In this review, we will be comparing Platinum C250 3G and Reference 2 Meta, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Monitor Audio and KEF. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Monitor Audio Platinum C250 3G and KEF Reference 2 Meta first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Monitor Audio Platinum C250 3G Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Tweeter
- 2.5" Midrange
- 2 x 5" RDT III Woofer
- 30-60k Hz Frequency Response
- 88dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:up to 300watts
- Weight:25.40kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 225.0" x 24.8" x 12.8"( 225 x 630 x 325.7 mm )
KEF Reference 2 Meta Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 12th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 1" aluminium dome with MAT Tweeter
- 5" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" aluminium cone Woofer
- 5" Midrange
- 80-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:50-300watts
- Weight:22.80kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 205.0" x 24.8" x 13.2"( 205 x 630 x 335 mm )
What size room are the Monitor Audio Platinum C250 3G and KEF Reference 2 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 Platinum C250 3G |
KEF Reference 2 Meta |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Are you nuts? |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Bad |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Poor |
| Large Room |
Good |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Average |
Good |
(* 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 Platinum C250 3G and KEF Reference 2 Meta 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 Platinum C250 3G and Reference 2 Meta are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Monitor Audio Platinum C250 3G |
KEF Reference 2 Meta |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 2.5-inch |
1 x 5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Platinum C250 3G features a 1" MPD III Tweeter , a 2.5" Midrange and 2 x 5" RDT III Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 850 Hz - 3500 Hz. On the other hand, the 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.
Frequency Response
Platinum C250 3G has a frequency range of 30-60k Hz whereas Reference 2 Meta has a frequency range of 80-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the Platinum C250 3G 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
Monitor Audio Platinum C250 3G
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
Platinum C250 3G and Reference 2 Meta have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Platinum C250 3G sensitivity is rated at 88dB and the Reference 2 Meta's is at 86 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Monitor Audio Platinum C250 3G a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Reference 2 Meta, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
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 Platinum C250 3G and the Platinum C250 3G 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 Platinum C250 3G and Reference 2 Meta features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Monitor Audio Platinum C250 3G's Binding post terminals allows 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
Monitor Audio Platinum C250 3G Port
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 Platinum C250 3G's and KEF Reference 2 Meta's external dimensions. Monitor Audio Platinum C250 3G has external dimensions of 225 x 630 x 325.7 mm ( 8.8 x 24.8 x 12.8-inch) whereas KEF Reference 2 Meta has external dimensions of 205 x 630 x 335 mm ( 8.1 x 24.8 x 13.2 in) .
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Monitor Audio Platinum C250 3G and KEF Reference 2 Meta in scale.
Comparison image of Monitor Audio Platinum C250 3G and KEF Reference 2 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 Platinum C250 3G is approximately 2053.8cm2 / 318.3inch2 and base area of the KEF Reference 2 Meta is approximately 2110.5cm2 / 327.1inch2. The Platinum C250 3G requires 3% less surface area than the Reference 2 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 Platinum C250 3G weighs 25.40kg / 55.9lbs and the KEF Reference 2 Meta weighs 22.80kg / 50.2lbs. This makes the Platinum C250 3G 11% heavier than the Reference 2 Meta.
Here is a comparison of how Platinum C250 3G and Reference 2 Meta's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Monitor Audio Platinum C250 3G