In this review, we will be comparing Theva 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 Theva Center and Klipsch RP-404C II first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Focal Theva Center 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 Theva Center 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 Theva Center and RP-404C II are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Focal Theva Center |
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
|
Theva Center features a 1" TNF Al/Mg inverted dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Slatefiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2100 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
Theva Center has a frequency range of 59-28kHz whereas RP-404C II has a frequency range of 87-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 59Hz, the Theva 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
Theva Center and RP-404C II have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Theva 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 Theva Center, 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.
Theva Center can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-404C II has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS, 75 watts less than the Theva Center.
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
Theva 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.
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 Theva Center's and Klipsch RP-404C II's external dimensions. Focal Theva Center has external dimensions of 210.0 x 531.0 x 254.0mm ( 81/4 x 207/8 x 10) 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 63mm shorter and 88mm less deeper than Focal Theva Center but it is also 152mm 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 Theva Center is approximately 1348.7cm2 / 209.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-404C II is approximately 1133.8cm2 / 175.7inch2. The Theva Center requires 19% 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 Theva Center weighs 10.00kg / 22lbs and the Klipsch RP-404C II weighs 9.20kg / 20.2lbs. This makes the Theva Center 9% heavier than the RP-404C II.
Here is a comparison of how Theva 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
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
125 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
59 Hz
vs
87 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 |
94 dB
vs
91 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
| Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 Height |
147mm
vs
210mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1133cm2 (683x166mm)
vs
1348cm2 (531x254mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
649USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Focal Theva Center |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-404C II |
| Brand |
Focal |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
40-200 watts |
up to 125 watts |
| Sensitivity |
91 dB |
94 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.8 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
59-28kHz |
87-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
4" |
| Woofer Composition |
Slatefiber |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
inverted dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2100 Hz |
1900 Hz |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
210.0mm (8.3") |
147.0mm (5.8") |
| Width |
531.0mm (20.9") |
683.0mm (26.9") |
| Depth |
254.0mm (10") |
166.0mm (6.5") |
| Weight |
10.00kg (22lbs) |
9.20kg (20.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black High Gloss,Dark Wood,Light Wood |
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 |