A system for receiving MR data that includes an RF coil array for a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging apparatus. The RF coil array includes a plurality of non-concentric receiver coils arrayed along a first direction. A receiver coil at a first end of the RF coil array has a perimeter width greater than a perimeter width of a receiver coil at a second end of the RF coil array that is opposite from the first end along the first direction.