In this review, we will be comparing Ultra Evolution Center and Kendall 2C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from SVS and KLH.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of SVS Ultra Evolution Center and KLH Kendall 2C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
SVS Ultra Evolution Center Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 4.5" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" Composite glass-fiber Woofer
- 40-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:20-225watts
- Weight:12.20kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 199.0" x 22" x 11.78"( 199 x 560 x 299.2mm )
KLH Kendall 2C Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 3" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer
- 3" Midrange
- 50-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:250watts
- Weight:10.91kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 216.0" x 19-1/4" x 9-1/4"( 216.0 x 489.0 x 235.0mm )
What size room are the SVS Ultra Evolution Center and KLH Kendall 2C 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 Evolution Center |
KLH Kendall 2C |
| 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 SVS Ultra Evolution Center and KLH Kendall 2C 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 Evolution Center and Kendall 2C are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
SVS Ultra Evolution Center |
KLH Kendall 2C |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 4.5-inch |
1 x 3-inch |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
Ultra Evolution Center features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter , a 4.5" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Composite glass-fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 450HZ and 2200Hz. On the other hand, the Kendall 2C features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter , a 3" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 800-2500 HZ.
Frequency Response
Ultra Evolution Center has a frequency range of 40-40k Hz whereas Kendall 2C has a frequency range of 50-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 40Hz, the Ultra Evolution Center can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Kendall 2C's min frequency of 50Hz.
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
SVS Ultra Evolution Center
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 Evolution Center is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the Kendall 2C which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
On the other hand, they have the same sensitivity of 87 dBdB.
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 Evolution Center can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Ultra Evolution Center has a max power handling value of 225 watts RMS , 25 watts less than the Kendall 2C.
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 Evolution Center and Kendall 2C features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
SVS Ultra Evolution Center's Gold-plated 5-way terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
KLH Kendall 2C's 5-Way post 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 SVS Ultra Evolution Center's and KLH Kendall 2C's external dimensions. SVS Ultra Evolution Center has external dimensions of 199 x 560 x 299.2mm ( 7.83 x 22.05 x 11.78”) whereas KLH Kendall 2C has external dimensions of 216.0 x 489.0 x 235.0mm ( 8-1/2inch x 19-1/4inch x 9-1/4inch ) .
KLH Kendall 2C is 71mm narrower and 64mm less deeper than SVS Ultra Evolution Center but it is also 17mm 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 SVS Ultra Evolution Center is approximately 1674.4cm2 / 259.5inch2 and base area of the KLH Kendall 2C is approximately 1149.2cm2 / 178.1inch2. The Ultra Evolution Center requires 46% more surface area than the Kendall 2C 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 SVS Ultra Evolution Center weighs 12.20kg / 26.8lbs and the KLH Kendall 2C weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs. This makes the Ultra Evolution Center 12% heavier than the Kendall 2C.
Here is a comparison of how Ultra Evolution Center and Kendall 2C's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
SVS Ultra Evolution Center
What's in the Box of KLH Kendall 2C?
Here are the items that come with the Kendall 2C:
2C Loudspeaker and Grille Owners Manual Binding Post Wrench Rubber Adhesive Feet
 Low Frequency Response |
40 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
199mm
vs
216mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
250 watts
vs
225 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Base Surface Area |
1149cm2
vs
1674cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
SVS Ultra Evolution Center |
KLH Kendall 2C |
| Brand |
SVS |
KLH |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
20-225 watts |
250 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
40-40k Hz |
50-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Composite glass-fiber |
Aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Butyl Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
4.5" |
3" |
| Crossover Frequency |
450HZ and 2200Hz |
800-2500 HZ |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
199.0mm (7.8") |
216.0mm (8.5") |
| Width |
560.0mm (22") |
489.0mm (19.3") |
| Depth |
299.0mm (11.8") |
235.0mm (9.3") |
| Weight |
12.20kg (26.8lbs) |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Piano Gloss Black,Piano Gloss White,Black Oak Veneer |
Black Oak,English Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
10 years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
10 years |