In this review, we will be comparing SuperCenter X and RP-450C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from GoldenEar and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of GoldenEar SuperCenter X and Klipsch RP-450C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | GoldenEar SuperCenter X | Klipsch RP-450C |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | HVFR (High-Velocity Folded Ribbon) | 1" Tractrix horn |
|---|
| Woofer | 2 x 5.25" | 4 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone |
|---|
| Frequency response | 45-35k Hz | 58-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 90 dB | 97 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 20-200 watts | up to 150 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 6.82kg / 15lbs | 16.23kg / 35.7lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 5-7/8" x 20-1/16" x 11-1/8"
150.0 x 510.0 x 283.0mm | 6-13/16" x 31-1/8" x 14-9/16"
174.0 x 791.0 x 370.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the GoldenEar SuperCenter X and Klipsch RP-450C 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:
| Listening Environment* |
GoldenEar SuperCenter X |
Klipsch RP-450C |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both SuperCenter X and RP-450C are 2-way speakers.
GoldenEar SuperCenter XKlipsch RP-450C
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
GoldenEar SuperCenter X |
Klipsch RP-450C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
4 x 5.25-inch
|
SuperCenter X features a " HVFR (High-Velocity Folded Ribbon) Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Woofer. On the other hand, the RP-450C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer.
Frequency Response
SuperCenter X has a frequency range of 45-35k Hz whereas RP-450C has a frequency range of 58-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the SuperCenter X can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-450C's min frequency of 58Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
SuperCenter X and RP-450C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. SuperCenter X sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the RP-450C's is at 97 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-450C a more sensitive speaker compared to GoldenEar SuperCenter X, 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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
SuperCenter X can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS, whereas RP-450C has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the SuperCenter X.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier — change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
SuperCenter X features Binding post type posts and RP-450C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-450C's Binding post terminals
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 X's and Klipsch RP-450C's external dimensions. GoldenEar SuperCenter X has external dimensions of 150.0 x 510.0 x 283.0mm (5-7/8 x 20-1/16 x 11-1/8inch) whereas Klipsch RP-450C has external dimensions of 174.0 x 791.0 x 370.0mm (6-13/16 x 31-1/8 x 14-9/16inch).
Klipsch RP-450C is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 281mm wider, 24mm taller and 87mm deeper than GoldenEar SuperCenter X.
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 X is approximately 1443.3cm2 / 223.7inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-450C is approximately 2926.7cm2 / 453.6inch2. The SuperCenter X requires 51% less surface area than the RP-450C 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 X weighs 6.82kg / 15lbs and the Klipsch RP-450C weighs 16.23kg / 35.7lbs. This makes the RP-450C 138% heavier than the SuperCenter X.
Here is a comparison of how SuperCenter X and RP-450C'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 GoldenEar SuperCenter X?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SuperCenter X:
- Center-channel loudspeaker
- 3 Leveling feet
- 3 Threaded-inserts
- Owners Manual
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-450C?
Here are the items that come with the RP-450C:
- Center-channel loudspeaker
- Detachable magnetic grille
- 4 Rubber feet
- User Manual
- Warranty Information
- Important Safety Instructions
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
58 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
7-inch x 10-inch quadratic planar bass
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
150mm
vs
174mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1443cm2
vs
2926cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
97 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
|
Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 Price per pair* |
650USD
vs
749USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
GoldenEar SuperCenter X |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-450C |
| Brand |
GoldenEar |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker (Ebony) |
| Power Range |
20-200 watts |
up to 150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
97 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
45-35k Hz |
58-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
HVFR (High-Velocity Folded Ribbon) |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
150.0mm (5.9") |
174.0mm (6.9") |
| Width |
510.0mm (20.1") |
791.0mm (31.1") |
| Depth |
283.0mm (11.1") |
370.0mm (14.6") |
| Weight |
6.82kg (15lbs) |
16.23kg (35.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
polymer veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut, Black |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
A generation apart: Klipsch RP-450C is the newer design, against a 2015 model. Newer is not automatically better, but the older one is more likely to be discounted or near run-out.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass |
A |
GoldenEar SuperCenter X digs deeper - 45Hz against 58Hz. |
| Amplifier needs |
B |
Klipsch RP-450C is more sensitive (97dB vs 90dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Headroom |
A |
GoldenEar SuperCenter X takes more power (200W vs 150W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size |
depends |
GoldenEar SuperCenter X is easier to place; Klipsch RP-450C is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Cabinet |
depends |
Passive Radiator vs Ported. |
| Expandability |
depends |
Neither adds bi-amping, a sub output or height drivers. Klipsch RP-450C sits in a wider range (17 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price |
B |
Klipsch RP-450C is cheaper - $650 against $749, about 13% less. |
A GoldenEar SuperCenter X
B Klipsch RP-450C
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, placement or how you will use them.
Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
The usual trade-off: GoldenEar SuperCenter X measures better, Klipsch RP-450C costs about 13% less. Whether that gap is worth the money is the call only you can make - and in a normal room it is often smaller than the numbers suggest. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 58Hz anyway, which makes the cheaper Klipsch RP-450C much easier to justify. In a large or open-plan room, Klipsch RP-450C has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, GoldenEar SuperCenter X is the easier speaker to get right.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.