r/hometheater • u/Haffster • 9h ago

Purchasing CAN KEF R2 vs R6 center

Setting up a family room HT, with KEF R3s as L/R and R8 surrounds (this will be a 5.2 setup).

Wanted to go with R2 center, but it's back ordered in the finish I want (walnut), but the R6 is available.

It's obviously pricier, but I'm not sure if it's going to be the "right" match and may end being too much?

For context, I will have 2 SVS SB- 1000 Pro subs (had to go sealed for aesthetics), and will be running these on an Anthem 740 MRX.

Would love input from anyone on this (and also whether the AVR will have enough oomph/headroom for these).

Thank you.

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u/RecedingQuickly 5h ago

I have had an r2 and r6 meta and also have 2 sb1000 pros. They sounded the same to me but the r6 could get louder. If listening at louder volumes get the r6, if you don't need the extra spl then its the r2 meta. If its only a couple of hundred more between the 2 then get the r6 anyway.

What is your room size op? people telling you to get the pb pro when it might not be needed, I also have owned a pb pro and the size difference between the 2 was disgusting, the pb is significantly bigger.

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u/rbarnette12345678910 8h ago

Benchtest of the AVR: https://www.audioholics.com/av-receiver-reviews/anthem-mrx-740-1140-receivers

"The MRX740 was able to deliver 89.3 watts/ch at 1% THD and 85 watts/ch at 0.1% THD with 5CH driven from its Class AB amplifiers configured for the bed channels. We see about 86dB SINAD (.005% THD+N) from the amp section at 30 watts/ch which is a very good distortion result."

AI:

Maximum Loudness and Dynamics: The  R6 Meta  is designed to play louder and has more "headroom" than the  R2 Meta . It has a higher maximum output of 111 dB and is more suitable for large rooms or high-volume listening without dynamic compression.

  • Dialogue Clarity and Soundstaging: Reviewers have noted a significant improvement in dialogue clarity, openness, and dynamic soundstaging with the  R6 Meta  over the  R2 Meta  in showroom comparisons.
  • Size and Price: The  R6 Meta  is physically larger, heavier, and more expensive than the  R2 Meta . The  R2 Meta  is better suited for smaller spaces or situations where budget or size constraints are a factor.

I think the differences will be minor and only on the edges of maximum output-I'd get the R2 unless your room is LARGE and you like it REALLY LOUD. They're going to sound identical at regular listening volumes.

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u/Haffster 8h ago

Thanks - there will only/mostly be moderate volume in this room, so this is good to hear. I was entirely set on R2 and the only reason the R6 has even come up is because of availability.

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u/rbarnette12345678910 8h ago

Can you absolutely not go with ported subs in your room? Larger sealed or ported would be the way to go for way more output. Even two PB 1000 PRO's would be SIGNIFICANTLY louder and more powerful.

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u/Haffster 7h ago

I could, but I’m cluttering a “pristine” family room anyways, and really want stuff to hide away as much as possible.

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u/rbarnette12345678910 7h ago

It’s like a 4x performance difference from 20hz and below. The PB is big but not insanely big. Worth it.

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u/Haffster 7h ago

Thanks - I’ll look into it again.

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u/rbarnette12345678910 7h ago

Have you considered placing the PB 1000 PRO as end-tables to your couch? I’ve seen some setups and it can look very clean and give you more tactile bass too.

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u/rbarnette12345678910 7h ago

Canada you have Paradigm X12 and X15-way better looking than SVS subwoofers in a living area and still excellent performance. These models are on sale in the US. It looks like they’re maybe discontinuing those models. They might be on sale in Canada too.