In this review, we will be comparing SuperCenter XL 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 XL and Klipsch RC-64 III first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
GoldenEar SuperCenter XL Key Specs
- " Tweeter
- " Woofer
- 36-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 91 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-250watts
- Weight:9.55kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 147.0" x 29" x 11-1/8"( 147.0 x 737.0 x 283.0mm )
Klipsch RC-64 III Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1-3/4" Tractrix horn Tweeter
- 4 x 6.5" Cerametallic cone Woofer
- 57-24k Hz Frequency Response
- 99 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 200watts
- Weight:25.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 204.0" x 35-3/4" x 15-1/4"( 204.0 x 909.0 x 388.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the GoldenEar SuperCenter XL 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 XL is a -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 XL |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
|
Driver Setup
|
-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-3/4-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
x -inch
|
4 x 6.5-inch
|
SuperCenter XL features a " Tweeter and x " 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 XL has a frequency range of 36-35k Hz whereas RC-64 III has a frequency range of 57-24k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 36Hz, the SuperCenter XL 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
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 XL and RC-64 III have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. SuperCenter XL 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 XL, 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 XL can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RC-64 III has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the SuperCenter XL.
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 XL has a 5-Way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RC-64 III's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or 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 XL's and Klipsch RC-64 III's external dimensions. GoldenEar SuperCenter XL has external dimensions of 147.0 x 737.0 x 283.0mm ( 5-3/4 x 29 x 11-1/8inch) 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 172mm wider, 57mm taller and 105mm deeper than GoldenEar SuperCenter XL.
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 XL is approximately 2085.7cm2 / 323.3inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RC-64 III is approximately 3526.9cm2 / 546.7inch2. The SuperCenter XL requires 41% less surface area than the RC-64 III which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.