In this review, we will be comparing RC-64 III and HDI-4500, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and JBL. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RC-64 III and JBL HDI-4500 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RC-64 III and JBL HDI-4500 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 Klipsch RC-64 III and JBL HDI-4500 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 RC-64 III and HDI-4500 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
JBL HDI-4500 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-3/4-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 6.5-inch
|
4 x 5.25-inch
|
RC-64 III features a 1-3/4" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 6.5" Cerametallic cone Woofer . On the other hand, the HDI-4500 features a 1" horn-loaded high-frequency compression Tweeter and 4 x 5.25" Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
RC-64 III has a frequency range of 57-24k Hz whereas HDI-4500 has a frequency range of 50-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the HDI-4500 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
RC-64 III is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the HDI-4500 which has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the HDI-4500 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. RC-64 III sensitivity is rated at 99 dB and the HDI-4500's is rated at 90 dB. This 9 dB difference makes the Klipsch RC-64 III a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL HDI-4500, 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.
RC-64 III 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 HDI-4500.
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. HDI-4500 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
JBL HDI-4500's 5-Way 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 Klipsch RC-64 III's and JBL HDI-4500's external dimensions. 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) whereas JBL HDI-4500 has external dimensions of 197.0 x 842.0 x 310.0mm ( 7-3/4 x 33-1/8 x 12-3/16inch) .
Klipsch RC-64 III is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 67mm wider, 7mm taller and 78mm deeper than JBL HDI-4500.
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 Klipsch RC-64 III is approximately 3526.9cm2 / 546.7inch2 and base area of the JBL HDI-4500 is approximately 2610.2cm2 / 404.6inch2. The RC-64 III requires 35% more surface area than the HDI-4500 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 Klipsch RC-64 III weighs 25.00kg / 55lbs and the JBL HDI-4500 weighs 20.15kg / 44.3lbs. This makes the RC-64 III 24% heavier than the HDI-4500.
Here is a comparison of how RC-64 III and HDI-4500'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 Klipsch RC-64 III?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RC-64 III:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille6 Self-adhesive rubber feet2 Jumpers (pre-installed)Owners Manual
What's in the Box of JBL HDI-4500?
Here are the items that come with the HDI-4500:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)Owners Manual
 Sensitivity |
99 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Price per pair* |
1829USD
vs
1925USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
250 watts
vs
200 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
| Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
57 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
197mm
vs
204mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2610cm2 (842x310mm)
vs
3526cm2 (909x388mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
JBL HDI-4500 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 200 watts |
20-250 watts |
| Sensitivity |
99 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
57-24k Hz |
50-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone |
| Tweeter Size |
1-3/4" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix horn |
horn-loaded high-frequency compression |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
N/A" |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
204.0mm (8") |
197.0mm (7.8") |
| Width |
909.0mm (35.8") |
842.0mm (33.1") |
| Depth |
388.0mm (15.3") |
310.0mm (12.2") |
| Weight |
25.00kg (55lbs) |
20.15kg (44.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
furniture grade veneer |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Walnut |
Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |