Kef R2c Center Channel Speaker Review

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

If you are interested in buying this speaker, please consider using my Amazon affiliate link as it earns me a small commission which helps me fund the channel. Kef R2c: amzn.to/2U5RIwy

[@crazydwarfer]

Hey, is there a video review of KEF Q250C? And are there recommended towers and bookshelves from KEF in this price region? (as Q250C). Thanks for all the reviews as always. Great images from the recent AV event with Youthman, Gene, and all others - just awesome to see you guys together.

[@VGiena]

Awesome that center channels get some love. Maybe by erin doing these technical reviews the speakers makers will bring serious center channels to market.

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

Loving that rocking intro. So glad for a new video. Thanks to the great viewer who provided this speaker for review.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Indeed! Thanks to the fellow who loaned me this!

[@SDX9000]

Thanks! Watching the explanation in this video was very much worth the time. Helps to get a deeper connection between measurements and audiability of issues. Especially the Impulse response analysis is fun. Worth mentioning that KEF officially published their own Spinorama graphs for the R2c and the rest of the R series. So it is a commendable company who stand behind their designs and science. As for resonance at 250Hz - it is already in the modal region so perhaps room was more significant than this controlled resonance. Looking at the compression results I am afraid to think what is my JBL Studio 520c doing at high volumes :) It has even smaller elements and over 2m distance to the sofa...

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

Anyone else just absolutely love when Erin talks about soundstage depth and 3D layering. Honestly could listen for hours when he starts talking about soundstage. I prefer a wider radiation pattern as well.

[@Rockhurst22]

Lol. I need to look for more of your comments.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

😂❤️😂

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

@@Rockhurst22 i was being serious with this one. But since I do like to joke I could see how the last line could have been a joke 🤣😅

[@great100m]

I heard Erin mention that as well. Seems that a narrow pattern would be preferable on cc ... ???

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

@@great100m a center channel should have wide spread for those sitting off-axis, which is likely how listeners will be positioned in a home theater.

[@FRL2000]

I have this speaker with a pair of R5s in a 3.1 HT setup (svs sb3000). I agree with the reviewer that bass is pretty weak (get a sub), but off axis performance is incredible in my room that's open to a kitchen area. The lovely cabinet finish in brown was a major selling point for me. The sealed design also enables placement inside my media cabinet. Not ideal speakers for 2-channel performance, but I'm pleased overall in my 80%+ HT environment.

[@FRL2000]

@@BradSteeg Agreed. Common sense will tell you 5.25" drivers won't provide significant low end sound except maybe in a nearfield type setting.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I actually agree. I can't imagine many cases where a separate sub (ideally, 2 or 3) wouldn't be better. However, many people I've come across on these channels/reviews/forums tend to think subwoofers are terrible and they look for speakers that can go low. That is why I try to make it a point to say "nope, you can't use this fullrange". But, again, I'm not arguing... I fully agree with you.

[@absolutium]

Love your setup.. I am a heavy supporter of 3.1 I think it is Ideal for 90% of the people.. have you tried 3.1.2? Was inclined to do so but was wondering if it is worth it before punching a hole in the roof.

[@FRL2000]

@@absolutium My room doesn't work for 3.2. It's open on one side. Sub is in corner and fills room pretty well, I think bass coverage could be more complete/uniform with a second, just not an option in my room.

[@absolutium]

@@FRL2000 3.1.2 means 3 frontal 1 sub and 2 ceiling speakers.

[@BenjiGator23]

As a R3 and R2C owner I agree with your assessment. I have them hooked up to a 200 WPC Monolith amp. For me they sound great. I have the R2C crossover at 90Hz. Subs are mandatory for sure.

[@VGiena]

Erin is a prince and a scholar. Great work. Thanks man.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I am neither. But I’m happy to take the compliment anyway. 😎😀

[@marcbittner]

I would second this (i thought i commented before but can't find it now). This is really useful info that I haven't been able to find elsewhere. I think KEF's SPIN data is out there but there doesn't seem to be much evidence based evaluation of this speaker. Bravo and thank you.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

@@marcbittner Well, thank you.

[@KravchenkoAudioPerth]

Nice to see a good honest knowledgeable review. I appreciate the time that you put into this Erin.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I appreciate that, Mark.

[@LeonhardWindecker]

Hi Erin, will you review the Elac Uni-Fi Reference Center as well?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

It’s not planned but it could happen if someone loaned me one.

[@b.borrelli8688]

Had the same thoughts about a showdown between R2C and UniFi Ref center

[@TylerStout]

I'd wager to bet that they are expecting you to be sitting off axis (vertically) by maybe +15 degrees which would put you at a pretty flat response as you figure this going to be below ear level. Although at the distance most people sit at you would have to have it pretty low or sitting pretty far away in order to get the 15 degrees but even a 5-10 degree off axis listening would tame the high a smidge. Could always angle it up over your head to get that 15 degrees. Hoping you can get the Paradigm Founders series LCR in as that also has a coaxial driver so it would be interesting to compare.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I’d have said the same thing but the R3 also has the treble bump and it is the same drive unit. But yes, it does help that most will be listening a bit off axis as well. I actually emailed Paradigm last week and got a response that it would be redirected to their marketing department. I just sent a follow up, though. Hopefully they will respond either way.

[@TylerStout]

@@ErinsAudioCorner Hopefully they get back with you. Sound stage network measured the 100f and it looks pretty solid for distortion but a smaller sealed box obviously won't do as well. Trying to figure out what end game speaker I can get to upgrade from my jamos but need to listen to some stuff before I buy anything this time.

[@yeahright3733]

I found the best position for KEF Uni-q drivers was up in the corners of my room, above the listener, pointing down and to the center of the room, at a height of 6 feet. As most people are never in the exact center point at six feet, the sound was very spacious and holographic without being too bright. I had the KEF egg speakers that KEF came out with in around 2006, which made mounting them in the corners easy and clean. I was taking a chance in mounting the speakers this way, as my main reason for doing so was to be able to hide the speaker wire through the attic. Turned out amazing and easily the best sounding home theater system I ever installed. The corner position added to the bass frequencies in a way that allowed the room correction to adjust the cutoff frequency at 60hz to 70hz instead of the normal 100hz to 120hz while free standing. My next system is going to be a 5.1 setup with the LS-50's, mounted in the corners of the ceiling in the same way.

[@TylerStout]

@@yeahright3733 very interesting setup, a little too unorthodox for my taste but if you like it that's all that matters. Only issue with the ls50 is that they aren't really a good home theater speaker due to low sensitivity so unless you have a really tiny room you might find your current speakers are better for movies.

[@yeahright3733]

@@TylerStout the KEF uni-q egg style speakers, were low sensitivity too, and were hard to drive. I had a high current receiver at 150 watts per channel that worked well. With the ls50s I am going to use a multichannel purifi amp which will make the ls50s sing.

[@dc5001]

How does the kef q series 5 inch center channel compare to the kef r series center channel with upper mids and high's?.

[@tomconnell7154]

Have you ever tested the Polk l400 Center Channel? .... from The Legend series

[@josegazal701]

Thank you very much! It’s incredible how clear the review shows what we can expect from the speaker. HF bump is not for me!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Dasbeerboots]

Hey Erin, do you have any plans to review the R6 Meta? I just bought the full R series on sale a couple of weeks ago and am having second thoughts about keeping the R2C. The R6 Meta matches the driver size of the R7s, so I think it will be a better fit, as well as just being a better speaker. I'm not sure if it's worth 3x the price though. Thanks!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I’m on a waiting list to get one for review.

[@Dasbeerboots]

@@ErinsAudioCorner Sweet. I only have until the 4th to return, so I'll probably just keep it. Think I'll put it inside my media cabinet open top shelf to give it some off-axis directivity. Should be able to eventually get some return on investment and buy the R6 Meta once it comes down in price. Thanks!

