In this review, we will be comparing CS-9040 and R-34C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Definitive Technology and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Definitive CS-9040 and Klipsch R-34C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Definitive CS-9040 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 Definitive CS-9040 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.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both CS-9040 and R-34C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Definitive CS-9040 |
Klipsch R-34C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4.5-inch
|
4 x 3.5-inch
|
CS-9040 features a 1" annealed aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 4.5" BDSS Woofer . 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
CS-9040 has a frequency range of 50-40k Hz whereas R-34C has a frequency range of 82-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the CS-9040 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
CS-9040 and R-34C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. CS-9040 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the R-34C's is at 96 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-34C a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive CS-9040, 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.
CS-9040 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-34C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 100 watts less than the CS-9040.
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.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
CS-9040 features Binding post type posts and R-34C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-34C's Binding post terminals
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 Definitive CS-9040's and Klipsch R-34C's external dimensions. Definitive CS-9040 has external dimensions of 153.0 x 529.0 x 305.0mm ( 6 x 20-13/16 x 12inch) 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 27mm shorter and 146mm less deeper than Definitive CS-9040 but it is also 133mm 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 Definitive CS-9040 is approximately 1613.5cm2 / 250.1inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-34C is approximately 1052.6cm2 / 163.2inch2. The CS-9040 requires 53% 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 Definitive CS-9040 weighs 9.09kg / 20lbs and the Klipsch R-34C weighs 5.91kg / 13lbs. This makes the CS-9040 54% heavier than the R-34C.
Here is a comparison of how CS-9040 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 Definitive CS-9040?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of CS-9040:
Center-channel loudspeakerOwners ManualWhat Obsession Sounds Like card
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 |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
4.5 inches
vs
3.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
82 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
upward firing one 8-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
| Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 Height |
126mm
vs
153mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1052cm2 (662x159mm)
vs
1613cm2 (529x305mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Definitive Technology CS-9040 |
Klipsch Reference R-34C |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
50-200 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
50-40k Hz |
82-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
4.5" |
3.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
BDSS |
copper spun IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
dome |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
153.0mm (6") |
126.0mm (5") |
| Width |
529.0mm (20.8") |
662.0mm (26.1") |
| Depth |
305.0mm (12") |
159.0mm (6.3") |
| Weight |
9.09kg (20lbs) |
5.91kg (13lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
textured wood grain viny |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |