In this review, we will be comparing S 83 CEN and RP-500C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Jamo and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Jamo S 83 CEN and Klipsch RP-500C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Jamo S 83 CEN Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" soft dome with an integrated waveguide Tweeter
- 2 x 5" polyfiber Woofer
- 65-26k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 80watts
- Weight:6.80kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 216.0" x 19-5/8" x 9-11/16"( 216.0 x 499.0 x 247.0mm )
Klipsch RP-500C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix horn Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer
- 60-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 96 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:8.18kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 175.0" x 18-9/16" x 10"( 175.0 x 472.0 x 254.0mm )
What size room are the Jamo S 83 CEN and Klipsch RP-500C 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* |
Jamo S 83 CEN |
Klipsch RP-500C |
| Near-field |
Average |
Average |
| Small Room |
Good |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
Bad |
(* 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.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Jamo S 83 CEN and Klipsch RP-500C compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both S 83 CEN and RP-500C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Jamo S 83 CEN |
Klipsch RP-500C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
S 83 CEN features a 1" soft dome with an integrated waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 5" polyfiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000Hz. On the other hand, the RP-500C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
S 83 CEN has a frequency range of 65-26k Hz whereas RP-500C has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the RP-500C can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the S 83 CEN's min frequency of 65Hz.
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
S 83 CEN and RP-500C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. S 83 CEN sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the RP-500C's is at 96 dB. This 9 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500C a more sensitive speaker compared to Jamo S 83 CEN, 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.
S 83 CEN can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas S 83 CEN has a max power handling value of 80 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the RP-500C.
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
S 83 CEN features Binding post type posts and RP-500C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Jamo S 83 CEN's Binding post terminals
Klipsch RP-500C's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both S 83 CEN and RP-500C have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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 Jamo S 83 CEN's and Klipsch RP-500C's external dimensions. Jamo S 83 CEN has external dimensions of 216.0 x 499.0 x 247.0mm ( 8-1/2 x 19-5/8 x 9-11/16inch) whereas Klipsch RP-500C has external dimensions of 175.0 x 472.0 x 254.0mm ( 6-7/8 x 18-9/16 x 10inch) .
Klipsch RP-500C is 27mm narrower and 41mm shorter than Jamo S 83 CEN but it is also 7mm deeper.
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 Jamo S 83 CEN is approximately 1232.5cm2 / 191.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-500C is approximately 1198.9cm2 / 185.8inch2. The S 83 CEN requires 3% more surface area than the RP-500C 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 Jamo S 83 CEN weighs 6.80kg / 15lbs and the Klipsch RP-500C weighs 8.18kg / 18lbs. This makes the RP-500C 20% heavier than the S 83 CEN.
Here is a comparison of how S 83 CEN and RP-500C'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 Jamo S 83 CEN?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of S 83 CEN:
Center-channel loudspeaker Grille User Manual Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-500C?
Here are the items that come with the RP-500C:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetTilt rod (attached nut)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 High Frequency Response |
26k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
80 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
175mm
vs
216mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1198cm2
vs
1232cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Jamo S 83 CEN |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C |
| Brand |
Jamo |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 80 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
65-26k Hz |
60-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
polyfiber |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
soft dome with an integrated waveguide |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2000Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
216.0mm (8.5") |
175.0mm (6.9") |
| Width |
499.0mm (19.6") |
472.0mm (18.6") |
| Depth |
247.0mm (9.7") |
254.0mm (10") |
| Weight |
6.80kg (15lbs) |
8.18kg (18lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black, White, Walnut |
Walnut, Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |