In this review, we will be comparing RC-64 III and RP-450C, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Klipsch Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RC-64 III and Klipsch RP-450C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RC-64 III and Klipsch RP-450C 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 Klipsch RP-450C 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 RP-450C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
Klipsch RP-450C |
|
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 RP-450C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
RC-64 III has a frequency range of 57-24k Hz whereas RP-450C has a frequency range of 58-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 57Hz, the RC-64 III can go slightly deeper then the RP-450C's min frequency of 58Hz.
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 and RP-450C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RC-64 III sensitivity is rated at 99 dB and the RP-450C's is at 97 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Klipsch RC-64 III a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch RP-450C, 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 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-450C has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the RC-64 III.
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. RP-450C has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RC-64 III's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Klipsch RP-450C'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 Klipsch RC-64 III's and Klipsch RP-450C'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 Klipsch RP-450C has external dimensions of 174.0 x 791.0 x 370.0mm ( 6-13/16 x 31-1/8 x 14-9/16inch) .
Klipsch RC-64 III is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 118mm wider, 30mm taller and 18mm deeper than Klipsch RP-450C.
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 Klipsch RP-450C is approximately 2926.7cm2 / 453.6inch2. The RC-64 III requires 21% more surface area than the RP-450C 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 Klipsch RP-450C weighs 16.23kg / 35.7lbs. This makes the RC-64 III 54% heavier than the RP-450C.
Here is a comparison of how RC-64 III and RP-450C'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 Klipsch RP-450C?
Here are the items that come with the RP-450C:
Center-channel loudspeakerDetachable magnetic grille4 Rubber feetUser ManualWarranty InformationImportant Safety Instructions
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
99 dB
vs
97 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
57 Hz
vs
58 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
174mm
vs
204mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2926cm2 (791x370mm)
vs
3526cm2 (909x388mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
650USD
vs
1829USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-450C |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker (Ebony) |
| Power Range |
up to 200 watts |
up to 150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
99 dB |
97 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
57-24k Hz |
58-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1-3/4" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix horn |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
204.0mm (8") |
174.0mm (6.9") |
| Width |
909.0mm (35.8") |
791.0mm (31.1") |
| Depth |
388.0mm (15.3") |
370.0mm (14.6") |
| Weight |
25.00kg (55lbs) |
16.23kg (35.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
furniture grade veneer |
polymer veneer |
| Available Colors |
Walnut |
Walnut, Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |