In this review, we will be comparing Aria Evo X Center and RP-404C II, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Focal and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Focal Aria Evo X C and Klipsch RP-404C II first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Focal Aria Evo X C and Klipsch RP-404C 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 Focal Aria Evo X C and Klipsch RP-404C 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
Both Aria Evo X Center and RP-404C II are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Focal Aria Evo X C |
Klipsch RP-404C II |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
4 x 4-inch
|
Aria Evo X Center features a 1" Al/Mg inverted dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Flax Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2800 Hz. On the other hand, the RP-404C II features a 1" titanium Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 4 x 4" Cerametallic cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1900 Hz.
Frequency Response
Aria Evo X Center has a frequency range of 57-30kHz whereas RP-404C II has a frequency range of 87-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 57Hz, the Aria Evo X Center can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-404C II's min frequency of 87Hz.
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
Aria Evo X Center and RP-404C II have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Aria Evo X Center sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the RP-404C II's is at 94 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-404C II a more sensitive speaker compared to Focal Aria Evo X C, 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.
Aria Evo X Center can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Aria Evo X Center has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 5 watts less than the RP-404C II.
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
Aria Evo X Center features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-404C II has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Focal Aria Evo X C's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Klipsch RP-404C II'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 Focal Aria Evo X C's and Klipsch RP-404C II's external dimensions. Focal Aria Evo X C has external dimensions of 20 x 53.3 x 24.5 cm ( 7-7/8 x 21 x 9-5/8) whereas Klipsch RP-404C II has external dimensions of 147.0 x 683.0 x 166.0mm ( 5-3/4 x 26-7/8 x 6-1/2inch) .
Klipsch RP-404C II is 53mm shorter and 79mm less deeper than Focal Aria Evo X C but it is also 150mm 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 Focal Aria Evo X C is approximately 1305.9cm2 / 202.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-404C II is approximately 1133.8cm2 / 175.7inch2. The Aria Evo X Center requires 15% more surface area than the RP-404C 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 Focal Aria Evo X C weighs 10.50kg / 23.1lbs and the Klipsch RP-404C II weighs 9.20kg / 20.2lbs. This makes the Aria Evo X Center 14% heavier than the RP-404C II.
Here is a comparison of how Aria Evo X Center and RP-404C 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-404C II?
Here are the items that come with the RP-404C II:
Center channel loudspeakerGrilleUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
57 Hz
vs
87 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
94 dB
vs
91 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
| Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 Height |
147mm
vs
200mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1133cm2 (683x166mm)
vs
1305cm2 (533x245mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Focal Aria Evo X Center |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-404C II |
| Brand |
Focal |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
40-120 watts |
up to 125 watts |
| Sensitivity |
91 dB |
94 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
4.3 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
57-30kHz |
87-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
4" |
| Woofer Composition |
Flax |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
TMD |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
inverted dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2800 Hz |
1900 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
200.0mm (7.9") |
147.0mm (5.8") |
| Width |
533.0mm (21") |
683.0mm (26.9") |
| Depth |
245.0mm (9.6") |
166.0mm (6.5") |
| Weight |
10.50kg (23.1lbs) |
9.20kg (20.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black High Gloss, Prime Walnut, Moss Green High Gloss |
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 |