In this review, we will be comparing Airmotiv C3+ and RP-504C II, 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 RP-504C II first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ and Klipsch RP-504C II 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 RP-504C II 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 RP-504C II 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 RP-504C II |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
25×32 mm-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
2 x 5.25-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 6.5-inch
|
4 x 5.25-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 RP-504C II features a 1" titanium Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 4 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1950 Hz.
Frequency Response
Airmotiv C3+ has a frequency range of 40 Hz – 28 kHz whereas RP-504C II has a frequency range of 50-25k 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 RP-504C II's min frequency of 50Hz.
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 RP-504C II 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 RP-504C II's is rated at 96 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-504C II 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.
Airmotiv C3+ can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-504C II has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the Airmotiv C3+.
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 C3+ features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-504C II has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+'s Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Klipsch RP-504C II's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Airmotiv C3+ and RP-504C II 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 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 RP-504C II'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 RP-504C II has external dimensions of 177.0 x 818.0 x 385.0mm ( 6-15/16 x 32-3/16 x 15-1/8inch) .
Klipsch RP-504C II is 573mm narrower and 43mm shorter than Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ but it is also 73mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ and Klipsch RP-504C II in scale.
Comparison image of Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ and Klipsch RP-504C II Size and External Dimensions
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 RP-504C II is approximately 3149.3cm2 / 488.1inch2. The Airmotiv C3+ requires 38% more surface area than the RP-504C II 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 RP-504C II weighs 16.50kg / 36.3lbs. This makes the Airmotiv C3+ 62% heavier than the RP-504C II.
Here is a comparison of how Airmotiv C3+ and RP-504C II'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-504C II?
Here are the items that come with the RP-504C II:
Center channel loudspeakerGrilleUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 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 |
40 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
92 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Height |
177mm
vs
220mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
3149cm2 (818x385mm)
vs
4339cm2 (1391x312mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
899USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Emotiva Airmotiv C3+ |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-504C II |
| Brand |
Emotiva |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
Up to 200 watts |
up to 150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
92 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
40 Hz – 28 kHz |
50-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
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 |
5.25" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
350 Hz and 2800Hz |
1950 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
220.0mm (8.7") |
177.0mm (7") |
| Width |
1391.0mm (54.8") |
818.0mm (32.2") |
| Depth |
312.0mm (12.3") |
385.0mm (15.2") |
| Weight |
26.80kg (59lbs) |
16.50kg (36.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
HDF |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut, Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |