In this review, we will be comparing Ultra Center and R2c, two Passive Center Channel speakers from SVS and KEF.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of SVS Ultra Center and KEF R2c first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
SVS Ultra Center Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 4" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" composite glass-fiber Woofer
- 45-32k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-225watts
- Weight:14.09kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 207.0" x 22-1/16" x 11-3/16"( 207.0 x 561.0 x 285.0mm )
KEF R2c Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 5" Midrange
- 2 x 5.25" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer
- 5" Midrange
- 74-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:15-200watts
- Weight:16.90kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 177.0" x 21-11/16" x 12-7/16"( 177.0 x 551.0 x 316.0mm )
What size room are the SVS Ultra Center 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:
| Listening Environment* |
SVS Ultra Center |
KEF R2c |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Good |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
(* 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 SVS Ultra Center and KEF R2c 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 Ultra Center and R2c are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
SVS Ultra Center |
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
|
Ultra Center features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" composite glass-fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 500Hz and 2200Hz. 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
Ultra Center has a frequency range of 45-32k Hz whereas R2c has a frequency range of 74-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the Ultra Center 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
Ultra Center and R2c have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 87 dB.
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.
Ultra Center can handle a max power of 225 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R2c has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the Ultra Center.
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 Ultra Center and R2c features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
SVS Ultra Center's 5-Way post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
KEF R2c's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Ultra Center 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.
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 SVS Ultra Center's and KEF R2c's external dimensions. SVS Ultra Center has external dimensions of 207.0 x 561.0 x 285.0mm ( 8-1/8 x 22-1/16 x 11-3/16inch) 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 10mm narrower and 30mm shorter than SVS Ultra Center but it is also 31mm deeper.
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 SVS Ultra Center is approximately 1598.9cm2 / 247.8inch2 and base area of the KEF R2c is approximately 1741.2cm2 / 269.9inch2. The Ultra Center requires 8% 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 SVS Ultra Center weighs 14.09kg / 31lbs and the KEF R2c weighs 16.90kg / 37.2lbs. This makes the R2c 20% heavier than the Ultra Center.
Here is a comparison of how Ultra Center 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 SVS Ultra Center?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Ultra Center:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille2 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)4 Rubber feetOwners ManualSVS brochureOnline Product Registration Card
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 |
225 watts
vs
200 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
74 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
32k Hz
vs
28k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
1598cm2
vs
1741cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
1300USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Height |
177mm
vs
207mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
SVS Ultra Center |
KEF R2c |
| Brand |
SVS |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
20-225 watts |
15-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.2 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
45-32k Hz |
74-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
composite glass-fiber |
Hybrid Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
4" |
5" |
| Crossover Frequency |
500Hz and 2200Hz |
400Hz and 2900Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
207.0mm (8.1") |
177.0mm (7") |
| Width |
561.0mm (22.1") |
551.0mm (21.7") |
| Depth |
285.0mm (11.2") |
316.0mm (12.4") |
| Weight |
14.09kg (31lbs) |
16.90kg (37.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Available Colors |
Black Oak,Piano Gloss Black,Piano Gloss White |
Black Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |