In this review, we will be comparing Airmotiv C2+ and RP-450C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Emotiva and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ and Klipsch RP-450C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ and Klipsch RP-450C 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 Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ and Klipsch RP-450C 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Airmotiv C2+ is a 3-way design whereas the RP-450C is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ |
Klipsch RP-450C |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
25×32 mm-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
2 x 3-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
4 x 5.25-inch
|
Airmotiv C2+ features a 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter , a 3" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" woven fiber cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 350 Hz and 3200Hz. On the other hand, the RP-450C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
Airmotiv C2+ has a frequency range of 45 Hz – 28 kHz whereas RP-450C has a frequency range of 58-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the Airmotiv C2+ can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-450C's min frequency of 58Hz.
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
Airmotiv C2+ is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the RP-450C which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Airmotiv C2+ can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Airmotiv C2+ sensitivity is rated at 92 dB and the RP-450C's is rated at 97 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-450C a more sensitive speaker compared to Emotiva Airmotiv C2+, 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.
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
Airmotiv C2+ features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-450C has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+'s Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Klipsch RP-450C's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Airmotiv C2+ and RP-450C have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ Port
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 Emotiva Airmotiv C2+'s and Klipsch RP-450C's external dimensions. Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ has external dimensions of 220.0 x 812.0 x 267.0mm ( 8-5/8 x 31-15/16 x 10-1/2inch) whereas Klipsch RP-450C has external dimensions of 174.0 x 791.0 x 370.0mm ( 6-13/16 x 31-1/8 x 14-9/16inch) .
Klipsch RP-450C is 21mm narrower and 46mm shorter than Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ but it is also 103mm deeper.
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 Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ is approximately 2168.0cm2 / 336.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-450C is approximately 2926.7cm2 / 453.6inch2. The Airmotiv C2+ requires 26% less surface area than the RP-450C 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 Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ weighs 16.40kg / 36.1lbs and the Klipsch RP-450C weighs 16.23kg / 35.7lbs. This makes the Airmotiv C2+ 1% heavier than the RP-450C.
Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv C2+ and RP-450C'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 RP-450C?
Here are the items that come with the RP-450C:
Center-channel loudspeakerDetachable magnetic grille4 Rubber feetUser ManualWarranty InformationImportant Safety Instructions
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
58 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
2168cm2 (812x267mm)
vs
2926cm2 (791x370mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
650USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
97 dB
vs
92 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 Height |
174mm
vs
220mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-450C |
| Brand |
Emotiva |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker (Ebony) |
| Power Range |
Up to 150 watts |
up to 150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
92 dB |
97 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
45 Hz – 28 kHz |
58-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
woven fiber cone |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
25×32 mm" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
folded ribbon |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
3" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
350 Hz and 3200Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
220.0mm (8.7") |
174.0mm (6.9") |
| Width |
812.0mm (32") |
791.0mm (31.1") |
| Depth |
267.0mm (10.5") |
370.0mm (14.6") |
| Weight |
16.40kg (36.1lbs) |
16.23kg (35.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
HDF |
polymer veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut, Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |