In this review, we will be comparing AE107 MII and R-34C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Acoustic Energy and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of AE107 Mark II and Klipsch R-34C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the AE107 Mark II and Klipsch R-34C speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the AE107 Mark II and Klipsch R-34C compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both AE107 MII and R-34C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
AE107 Mark II |
Klipsch R-34C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.2-inch
|
4 x 3.5-inch
|
AE107 MII features a 1" fabric soft dome with waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 5.2" paper cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz. On the other hand, the R-34C features a 1" aluminum Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 3.5" copper spun IMG Woofer .
Frequency Response
AE107 MII has a frequency range of 55Hz - 26kHz whereas R-34C has a frequency range of 82-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the AE107 MII can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-34C's min frequency of 82Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
AE107 MII is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the R-34C which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. AE107 MII sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the R-34C's is rated at 96 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-34C a more sensitive speaker compared to AE107 Mark II, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
AE107 MII can handle a max power of 175 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-34C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 75 watts less than the AE107 MII.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare AE107 Mark II's and Klipsch R-34C's external dimensions. AE107 Mark II has external dimensions of 175.0 x 380.0 x 250.0mm ( 6.9 x 15 x 9.8inch) whereas Klipsch R-34C has external dimensions of 126.0 x 662.0 x 159.0mm ( 4-15/16 x 26-1/16 x 6-1/4inch) .
Klipsch R-34C is 49mm shorter and 91mm less deeper than AE107 Mark II but it is also 282mm wider.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the AE107 Mark II is approximately 950.0cm2 / 147.3inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-34C is approximately 1052.6cm2 / 163.2inch2. The AE107 MII requires 10% less surface area than the R-34C which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The AE107 Mark II weighs 4.60kg / 10.1lbs and the Klipsch R-34C weighs 5.91kg / 13lbs. This makes the R-34C 28% heavier than the AE107 MII.
Here is a comparison of how AE107 MII and R-34C's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-34C?
Here are the items that come with the R-34C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetQuick Setup GuideImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
175 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
5.2 inches
vs
3.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
82 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
26k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
950cm2 (380x250mm)
vs
1052cm2 (662x159mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 Height |
126mm
vs
175mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Acoustic Energy AE107 Mark II |
Klipsch Reference R-34C |
| Brand |
Acoustic Energy |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 175 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55Hz - 26kHz |
82-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
5.2" |
3.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
paper cone |
copper spun IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
soft dome with waveguide |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
| Crossover Frequency |
2200Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
175.0mm (6.9") |
126.0mm (5") |
| Width |
380.0mm (15") |
662.0mm (26.1") |
| Depth |
250.0mm (9.8") |
159.0mm (6.3") |
| Weight |
4.60kg (10.1lbs) |
5.91kg (13lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
HDF |
textured wood grain viny |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Satin Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
5 Years |