In this review, we will be comparing L400 and R2c, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Polk Audio and KEF. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk L400 and KEF R2c first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk L400 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 Polk L400 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both L400 and R2c are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk L400 |
KEF R2c |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 4-inch |
1 x 5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
L400 features a 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" 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
L400 has a frequency range of 55-38k Hz whereas R2c has a frequency range of 74-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the L400 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R2c's min frequency of 74Hz.
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
L400 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 L400 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. L400 sensitivity is rated at 87.5 dB and the R2c's is rated at 87 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Polk L400 a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF R2c, 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.
L400 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 L400.
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
R2c features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. L400 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Polk L400's Binding post terminals
KEF R2c's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both L400 and R2c have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Polk L400 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 Polk L400's and KEF R2c's external dimensions. Polk L400 has external dimensions of 245.0 x 662.0 x 343.0mm ( 9-5/8 x 26-1/16 x 13-1/2inch) 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) .
Polk L400 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 111mm wider, 68mm taller and 27mm 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 Polk L400 is approximately 2270.7cm2 / 352.0inch2 and base area of the KEF R2c is approximately 1741.2cm2 / 269.9inch2. The L400 requires 30% 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 Polk L400 weighs 18.55kg / 40.8lbs and the KEF R2c weighs 16.90kg / 37.2lbs. This makes the L400 10% heavier than the R2c.
Here is a comparison of how L400 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 Polk L400?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of L400:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Jumper-wiresCleaning clothOwners ManualOnline Registration
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 |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
74 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
38k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Height |
177mm
vs
245mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1741cm2 (551x316mm)
vs
2270cm2 (662x343mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1300USD
vs
1799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Polk Audio Legend L400 |
KEF R2c |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
25-300 watts |
15-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87.5 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.2 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-38k Hz |
74-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Hybrid Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Pinnacle Ring Radiator |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
4" |
5" |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
400Hz and 2900Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
245.0mm (9.6") |
177.0mm (7") |
| Width |
662.0mm (26.1") |
551.0mm (21.7") |
| Depth |
343.0mm (13.5") |
316.0mm (12.4") |
| Weight |
18.55kg (40.8lbs) |
16.90kg (37.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Available Colors |
Black, Walnut |
Black Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |