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KEF center channel measurements

HooStat

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Does anyone know of measurements of the KEF Q250c, Q650c, and R2C? I have just over 7" under my TV, and the 250 and R2C should fit. But I am wondering about the tradeoffs. My main priority is dialog clarity. We sit about 14' from the speakers in a very open room, but we don't listen to anything close to reference levels. I have 2 KEF Q300 for left and right, but was thinking I might just replace them with center channels (i.e., 3 center channel speakers for LCR). Will be crossing over to a sub. Thanks in advance.
 

dwkdnvr

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I actually have a similar situation that I'm evaluating - still a couple scenarios in play. On would be using my existing R3s with an R2C as the R2C would apparently just barely squeeze into the credenza we may use in the entertainment space. The audio purist in me isn't thrilled about sticking a center into a cavity like that and I'd definitely have to plug the ports, but that might be the sacrifice needed to make the space work with a projector.

I'd like to see measurements as well, but given the overall similarity to the R3, I think it would be a pretty good bet that they'd measure similarly above the W/M xover, and unless Kef really blew it, the symmetric driver array should allow it to perform better below that point. Going with 3xR2C rather than R3s for L/R would work in theory, although they appear to be tuned higher - probably not an issue if you're expecting to use subs for music as well.
 

sweetchaos

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Does anyone know of measurements of the KEF Q250c, Q650c, and R2C?

Center:
- Q650c center ($650) [ Frequency Response (±3dB): 64Hz - 28kHz ]
- Q250c center (was announced later on 2019-08-29) and retailed for $600usd. [ Frequency Response (±3dB): 68Hz - 28kHz ]


1599412005878.png

Monitor Q350 (purple)
Center Q650c (green)
Atmos Q50a (yellow)
Sub Kube 12b (blue)

From: soundandvision
 

sweetchaos

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I have 2 KEF Q300 for left and right, but was thinking I might just replace them with center channels (i.e., 3 center channel speakers for LCR).
Q300 was measured as well, see 2 sources below:
1. https://www.hifitest.de/test/bildergalerie/lautsprecher_stereo/kef-q300_6690/3#b
1599413065789.png

2. https://www.hifitest.de/test/bildergalerie/lautsprecher_stereo/kef-q300_3661/3
1599413072181.png


On-Axis of Q300 seems to be much better than the center speakers Q250c/Q650c (can't compare with R2C since I don't have the measurements).

Also, keep in mind that the horizontal and vertical dispersion/directivity of speakers will greatly affect the sound at your position relative to the speaker position. Look at Amir's reviews (for similar speakers) to understand how horizontal and vertical dispersion/directivity plays a role.
 
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HooStat

HooStat

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I am surprised by how much I like the Q300. I bought them sight unseen (unheard) about 5 years ago when I got out of the audio hobby.

I am surprised by the notch in the Q650c -- seems like that could be a bit of an issue. I wonder if the 250c is better since it has a smaller mid-range.
 

sweetchaos

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1599416423347.png

That looks amazing!

It goes for $1000usd at accessories4less which is cheaper than amazon.com by $200.

I'm guessing Q250C will perform worse than Q650C, just because they had to make *some* sacrifices to fit into a smaller cabinet. But who knows, since we don't have the measurements.
 
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HooStat

HooStat

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I'm guessing Q250C will perform worse than Q650C, just because they had to make *some* sacrifices to fit into a smaller cabinet. But who knows, since we don't have the measurements.

The R2C and Q250c both use a 5.25" driver and are similarly sized though the 250c is not as deep. The Q650c is wider than either, and deeper than the 250c.
R2C: 6.9 x 21.7 x 12.1 in (HWD)
Q250c: 7.08 x 20.66 x 8.42 in (HWD)
Q650c: 8.26 x 24.76 x 11.96 in (HWD)

The 250c is 16.5 pounds vs 30 pounds for the Q650c and 37 pounds for the R2C

The 250c is a 2-way and the R2C is a 3-way. So I guess all of the 5.25" drivers in the 250c are playing from 2500 Hz and below whereas the R2C is crossed at 400 Hz and 2900 Hz. The Q650c is a 2 ½ way crossed at 2500 Hz.
 

dwkdnvr

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The R2C is sealed, so it should be ok
Okay, I thought it was, but when I went back to try to confirm I found that a) there are no pics of the rear of the speaker b) all the info pages reference the 'flex port' technology. This made me a bit confused as to the actual configuration.

Interesting measurements posted here. The Q650 measurements are really concerning - that's a pretty serious dip in a range that I'd guess is pretty important for intelligibility. The R2C measurements are reassuring though - very much in line with what I'd hope based on the R3.
 
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