The KEF R2c is the dedicated centre channel speaker in KEF’s R Series, sitting alongside the R3 standmount and the R5, R7 and R11 floorstanding models. It shares the same 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array as every other speaker in the range, placing the 25mm aluminium dome tweeter at the acoustic centre of the 125mm midrange cone to approximate a single point source. This ensures dialogue and effects pan seamlessly across the front soundstage when paired with R Series left and right channels.
Uni-Q Driver Array
The 12th-generation Uni-Q places the tweeter at the exact acoustic centre of the midrange cone, reducing resonance and colouration between the two elements. KEF’s Shadow Flare — an innovative transition surface extending the Uni-Q waveguide effect — creates a controlled shadow region at the cabinet edges to minimise high-frequency diffraction. The result is a wide, even dispersion pattern that maintains tonal accuracy across a broad listening area, so dialogue clarity is not limited to a single seat.
Bass Driver Design
Twin 130mm hybrid aluminium bass drivers handle the low frequencies in a sealed (closed box) enclosure. Each driver uses a two-part structure combining a shallow concave aluminium skin with a paper cone, delivering controlled pistonic movement for punch and speed. A redesigned magnet system creates a more uniform magnetic field distribution, reducing distortion at higher drive levels.
Cabinet Construction
The R2c’s cabinet employs constrained layer damping with internal braces joined by a lossy interface to dissipate unwanted vibrations. This construction minimises cabinet colouration, keeping the focus on the driver output rather than panel resonances.
System Integration
Because the R2c shares its Uni-Q array size with the R3, R5, R7 and R11, it maintains a consistent tonal character across the entire front soundstage. The three-way crossover splits at 400Hz and 2.9kHz, handing off cleanly between the bass drivers, midrange and tweeter. Bi-wire and bi-amp terminals are provided for those who wish to drive the low and high-frequency sections independently. KEF recommends amplifier power between 15W and 200W.