In this review, we will be comparing Q650c and RP-500C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from KEF and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF Q650c and Klipsch RP-500C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the KEF Q650c 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the KEF Q650c 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.
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Drivers
Both Q650c and RP-500C are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
KEF Q650c |
Klipsch RP-500C |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
Q650c features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz. On the other hand, the RP-500C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
Q650c has a frequency range of 64-28k Hz whereas RP-500C has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the RP-500C can go slightly deeper then the Q650c's min frequency of 64Hz.
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
Q650c and RP-500C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Q650c 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 KEF Q650c, 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.
Q650c can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-500C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the Q650c.
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
Q650c features Binding post type posts and RP-500C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers 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 KEF Q650c's and Klipsch RP-500C's external dimensions. KEF Q650c has external dimensions of 212.0 x 631.0 x 304.0mm ( 8-5/16 x 24-13/16 x 11-15/16inch) 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) .
KEF Q650c is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 159mm wider, 37mm taller and 50mm deeper than Klipsch RP-500C.
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 KEF Q650c is approximately 1918.2cm2 / 297.3inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-500C is approximately 1198.9cm2 / 185.8inch2. The Q650c requires 60% 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 KEF Q650c weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs and the Klipsch RP-500C weighs 8.18kg / 18lbs. This makes the Q650c 67% heavier than the RP-500C.
Here is a comparison of how Q650c 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 KEF Q650c?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Q650c:
Center-channel loudspeaker 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owners Manual 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
Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Passive Radiator |
one 6.5-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
64 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Height |
175mm
vs
212mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
1198cm2 (472x254mm)
vs
1918cm2 (631x304mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
KEF Q650c |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C |
Brand |
KEF |
Klipsch |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
15-150 watts |
up to 100 watts |
Sensitivity |
87 dB |
96 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
4.2 ohms |
n/a |
Frequency Response |
64-28k Hz |
60-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
aluminum |
Cerametallic cone |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Tractrix horn |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2500Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
212.0mm (8.3") |
175.0mm (6.9") |
Width |
631.0mm (24.8") |
472.0mm (18.6") |
Depth |
304.0mm (12") |
254.0mm (10") |
Weight |
13.64kg (30lbs) |
8.18kg (18lbs) |
Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Satin White, Satin Black, Walnut |
Walnut, Black |
Grille |
optional |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |