In this review, we will be comparing RC-64 III and L400, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RC-64 III and Polk L400 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RC-64 III and Polk L400 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 Polk L400 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that RC-64 III is a 2-way design whereas the L400 is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
Polk L400 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-3/4-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 6.5-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 L400 features a 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Woofer .
Frequency Response
RC-64 III has a frequency range of 57-24k Hz whereas L400 has a frequency range of 55-38k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the L400 can go slightly deeper then 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 L400 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 L400 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. RC-64 III sensitivity is rated at 99 dB and the L400's is rated at 87.5 dB. This 11 dB difference makes the Klipsch RC-64 III a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk L400, 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 300 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RC-64 III has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the L400.
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. L400 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
Polk L400's Binding post terminals
Polk L400 Port
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 Polk L400'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 Polk L400 has external dimensions of 245.0 x 662.0 x 343.0mm ( 9-5/8 x 26-1/16 x 13-1/2inch) .
Polk L400 is 247mm narrower and 45mm less deeper than Klipsch RC-64 III but it is also 41mm taller.
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 Polk L400 is approximately 2270.7cm2 / 352.0inch2. The RC-64 III requires 55% more surface area than the L400 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 Polk L400 weighs 18.55kg / 40.8lbs. This makes the RC-64 III 35% heavier than the L400.
Here is a comparison of how RC-64 III and L400'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 Polk L400?
Here are the items that come with the L400:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Jumper-wiresCleaning clothOwners ManualOnline Registration
 Sensitivity |
99 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 Height |
204mm
vs
245mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Max Input Power |
300 watts
vs
200 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
| Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
57 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
38k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
2270cm2 (662x343mm)
vs
3526cm2 (909x388mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1799USD
vs
1829USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
Polk Audio Legend L400 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 200 watts |
25-300 watts |
| Sensitivity |
99 dB |
87.5 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
57-24k Hz |
55-38k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
|
| Tweeter Size |
1-3/4" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix horn |
Pinnacle Ring Radiator |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
4" |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
204.0mm (8") |
245.0mm (9.6") |
| Width |
909.0mm (35.8") |
662.0mm (26.1") |
| Depth |
388.0mm (15.3") |
343.0mm (13.5") |
| Weight |
25.00kg (55lbs) |
18.55kg (40.8lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
furniture grade veneer |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Walnut |
Black, Walnut |
| 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 |