In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Klipsch. Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400C is a Center Channel speaker whereas the RP-160M is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-400C and Klipsch RP-160M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
RP-400C and RP-160M are members of Klipsch's Reference Premiere (RP) series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Klipsch Reference Premiere (RP) Series History
What size room are the Klipsch RP-400C and Klipsch RP-160M 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 RP-400C and Klipsch RP-160M compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both RP-400C and RP-160M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-400C |
Klipsch RP-160M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
RP-400C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 4" Cerametallic cone Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-160M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-400C has a frequency range of 65-25k Hz whereas RP-160M has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the RP-160M can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-400C's min frequency of 65Hz.
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
RP-400C and RP-160M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 95 dB.
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.
RP-400C can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-400C has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS , 25 watts less than the RP-160M.
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
RP-160M features Dual binding posts posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-400C has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-400C's Binding post terminals
Klipsch RP-160M's Dual binding posts terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-400C and RP-160M have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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 RP-400C's and Klipsch RP-160M's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-400C has external dimensions of 147.0 x 408.0 x 242.0mm ( 5-3/4 x 16-1/16 x 9-1/2inch) whereas Klipsch RP-160M has external dimensions of 424.0 x 224.0 x 327.0mm ( 16.6 x 8.8 x 12.8inch) .
Klipsch RP-400C is 277mm shorter and 85mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-160M but it is also 184mm 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 Klipsch RP-400C is approximately 987.4cm2 / 153.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-160M is approximately 732.5cm2 / 113.5inch2. The RP-400C requires 35% more surface area than the RP-160M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-400C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-400C:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetTilt rod (attached nut)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-160M?
Here are the items that come with the RP-160M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Detachable magnetic grilles User Manual Warranty Information Important Safety Instructions