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  1. Home
  2. KEF Speakers
  3. Passive Center Channel Speakers
  4. KEF R2c
KEF R2c Review
KEF R2c - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 12th Generation Uni-Q Driver
  • 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: 15-200 watts
  • 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
MSRP: $1,300 (list price)
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KEF R2c Review
KEF R2c KEF R2c
Check price atAmazon›

Made by KEF · United Kingdom · since 1961 · sold through dealers

KEF R2c is a 3-way Passive Acoustic Suspension Center Channel speaker by KEF. It was released in 2018. 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$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the KEF R2c is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

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.)

KEF's R Series of Loudspeakers

R2c is a member of KEF's R series of Passive speakers. The R Series is KEF's high-end range, using an eleventh-generation Uni-Q driver in premium cabinets. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 5 KEF R models compared »

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 we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frequency Response of the KEF R2c Speaker

KEF R2c has a Frequency response range of 74-28k Hz and Power Range of 15-200 watts.

Here we have a comparison of how R2c's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
KEF R2c
Min
Average
Median

Crossover frequency of the KEF R2c?

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

KEF R2c driver frequency bands74-400Woofer 5.25"400-2.9kMidrange 5"2.9k-28kTweeter 1"20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale

Impedance and Sensitivity

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
Median

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 amps. Work out how loud the KEF R2c plays in your room →

Minimum Impedance of the 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.

What amplifier does the KEF R2c need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 15–200 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $1,500, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

R2c has Binding post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can enhance the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by using separate speaker wires for the low and high-frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping, on the other hand, involves using separate amplifiers for the high and low-frequency drivers, potentially resulting in a greater dynamic range and reduced distortion.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

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.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

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
Median
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.

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 isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more 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
KEF R2 Meta
Compare
3-way 87 dB 4 ohms 67-28k Hz
KEF Q650c
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 64-28k Hz
KEF R3
Compare
3-way 87 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
SVS Ultra Center
Compare
3-way 87 dB 8 ohms 45-32k Hz
KEF R5
Compare
3-way 87 dB 8 ohms 58-28k Hz
Klipsch RP-504C II
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 50-25k Hz
KEF R11
Compare
3-way 90 dB 8 ohms 46-28k Hz
KEF Reference 2 Meta
Compare
3-way 86 dB 4 ohms 80-35k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about KEF R2c

What amplifier do you need for the KEF R2c?

KEF rates the KEF R2c for 15-200 watts of amplifier power. It is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the KEF R2c easy to drive?

The KEF R2c has a sensitivity of 87 dB. That is about average for a home speaker, so it is neither hard nor especially easy to drive.

Does the KEF R2c need a subwoofer?

The KEF R2c reaches down to 74Hz (full range 74-28k Hz). That leaves the lowest octaves out, so a subwoofer will make a clear difference for films and bass-heavy music.

What drivers does the KEF R2c use?

The KEF R2c is a 3-way design using a 1" Dome tweeter, a 5" midrange and 2 x 5.25" Hybrid Aluminum woofers.

Is the KEF R2c sealed or ported?

The KEF R2c uses a Sealed enclosure. A sealed box trades some output for tighter, more even bass and is the more forgiving choice close to a wall.

Can the KEF R2c be bi-wired or bi-amped?

Yes. The KEF R2c has two sets of terminals, so it can be bi-wired or bi-amped: bi-wiring runs separate cable to the treble and bass sections, bi-amping gives each its own amplifier channel. It uses Binding post terminals.

Can the KEF R2c be wall mounted?

The KEF R2c does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the KEF R2c come with grilles?

Yes. The KEF R2c comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the KEF R2c?

The KEF R2c weighs 16.90kg / 37.2lbs each and measures 6-15/16 x 21-11/16 x 12-7/16inch (HxWxD).

How much does the KEF R2c cost?

The KEF R2c has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $1,300 per pair.


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
Release Date2018
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)
Weight16.9 kg (37.2 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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