In this review, we will be comparing RP-400C and RP-500C, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Klipsch Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-400C and Klipsch RP-500C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
RP-400C and RP-500C 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-500C 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-500C 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 RP-400C and RP-500C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-400C |
Klipsch RP-500C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
RP-400C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 4" Cerametallic cone Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-500C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
RP-400C has a frequency range of 65-25k Hz whereas RP-500C has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the RP-500C 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-500C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-400C sensitivity is rated at 95 dB and the RP-500C's is at 96 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500C a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch RP-400C, 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.
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-500C.
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-400C features Binding post type posts and RP-500C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-400C's Binding post terminals
Klipsch RP-500C's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-400C and RP-500C 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-500C'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-500C has external dimensions of 175.0 x 472.0 x 254.0mm ( 6-7/8 x 18-9/16 x 10inch) .
Klipsch RP-500C is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 64mm wider, 28mm taller and 12mm deeper than Klipsch RP-400C.
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-500C is approximately 1198.9cm2 / 185.8inch2. The RP-400C requires 18% less surface area than the RP-500C which gives it a small advantage 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 RP-400C weighs 6.36kg / 14lbs and the Klipsch RP-500C weighs 8.18kg / 18lbs. This makes the RP-500C 29% heavier than the RP-400C.
Here is a comparison of how RP-400C and RP-500C'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 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-500C?
Here are the items that come with the RP-500C:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetTilt rod (attached nut)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Height |
147mm
vs
175mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
987cm2 (408x242mm)
vs
1198cm2 (472x254mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
95 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400C |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 75 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
95 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
65-25k Hz |
60-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix horn |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
147.0mm (5.8") |
175.0mm (6.9") |
| Width |
408.0mm (16.1") |
472.0mm (18.6") |
| Depth |
242.0mm (9.5") |
254.0mm (10") |
| Weight |
6.36kg (14lbs) |
8.18kg (18lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Walnut, Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |