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Hybrid Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
0.75" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
2" |
5" |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
400Hz and 2900Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
203.2mm (8") |
177.0mm (7") |
| Width |
609.6mm (24") |
551.0mm (21.7") |
| Depth |
212.7mm (8.4") |
316.0mm (12.4") |
| Weight |
10.89kg (24lbs) |
16.90kg (37.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
|
Acoustic Suspension |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
Black Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
These sit in different price classes - McIntosh LCR80 costs roughly 1.9x what KEF R2c does. Expect it to lead on paper; the question is whether the gap is audible enough in your room to be worth it.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | B | KEF R2c digs deeper - 74Hz against 80Hz. A subwoofer would even that out. |
| Amplifier needs | B | KEF R2c is more sensitive (87dB vs 81dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Size | depends | Similar cabinet size - neither is easier to fit. |
| Cabinet | depends | Passive Radiator vs Sealed. Sealed is tighter and happier near a wall; ported digs lower but wants space behind it. |
| Expandability | B | KEF R2c: bi-amping. |
| Price | B | KEF R2c is cheaper - $1,300 against $2,500, about 48% less; arguably a different class. |
A McIntosh LCR80 B KEF R2c
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
KEF R2c is the easier recommendation: it leads on most of the measured areas and costs less. Take McIntosh LCR80 if its size, looks or fit in your room suit you better. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 80Hz anyway, so judge these on the other rows instead. If your amplifier is modest, vintage or valve-based, KEF R2c is the safer partner - the other will want more current or more watts to sound its best.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.