In this review, we will be comparing SuperCenter Reference and RC-64 III, two Center Channel speakers from GoldenEar and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref and Klipsch RC-64 III first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref 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 SuperCenter Reference 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 |
GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-3/4-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
4 x 5.25-inch
|
4 x 6.5-inch
|
SuperCenter Reference features a " Tweeter and 4 x 5.25" Woofer . 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
SuperCenter Reference has a frequency range of 33-35k Hz whereas RC-64 III has a frequency range of 57-24k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 33Hz, the SuperCenter Reference 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
GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref
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
SuperCenter Reference and RC-64 III have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. SuperCenter Reference sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the RC-64 III's is at 99 dB. This 8 dB difference makes the Klipsch RC-64 III a more sensitive speaker compared to GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref, 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.
SuperCenter Reference can handle a max power of 350 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RC-64 III has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS, 150 watts less than the SuperCenter Reference.
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
RC-64 III features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. SuperCenter Reference has a 5-Way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref's and Klipsch RC-64 III's external dimensions. GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref has external dimensions of 150.0 x 889.0 x 281.0mm ( 5-7/8 x 35 x 11-1/16inch) 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 clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 20mm wider, 54mm taller and 107mm deeper than GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref.
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 GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref is approximately 2498.1cm2 / 387.2inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RC-64 III is approximately 3526.9cm2 / 546.7inch2. The SuperCenter Reference requires 29% less surface area than the RC-64 III 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 GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref weighs 14.09kg / 31lbs and the Klipsch RC-64 III weighs 25.00kg / 55lbs. This makes the RC-64 III 77% heavier than the SuperCenter Reference.
Here is a comparison of how SuperCenter Reference and RC-64 III's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref
What's in the Box of GoldenEar SuperCenter Ref?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SuperCenter Reference:
Center-channel loudspeaker4 Leveling feet4 Threaded-insertsOwners Manual
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
Max Input Power |
350 watts
vs
200 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
Low Frequency Response |
33 Hz
vs
57 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Passive Radiator |
two 6-3/4-inch x 8-inch + one 7-inchx 10-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
Height |
150mm
vs
204mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
2498cm2 (889x281mm)
vs
3526cm2 (909x388mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Sensitivity |
99 dB
vs
91 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Price per pair* |
1829USD
vs
1899USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
GoldenEar SuperCenter Reference |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
Brand |
GoldenEar |
Klipsch |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
20-350 watts |
up to 200 watts |
Sensitivity |
91 dB |
99 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
33-35k Hz |
57-24k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
4 |
4 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
|
Cerametallic cone |
Tweeter Size |
- |
1-3/4" |
Tweeter Type |
n/a |
Tractrix horn |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
5-1/4" |
N/A" |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
150.0mm (5.9") |
204.0mm (8") |
Width |
889.0mm (35") |
909.0mm (35.8") |
Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
388.0mm (15.3") |
Weight |
14.09kg (31lbs) |
25.00kg (55lbs) |
Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Passive Radiator |
Finish |
n/a |
furniture grade veneer |
Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut |
Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |