In this review, we will be comparing RC-64 III and Revel Performa3 C208, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Revel. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RC-64 III and Revel Performa3 C208 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RC-64 III and Revel Performa3 C208 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 Revel Performa3 C208 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 Revel Performa3 C208 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 |
Revel Performa3 C208 |
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 8-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 Revel Performa3 C208 features a 1" aluminum dome with proprietary acoustic lens and waveguide Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 8" anodized aluminum cone with cast frames Woofer .
Frequency Response
RC-64 III has a frequency range of 57-24k Hz whereas Revel Performa3 C208 has a frequency range of 50Hz- 20kHz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the Revel Performa3 C208 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 and Revel Performa3 C208 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 Revel Performa3 C208's is at 89 dB. This 10 dB difference makes the Klipsch RC-64 III a more sensitive speaker compared to Revel Performa3 C208, 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 350 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RC-64 III has a max power handling value of 200 watts RMS , 150 watts less than the Revel Performa3 C208.
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. Revel Performa3 C208 has a Binding post which doesn't 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 Klipsch RC-64 III's and Revel Performa3 C208'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 Revel Performa3 C208 has external dimensions of 307.0 x 737.0 x 348.0mm ( 12-1/16 x 29 x 13-11/16inch) .
Revel Performa3 C208 is 172mm narrower and 40mm less deeper than Klipsch RC-64 III but it is also 103mm 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 Revel Performa3 C208 is approximately 2564.8cm2 / 397.5inch2. The RC-64 III requires 38% more surface area than the Revel Performa3 C208 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 Revel Performa3 C208 weighs 23.41kg / 51.5lbs. This makes the RC-64 III 7% heavier than the Revel Performa3 C208.
Here is a comparison of how RC-64 III and Revel Performa3 C208'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 Revel Performa3 C208?
Here are the items that come with the Revel Performa3 C208:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Short feet2 Long feet2 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)Owners Manual
Sensitivity |
99 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
High Frequency Response |
24k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
204mm
vs
307mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Price per pair* |
1829USD
vs
2200USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Max Input Power |
350 watts
vs
200 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
57 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Base Surface Area |
2564cm2 (737x348mm)
vs
3526cm2 (909x388mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
Revel Performa3 C208 |
Brand |
Klipsch |
Revel |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
up to 200 watts |
50-350 watts |
Sensitivity |
99 dB |
89 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
57-24k Hz |
50Hz- 20kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
8" |
Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
anodized aluminum cone with cast frames |
Tweeter Size |
1-3/4" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Tractrix horn |
dome with proprietary acoustic lens and waveguide |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
4" |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
204.0mm (8") |
307.0mm (12.1") |
Width |
909.0mm (35.8") |
737.0mm (29") |
Depth |
388.0mm (15.3") |
348.0mm (13.7") |
Weight |
25.00kg (55lbs) |
23.41kg (51.5lbs) |
Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Passive Radiator |
Finish |
furniture grade veneer |
n/a |
Available Colors |
Walnut |
Gloss 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 |