Would you High-pass the KEF R2c meta?

[abdo123]

I'm guessing low frequency output of the meta version would be similar to the non-meta version.

It's around -20 dB at 30Hz so we're looking at an in-room output of 86dB at 30 Hz if we take the 96dB trend line.

Distortion at 96dB at 30 Hz seems to be just around 10%, which is really the maximum someone should aim at for low frequencies.

The idea is to pick a correct compromise of directivity (the 5.25 inch woofers will match the directivity of the 5 inch midwoofer better than the 6.5 inch woofers of the R6 meta) but also keep output and extension in mind for Dirac's new Active room correction that will inevitably end up in my room at some point.

What do you think? Should i go for the KEF R6 even though my listening levels will hover around 80-85 db 90% of the time? Or is that overkill? I'm sitting around 2 meters away from my speakers.

 

[Curvature]

The center handles most of the main content in multichannel. I would go for the R6 Meta for that reason alone.

Highpassing depends on your bass management setup, but I'd likely do it anyway. In any case you can test this by ear.

 

[abdo123]

The center handles most of the main content in multichannel. I would go for the R6 Meta for that reason alone.

Highpassing depends on your bass management setup, but I'd likely do it anyway. In any case you can test this by ear.

If i'm highpassing them then the difference between them should be moot for my distances (i'm fine with a single 5.25 inch atm with an aggressive high-pass for example)

I'm mainly looking for a center that i won't be high-passing for Dirac ART. but don't want to overkill it.

 

[Curvature]

You're in philosophical territory. Overkill is reasonable, within limits

That said I don't think twin 5" woofers on the R2C really encroach on subs.

 

[voodooless]

For the € 200 price difference, just get the R6 and enjoy.

 

[abdo123]

For the € 200 price difference, just get the R6 and enjoy.

Isn't it 400 euros?

 

[voodooless]

Isn't it 400 euros?

Ah, yes it is. I did see a refurbished R6 meta for € 1530 though…

 

[quattro98]

My personal preference is to use the subwoofers for bass. I'm not very sophisticated in my thinking. I just ask myself, for a 50 Hz signal, I have the option to use small drivers (5", 6", 7", etc.) or large drivers (9", 12", 15", etc.). Having speakers for the LCR that allow for a fairly low crossover of ≤80 Hz makes sense to me as well, so I don't want a very small speaker in those locations.

Between the R2 & R6, I'd get the R6 and have a less distortion above the chosen crossover frequency. You can also probably choose a lower frequency if desired (preference, ART, or some other reason).

 

[abdo123]

Ah, yes it is. I did see a refurbished R6 meta for € 1530 though…

where do you browse for refurbished units by the way?

 

[voodooless]

where do you browse for refurbished units by the way?

No idea, Google showed it to me

 

[exm]

Lots of people are missing something with the usage of subs and size of drivers. The crossover of these centers between LF and MF is (I believe 400 or 450Hz). If you cross them in your receiver/processor at 80Hz? 100H? 120Hz? You still would have to deal with the 80/100/120 - 400Hz range with the LF drivers. That's a crucial range. I rather have 2x6" take care of these in your center compared to 2x5.25". So even if you have 1-2 capable subs: will you cross your center at 400Hz? If not, the size of the drivers matters.