Matching center for Revel F226be options and recommendations.

[blestin]

Which center would be a better match for the Revel F226be if the C426Be is not an option due to cost and the C208 is too big and ugly.

I was considering either the Infinity RC263 or the KEF R2C, but I am not sure about them or what the other options are.

Thanks in advance.

 

[muslhead]

i bought the 263 and think it pairs nicely with my salon2s. Especially when on sale for $150
I dont have any experience with thef226be's so i cannot comment.
The 263 is built well and can handle power and match timbre with the salons but as i have posted in the poor design thread, has a weird shape which limits its correct use in most situations.

 

[flyzipper]

Can we assume you've already tried a phantom centre and concluded it doesn't meet your needs (because you don't sit in the middle of the L&R speakers, or need to support multiple seating positions)? ... and also assume your setup involves a TV rather than a projection screen that a centre can be placed behind?

(because the perfect match for your Revel F226be L&R speakers for TV would be phantom, and for a screen it would be another Revel F226be)

 

[blestin]

Another Revel F226be is not an option and the phantom is not ideal.

 

[flyzipper]

the C426Be is not an option due to cost and the C208 is too big and ugly

C426Be dismissed due to cost, yet it's bigger than the C208 which was dismissed because it's too big?

What dimension and cost limitations are your requirements constrained by? Will the centre be used with subwoofers and bass management?

phantom is not ideal

Agreed, it's not ideal, but you've already entered less than ideal territory once 3 matching speakers weren't deployed with each tweeter at ear level, so now you just have to decide which compromise you want to make.

what the other options are

Sticking with Revel, you could deploy one of their in-wall architectural speakers, if your setup would allow for that.

Another option would be to borrow a random manufacturer's $500-1200** centre channel from a friend to see if you actually enjoy it when used with your $7000 Revels.

**(range pulled from the Infinity and Kef you're considering)

 

[Dj7675]

Architectural is a good idea. Or an M105 or M106 would do the trick as well.

 

[blestin]

The center needs to be low profile (under 10 inches height) not to obstruct the tv. My budget for it is under $1200, preferably under $1000. The center will be used with a subwoofer and bass management via Audyseey X32. It also needs to support multiple seatings positions making a phantom not the best option.

I was strongly considering the KEF R2C because it is low profile, I can purchase it for under $900, and it measures well. But I was concerned it would simply not match the more powerful and sensitive Revel F226be

 

[flyzipper]

Revel F226be, 90db sensitivity
Revel C205, 89dB sensitivity, 7.9" height, $1000 (Spinorama data via the link)
Revel C25, 89dB sensitivity, 7.25" height, $750 (Spinorama data via the link)
Kef R2c, 87db sensitivity, 6.9" height, $900 (your price)

You can definitely level match these centres and your L&R speakers within the AVR's setup.

https://speakerdata2034.blogspot.com/2019/03/spinorama-data-revel-home.html

 

[Descartes]

I would not use an other brand for the three front speakers in home theater you want the same timbre match!

 

[BadgerMaster]

The center needs to be low profile (under 10 inches height) not to obstruct the tv. My budget for it is under $1200, preferably under $1000. The center will be used with a subwoofer and bass management via Audyseey X32. It also needs to support multiple seatings positions making a phantom not the best option.

I was strongly considering the KEF R2C because it is low profile, I can purchase it for under $900, and it measures well. But I was concerned it would simply not match the more powerful and sensitive Revel F226be

May I enquire what you settled on? And how it's performing?

 

[Blumlein 88]

I'm facing the same issue only with F208's and need a center preferably less dear than the C208.

 

[BadgerMaster]

I'm facing the same issue only with F208's and need a center preferably less dear than the C208.

As am I, on a less grandscale; for M105s. KEF R2C on offer at £660 in UK. Also wondered about focal 300 iwlcr6 in-wall (£800). Revel C205 @£1000 is other but only MTM 2-way. Infinity not sold. Monoprice monolith 365C too large& lacks WAF.