In this review, we will be comparing Airmotiv C3+ and RC-64 III, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Emotiva and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ and Klipsch RC-64 III first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ and Klipsch RC-64 III 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 C3+ and Klipsch RC-64 III 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Airmotiv C3+ is a 3-way design whereas the RC-64 III 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 C3+ |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
25×32 mm-inch
|
1-3/4-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
2 x 5.25-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 6.5-inch
|
4 x 6.5-inch
|
Airmotiv C3+ features a 25×32 mm" folded ribbon Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 4 x 6.5" woven fiber cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 350 Hz and 2800Hz. On the other hand, the RC-64 III features a 1-3/4" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 6.5" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
Airmotiv C3+ has a frequency range of 40 Hz – 28 kHz whereas RC-64 III has a frequency range of 57-24k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 40Hz, the Airmotiv C3+ can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RC-64 III's min frequency of 57Hz.
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 C3+ is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the RC-64 III 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 C3+ can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Airmotiv C3+ sensitivity is rated at 92 dB and the RC-64 III's is rated at 99 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch RC-64 III a more sensitive speaker compared to Emotiva Airmotiv C3+, 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
Both Airmotiv C3+ and RC-64 III features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+'s Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Klipsch RC-64 III's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ double 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 C3+'s and Klipsch RC-64 III's external dimensions. Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ has external dimensions of 220.0 x 1391.0 x 312.0mm ( 8-5/8-inch x 54-3/4-inch x 12-1/4-inch) whereas Klipsch RC-64 III has external dimensions of 204.0 x 909.0 x 388.0mm ( 8 x 35-3/4 x 15-1/4inch) .
Klipsch RC-64 III is 482mm narrower and 16mm shorter than Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ but it is also 76mm 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 C3+ is approximately 4339.9cm2 / 672.7inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RC-64 III is approximately 3526.9cm2 / 546.7inch2. The Airmotiv C3+ requires 23% more surface area than the RC-64 III 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 Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ weighs 26.80kg / 59lbs and the Klipsch RC-64 III weighs 25.00kg / 55lbs. This makes the Airmotiv C3+ 7% heavier than the RC-64 III.
Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv C3+ and RC-64 III'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 RC-64 III?
Here are the items that come with the RC-64 III:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille6 Self-adhesive rubber feet2 Jumpers (pre-installed)Owners Manual
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Low Frequency Response |
40 Hz
vs
57 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
899USD
vs
1829USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
99 dB
vs
92 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Height |
204mm
vs
220mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
3526cm2 (909x388mm)
vs
4339cm2 (1391x312mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
| Brand |
Emotiva |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
Up to 200 watts |
up to 200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
92 dB |
99 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
40 Hz – 28 kHz |
57-24k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
woven fiber cone |
Cerametallic cone |
| Tweeter Size |
25×32 mm" |
1-3/4" |
| Tweeter Type |
folded ribbon |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
5.25" |
N/A" |
| Crossover Frequency |
350 Hz and 2800Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
220.0mm (8.7") |
204.0mm (8") |
| Width |
1391.0mm (54.8") |
909.0mm (35.8") |
| Depth |
312.0mm (12.3") |
388.0mm (15.3") |
| Weight |
26.80kg (59lbs) |
25.00kg (55lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
HDF |
furniture grade veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |