In this review, we will be comparing AE307 and R-34C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Acoustic Energy and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of AE307 and Klipsch R-34C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the AE307 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 AE307 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 AE307 and R-34C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
AE307 |
Klipsch R-34C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.2-inch
|
4 x 3.5-inch
|
AE307 features a 1.1" aluminium dome with waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 5.2" ceramic aluminium sandwich Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2560Hz. 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
AE307 has a frequency range of 42Hz - 30kHz whereas R-34C has a frequency range of 82-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the AE307 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
AE307 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. AE307 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the R-34C's is rated at 96 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-34C a more sensitive speaker compared to AE307, 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.
AE307 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 AE307.
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 AE307's and Klipsch R-34C's external dimensions. AE307 has external dimensions of 175.0 x 460.0 x 260.0mm ( 6.9 x 18.1 x 10.2inch) 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 101mm less deeper than AE307 but it is also 202mm 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 AE307 is approximately 1196.0cm2 / 185.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-34C is approximately 1052.6cm2 / 163.2inch2. The AE307 requires 14% more surface area than the R-34C which gives it a small disadvantage 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 AE307 weighs 9.00kg / 19.8lbs and the Klipsch R-34C weighs 5.91kg / 13lbs. This makes the AE307 52% heavier than the R-34C.
Here is a comparison of how AE307 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 |
42 Hz
vs
82 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
89 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 |
 Base Surface Area |
1052cm2 (662x159mm)
vs
1196cm2 (460x260mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Acoustic Energy AE307 |
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 |
89 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
42Hz - 30kHz |
82-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
5.2" |
3.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
ceramic aluminium sandwich |
copper spun IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
1.1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
dome with waveguide |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
| Crossover Frequency |
2560Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
175.0mm (6.9") |
126.0mm (5") |
| Width |
460.0mm (18.1") |
662.0mm (26.1") |
| Depth |
260.0mm (10.2") |
159.0mm (6.3") |
| Weight |
9.00kg (19.8lbs) |
5.91kg (13lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
high density MDF |
textured wood grain viny |
| Available Colors |
Piano Gloss White, Piano Gloss Black, Real Walnut wood veneer |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
|
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
|
5 Years |