In this review, we will be comparing SuperCenter X and RP-450C, two 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.
GoldenEar SuperCenter X Key Specs
- " HVFR (High-Velocity Folded Ribbon) Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Woofer
- 45-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-200watts
- Weight:6.82kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 150.0" x 20-1/16" x 11-1/8"( 150.0 x 510.0 x 283.0mm )
Klipsch RP-450C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix horn Tweeter
- 4 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer
- 58-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 97 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 150watts
- Weight:16.23kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 174.0" x 31-1/8" x 14-9/16"( 174.0 x 791.0 x 370.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the GoldenEar SuperCenter X and Klipsch RP-450C 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 X is a -way design whereas the RP-450C 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 X |
Klipsch RP-450C |
|
Driver Setup
|
-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.
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
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. 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 X can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-450C has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the SuperCenter X.
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
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
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 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.