[@jsil36]

I just picked up KEF R7 and now going to replace my Q900c to either KEF R2c or KEF R6 meta. Which one would you recommend, I usually have my volume around -20 to -10 on my Denon X3700H.

[@Canadian_Eh_I]

What do you think about using two of these vertically with subs, yay or nay???

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Give me a day or two or three… I have a video that will discuss that. 👍

[@Canadian_Eh_I]

@@ErinsAudioCorner Awesome! I think alot of people have the same question because used ones can often be had for cheap. Also the Kef reference centers! ;)

[@PierreAubert7pi]

I think you can. The polar patterns are very similar. The preference score (a metric from Harman, 4.2 horizontal v.s. 4.4 vertical) is a bit better vertical. The reflections are slightly different but not enough to be an issue.

[@marcbittner]

@Mkay Why would you prefer that to a pair of r3s (which can be had for the same price)? I have half a mind to replace my r2c with an r3 (my surrounds are r3s) but I'd be left with an R3 with nowhere to live...

[@tekoleuka]

What do you think. How would LS50 center speaker sound with R7's ?

[@fieldcar]

Speaking of subwoofers, I'm really excited about the new monolith subs!

[@midevil1980]

Finally, more thorough center channel reviews with tech specs on KZbin. Keep up the great work for the community! 😉👍

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Much appreciated.

[@great100m]

I was about to post a similar comment. We don't see enuf about center channels !

[@midevil1980]

@@great100m- Completely agree! 🍻

[@we8463]

How about reviewing the KEF R6 Meta

[@HardCold-Alquan]

Do you have any reviews on Mordaunt-Short Avianos? I bought some a few years ago and from what I can tell, they stand up to most of the best mid-range. I never heard of the company, but I found nothing negative on them.

[@ugzz]

Nice vid, but i would have liked to see it! (other than at distance for half a second in your near field footage). It would be nice to know what it looks like up close, how the terminals are, how the bezel looks and how it comes off. In the amazon pics it has a bezel in one shot, but not the others, and I see no standard front holes, so i definitely have questions.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Fair enough. I sometimes don't show the speaker because putting together these videos is tough and I have to move a LOT of stuff around my office, set up lights and the camera along with a mic boom to show larger products like this off.

[@paulpaulzadeh6172]

Erin , great review , is it possible to get reference music singer or what you think it is good music record . some list maybe it would be great .thanks

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Here is my Spotify playlist: open.spotify.com/playlist/0gBVe7rwdZojX41LakrUUy?si=c3ae973409fa4e66&nd=1

[@tomconnell7154]

@ErinsAudioCorner so does this product get your stamp of approval as a true bonified kick azz home theater center channel ?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Sure. Just use a subwoofer as you are likely to do anyway.

[@great100m]

This is a relatively expensive cc in a nice, compact package. How does it compare to the new Elac Uni-Fi Reference center ?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

No idea. If someone has the Elac and wants to loan it to me to test, I’d be happy to. But I can’t afford it … I’ve spent all my Patreon and donation funds on subwoofers for an upcoming shootout.

[@OpenFrEaK100]

Audyssey crossed my R2C at 60 hz.. For a 5.1.2 setup with Kef R11s is it recommended to change this crossover to 90hz?

[@pumpituphomeboy]

yes set to 100hz for best response

[@manea7074]

@@pumpituphomeboy why 100hz?

[@pumpituphomeboy]

@@manea7074 if you have a very good sub that is capable of producing good clean bass then it makes sense to remove the load from the R2C. Removing bass below 100hz allows the R2C to play sound louder and cleaner. Also reduces the load on your amplifier. Remember the center channel produces 70% of the total sound in a movie soundtrack. Hope this info helps.

[@Christopher._M]

Good to know you listen to Nas. Wasn't a huge fan of the two newest albums but their were a few tracks that are worth listening to

[@michael-4k4000]

I want an Atmos center channel, help?

[@a7eca13]

Can you review the new KEF R6 please

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I’m working on it.

[@IrenESorius]

No nonsence gold content as always Erin. Ur a ⭐! Cheers, thank u and thanks again,, 🍻😎👍‍‍

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thank you.

[@shaolin95]

What's your favorite center? Thanks

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Out of the ones I've reviewed so far, honestly, this is probably the best one.

[@shaolin95]

@@ErinsAudioCorner is it still your favorite after reviewing the thx 365c? Thank you!!?

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

When the house lights flicker don't come a knocking. Erin is "working" 😅🤣

[@Rockhurst22]

Again, I’m missing out if I don’t search all videos for your humor.

[@audiotechguy]

Great review, would like more center channel reviews, I will love if u did a Klipsch RP-440C or any of their center channels. Thanks

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I do have a review of the JBL HDI-4500 as well. Linked below. But that’s it so far. I’m willing to do more. Just have to find people willing to loan me them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioGthYSEbrVjiNk

[@manea7074]

What’s the recommended crossover frequency of it?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Really depends on the volume you listen and where you can cross your subs. 80-120Hz would be a good range to work in.

[@Sc2God724]

I finds that 100hz is usually best if you have a decent sub to 100hz typically because speakers around this price range aren't built well enough and have the resonance that happens around 70-90hz

[@jantheuer8717]

KEF Reference 2c ...please review

[@abdo-dr1tu]

Hey Erin! the review is not on the front page of your site.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Yea, I’m aware. I’ll fix it this afternoon. However, it is linked in the description of the video and here it is again: erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/kef_r2c/

[@yeahright3733]

I will take one for free if you are having a give away! I had KEF uni-q speakers for 15 years and then finally migrated to revel m105 and c205, and the Revels are great, but i still miss the holgraphic soundstage of the uni-q drivers in a home theater setup. Currently trying out the Elac Uni-fi UB5, but they require a lot of high quality power that even my 180 watt per channel reciever has trouble driving with the clarity I would expect from the UB5's. Going to try a Class D amp like the SMSl DA 9, to see if that can drive the UB5's correctly.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Haha. I wish I could… but it’s not mine to give away. Gotta send it back to the owner.

[@Rockhurst22]

I don’t subscribe to Patreon but I’m highly considering it for you. Great review! Now I want you to review the Polk Reserve line and Arendal speakers. I’ll send them an email now.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thanks for the feedback and also for taking the initiative to reach out to those companies.

[@mazx19]

Whats better kef r2c vs svs ultra center?

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I have no personal experience with the SVS Ultra Center so I cannot say.

[@michael-4k4000]

My uncle Ned said that Kef speakers are okay unless you don’t want them to be OK….

[@umbrollo]

The sibilance will be from your ungrounded power or your amp

[@giovannilarocca2241]

HELLO YOU WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND ME AS A CENTRAL SPEAKER: KEF Q650C OR Monoprice Monolith THX-365C?

[@bingdong8571]

Where are the centers that don't suck, I can't find a single video on that anywhere unless its a robot spewing garbage.

[@Tooraj2raj]

Can u make your videos very short ? PLZ We are bombarded with videos daily despite I'm not even on social media at all ( ZERO ) I wonder people with fb and other rubbish/ garbage mind programming apps can handle ...

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

No. As a society we have programmed ourselves for ADHD. These topics aren’t simple and require time to go over. Do yourself a favor and take a breather, relax your hyper-driven brain and sit on a task for more than 5 minutes.

[@Tooraj2raj]

@@ErinsAudioCorner Hehehe I understand you have to go through all the technical details but I like jumping straight to the POINT !👍 & Believe me sir you will get more views and subscribers . Cause the society we are living in is moving light speed 👎unfortunately

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

@@Tooraj2raj what is the point then? Speakers are complex. Peoples needs are complex. If I wanted to be KZbin famous I wouldn’t be running an audio channel. 👍

[@Tooraj2raj]

@@ErinsAudioCorner Still u need to get paid for your hard work sir 🤑 and I know it's not easy to make videos on KZbin without sacrificing alot of your good precious time . Anyways Allah bless you with your work sir 🙂🤲