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Will Kef 202/2c center match Wilson Sophia mains?

Here is my question. I am looking to upgrade my center channel which is currently a Thiel SCS3. My ideal situation would be to replace it with the Wilson WATCH center in order to sonically match the best with my Wilson Sophia mains. The problem is that the center is 14" high and I am very constrained on the height of the new center speaker choice.

Currenly I have 8" height clearance and I could potentially move my plasma about 1 1/2" heigher to give me a maxumum of 9 1/2" height for the new center speaker. With these constraints in mind I have been looking at my options. It seems that the Kef reference 202/2c would meet my requirements nicely. I would love hear your thoughts on this speaker or any other suggestions. I am looking to improve the clarity of center channel and remove some the "thickness" in sound I get from the Thiel.

Here's a little more about my system:
Wilson Sohpia's powered by VTL ST-150, with VTL TL-5.5 preamp and HT bypass.
Center is Thiel SCS3, with Thiel CS 1.6 surrounds powered by Rotel RSX-1055 receiver.
musictime
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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
I have used a KEF Reference 100 center for years with two different front channel speakers, first being Dynaudio Contour 5.4's, and currently, custom made enclosures housing 12" Tannoy HPD 315 drivers (Dual Concentric), with both being a good enough match for my use. I bi-amp the center, with 100Wpc to tweeter and woofer, as I have a separate two channel amp for stereo listening.

As I say, this has worked for me, for the little I use multi-channel or home theater.

Best of luck,
Dan
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dbphd
1,628 posts
 
I use a biwired KEF 200 C with my KEF 104.2s to good effect. I don't know how the 200 C compares to the 202.2, but they sure look similar. I had the opportunity to compare the sound of my 104.2s with Wilson Sophias using the same CDs and SACDs, but with a 15 minute delay. I found the sound rather similar, although I suspect the Sophias have more low end were not my 104.2s crossed at 80 Hz to a Velodyne HGS-15. I also have a 100 C that matches my 102.2s well, but cannot match the dynamics of the 104.2s.

db
musictime OP
12 posts
 
Islandmandan,

I have also looked at the Dynaudio Contour S CX, as this would fit my paramaters as well. Any thoughts on the differences between the Kef and the Dynaudio?

MusicTime
musictime OP
12 posts
 
Dbphd,

Thats very useful information. Thanks. I suspect that the 202/2c would be closer in sonic signature to the 104.2s than the 200C? Obviously, the dynamics are one of the huge strong points of the Sophias and matching that would be great.

MusicTime
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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
I was never able to hear a Dynaudio center channel speaker, but I suspect it would work as well or maybe better than the KEF. Just an educated guess.

Best,
Dan
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