In this review, we will be comparing Story and R-34C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from KLH and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KLH Story and Klipsch R-34C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the KLH Story and Klipsch R-34C 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 KLH Story and Klipsch R-34C 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 Story and R-34C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
KLH Story |
Klipsch R-34C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
4 x 3.5-inch
|
Story features a 1" anodized aluminum Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" woven Kevlar Woofer . On the other hand, the R-34C features a 1" aluminum Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 3.5" copper spun IMG Woofer .
Frequency Response
Story has a frequency range of 48-23k Hz whereas R-34C has a frequency range of 82-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the Story can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-34C's min frequency of 82Hz.
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
Story and R-34C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Story sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the R-34C's is at 96 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-34C a more sensitive speaker compared to KLH Story, 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.
Story can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-34C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the Story.
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
Story features Binding post type posts and R-34C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-34C'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 KLH Story's and Klipsch R-34C's external dimensions. KLH Story has external dimensions of 181.0 x 486.0 x 251.0mm ( 7-1/8 x 19-1/8 x 9-7/8inch) whereas Klipsch R-34C has external dimensions of 126.0 x 662.0 x 159.0mm ( 4-15/16 x 26-1/16 x 6-1/4inch) .
Klipsch R-34C is 55mm shorter and 92mm less deeper than KLH Story but it is also 176mm wider.
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 KLH Story is approximately 1219.9cm2 / 189.1inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-34C is approximately 1052.6cm2 / 163.2inch2. The Story requires 16% more surface area than the R-34C 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 KLH Story weighs 7.27kg / 16lbs and the Klipsch R-34C weighs 5.91kg / 13lbs. This makes the Story 23% heavier than the R-34C.
Here is a comparison of how Story and R-34C'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 KLH Story?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Story:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Foam ports4 Self-adhesive rubber feetManual
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-34C?
Here are the items that come with the R-34C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetQuick Setup GuideImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
3.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
82 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
23k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
91 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
| Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 Height |
126mm
vs
181mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1052cm2 (662x159mm)
vs
1219cm2 (486x251mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
KLH Story |
Klipsch Reference R-34C |
| Brand |
KLH |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 150 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
91 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
48-23k Hz |
82-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
3.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
woven Kevlar |
copper spun IMG |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
n/a |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
181.0mm (7.1") |
126.0mm (5") |
| Width |
486.0mm (19.1") |
662.0mm (26.1") |
| Depth |
251.0mm (9.9") |
159.0mm (6.3") |
| Weight |
7.27kg (16lbs) |
5.91kg (13lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
textured wood grain viny |
| Available Colors |
Walnut |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
10 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
10 Years |
5 Years |