In this review, we will be comparing Gold C250 6G and R6 Meta, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Monitor Audio and KEF.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G and KEF R6 Meta first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Tweeter
- 3" Midrange
- 2 x 6" HDT C-CAM Woofer
- 64 Hz – 60 kHz Frequency Response
- 87.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:up to 250watts
- Weight:15.32kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 205.0" x 21-1/8" x 13-3/16"( 537.0 x 205.0 x 335.0mm )
KEF R6 Meta Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 12th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 5" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer
- 5" Midrange
- 65-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:15-250watts
- Weight:17.82kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 202.0" x 24-5/8" x 13-5/16"( 202.0 x 626.0 x 339.0mm )
What size room are the Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G and KEF R6 Meta 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:
Listening Environment* |
Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G |
KEF R6 Meta |
Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
Small Room |
Poor |
Poor |
Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
Large Room |
Good |
Good |
Very Large Room |
Average |
Average |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G and KEF R6 Meta compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Gold C250 6G and R6 Meta are 3-way speakers.
Driver |
Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G |
KEF R6 Meta |
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
1 x 3-inch |
1 x 5-inch |
Woofer
|
2 x 6-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Gold C250 6G features a 1" MPD III Tweeter , a 3" Midrange and 2 x 6" HDT C-CAM Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 800 Hz - 2700 Hz. On the other hand, the 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.
Frequency Response
Gold C250 6G has a frequency range of 64 Hz – 60 kHz whereas R6 Meta has a frequency range of 65-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 64Hz, the Gold C250 6G can go slightly deeper then 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
Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G
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
Gold C250 6G and R6 Meta have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Gold C250 6G sensitivity is rated at 87.5 dB and the R6 Meta's is at 88 dB.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Gold C250 6G and the Gold C250 6G can provide this impedance level.
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 Gold C250 6G and R6 Meta features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
KEF R6 Meta's Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts 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 Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G's and KEF R6 Meta's external dimensions. Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G has external dimensions of 537.0 x 205.0 x 335.0mm ( 21-1/8 x 8-1/16 x 13-3/16) whereas 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) .
Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G is 89mm narrower and 4mm less deeper than KEF R6 Meta but it is also 3mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G and KEF R6 Meta in scale.
Comparison image of Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G and KEF R6 Meta Size and External Dimensions
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 Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G is approximately 686.8cm2 / 106.5inch2 and base area of the KEF R6 Meta is approximately 2122.1cm2 / 328.9inch2. The Gold C250 6G requires 68% less surface area than the R6 Meta 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 Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G weighs 15.32kg / 33.7lbs and the KEF R6 Meta weighs 17.82kg / 39.2lbs. This makes the R6 Meta 16% heavier than the Gold C250 6G.
Here is a comparison of how Gold C250 6G and R6 Meta's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G
What's in the Box of Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Gold C250 6G:
Center-channel speaker 3 Grilles 4 Rubber feet 2 Jumper-plates (pre-installed) Hex-key Quick Setup Guide Important Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of KEF R6 Meta?
Here are the items that come with the R6 Meta:
1 R2 Meta 1 microfiber grille Rubber feet User manual and warranty information
Minimum Impedance |
3.9 ohms
vs
3.2 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
Low Frequency Response |
64 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
60k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Base Surface Area |
686cm2
vs
2122cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
6 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Height |
202mm
vs
205mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Price per pair* |
1999USD
vs
2499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Monitor Audio Gold C250 6G |
KEF R6 Meta |
Brand |
Monitor Audio |
KEF |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
up to 250 watts |
15-250 watts |
Sensitivity |
87.5 dB |
88 dB |
Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
Impedance |
3.9 ohms |
3.2 ohms |
Frequency Response |
64 Hz – 60 kHz |
65-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
6" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
HDT C-CAM |
Hybrid Aluminum |
Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
n/a |
Hard-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
3" |
5" |
Crossover Frequency |
800 Hz - 2700 Hz |
500Hz and 2400Hz |
Suggested Break-in Period |
4 Rubber feet |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
205.0mm (8.1") |
202.0mm (8") |
Width |
537.0mm (21.1") |
626.0mm (24.6") |
Depth |
335.0mm (13.2") |
339.0mm (13.3") |
Weight |
15.32kg (33.7lbs) |
17.82kg (39.2lbs) |
Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Sealed |
Available Colors |
Macassar Wood Veneer, High-Gloss Black, Satin White |
Black Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut |
Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 years |