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KEF R2c Review
KEF R2c

Main Features

  • 1" Dome Tweeter
  • 5" aluminum Midrange
  • 2 x 5.25" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer
  • 74-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 87 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 15-200watts
  • Weight:37.18 lbs / 16.90 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 6-15/16"x21-11/16"x12-7/16" / 177.0 x 551.0 x 316.0mm
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KEF R2c Review
KEF R2c KEF R2c
See at AMAZON

KEF R2c is a 3-way Passive Acoustic Suspension Center Channel speaker by KEF. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 1" Dome Tweeter, 1 x 5" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" Hybrid Aluminum Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 74-28k Hz and a sensitivity of 87 dB. KEF R2c has an MSRP of 1300$.

What size of room is the KEF R2c speaker good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use the KEF R2c is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various sizes of environments considering its size and max power parameters:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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.)

What are the speakers in KEF's R Series?

R2c is a member of KEF's R series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

KEF R Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
KEF R3
Compare
52-28k Hz 87 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
KEF R7
Compare
48-28k Hz 88 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
KEF R11
Compare
46-28k Hz 90 dB8Ω 4 x 6.5"
KEF R5
Compare
58-28k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
KEF R2c
74-28k Hz 87 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
KEF R Series Speakers
KEF R Series Speakers


**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.

What is the Frequency Response of the KEF R2c speaker?

KEF R2c has a Frequency response range of 74-28k Hz at ±3dB (64Hz - 50kHz at -6dB) and Power Range of 15-200 watts. Here we have a comparison of how R2c's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.

Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
KEF R2c
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
KEF R2c
Min
Average
Max


What is the Crossover frequency of KEF R2c?

R2c is a 3-way speaker and its crossover frequency between the woofer and the midrange set to 400Hz and the Crossover frequency between the midrange and the tweeter is set to 2900Hz.

What are the Impedance and Sensitivity of the KEF R2c? Is it an easy-to-drive speaker?

KEF R2c's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.2 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 87 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
KEF R2c
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so KEF R2c is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 87 dB, KEF R2c is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D speakers.

Minimum Impedance of KEF R2c

Even though the nominal impedance of the R2c is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to KEF is 3.2 ohms KEF R2c so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the KEF R2c:

  • Integrated Amps under 1000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 2000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

R2c has Binding post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can provide improvements in the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by running separate speaker wires to the low & high frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping allows the use of separate amplifiers for the high & low frequency drivers of your loudspeaker which may result in greater dynamic range & lower distortion.

KEF R2c Terminals
KEF R2c's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring

KEF R2c External Dimensions and Weight

KEF R2c has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 6-15/16 x 21-11/16 x 12-7/16inch (177.0 x 551.0 x 316.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of KEF R2c is approximately 1741.2cm2 / 269.9inch2.

Weight

The KEF R2c weighs 16.90kg / 37.2lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how R2c's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
KEF R2c
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $1500
KEF R2c
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

KEF R2c has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. Acoustic Suspension loudspeakers aka Sealed speakers have no openings such as ports or slots.. They can be designed smaller, the bass is more accurate and tighter compared to ported designs but doesn't go as low on the lower end in general.

Port Position

KEF R2c is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

Available colors

KEF R2c is available in Black Gloss, White Gloss and Walnut.

Does the KEF R2c come with a Grille?

R2c comes with removable grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

KEF R2c  with Grille
KEF R2c with Grille

What's in the Box of KEF R2c?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of R2c:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • User Manual
  • Warranty Information
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the KEF R2c.

    • Speaker Cable and Connectors
      • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
      • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
      • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
    • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolatorsmore affordable options too.
    • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

    User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the KEF R2c, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for KEF R2c

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the KEF R2c speaker:
    Official Brochure for KEF R2c

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the KEF R2c speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for KEF R2c

    Warranty

    5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    Related Videos

    KEF R2c Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Klipsch RP-504C II
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 50-25k Hz
    Emotiva Airmotiv C3+
    Compare
    3-way 92 dB 4 ohms 40 Hz – 28 kHz
    BW HTM71 S2
    Compare
    3-way 89 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
    BW HTM6 S3
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 72-28k Hz
    BW HTM6 S2
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 72-28k Hz
    SVS Ultra Center
    Compare
    3-way 87 dB 8 ohms 45-32k Hz
    BW HTM72 S2
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 70-28k Hz
    Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G
    Compare
    3-way 88.5 dB 8 ohms 65-35k Hz
    MartinLogan 50XTi
    Compare
    3-way 94 dB 4 ohms 50-25k Hz
    Klipsch RC-64 III
    Compare
    2-way 99 dB 8 ohms 57-24k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about KEF R2c
    What is the External Dimensions of KEF R2c
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of KEF R2c
    is the KEF R2c an easy to drive speaker?



    KEF R2c Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandKEF
    Full Model NameKEF R2c
    Speaker Type3-way Center Channel
    Power Range15-200 watts
    Sensitivity87 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Max SPL110 dB
    Frequency Response74-28k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5.25-inch
    Woofer CompositionHybrid Aluminum
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeDome
    Midrange Size5-inch
    Crossover freq400Hz and 2900Hz
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeBinding post
    Biamp InputsYes
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height177.0mm ( 6-15/16-inch)
    Width551.0mm ( 21-11/16-inch)
    Depth316.0mm ( 12-7/16-inch)
    Height177.0mm ( 6-15/16-inch)
    Weight16.90kg ( 37.18 lbs)
    EnclosureAcoustic Suspension
    Available ColorsBlack Gloss, White Gloss, Walnut
    Mounting BracketNo
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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