In this review, we will be comparing RP-404C II and AE307, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Acoustic Energy. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-404C II and AE307 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RP-404C II and AE307 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-404C II and AE307 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both RP-404C II and AE307 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-404C II |
AE307 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1.1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 4-inch
|
2 x 5.2-inch
|
RP-404C II features a 1" titanium Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 4 x 4" Cerametallic cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1900 Hz. On the other hand, the AE307 features a 1.1" aluminium dome with waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 5.2" ceramic aluminium sandwich Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2560Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-404C II has a frequency range of 87-25k Hz whereas AE307 has a frequency range of 42Hz - 30kHz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the AE307 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-404C II's min frequency of 87Hz.
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-404C II is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the AE307 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. RP-404C II sensitivity is rated at 94 dB and the AE307's is rated at 89 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-404C II a more sensitive speaker compared to AE307, 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-404C II can handle a max power of 175 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-404C II has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the AE307.
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.
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-404C II's and AE307's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-404C II has external dimensions of 147.0 x 683.0 x 166.0mm ( 5-3/4 x 26-7/8 x 6-1/2inch) whereas AE307 has external dimensions of 175.0 x 460.0 x 260.0mm ( 6.9 x 18.1 x 10.2inch) .
Klipsch RP-404C II is 28mm shorter and 94mm less deeper than AE307 but it is also 223mm 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-404C II is approximately 1133.8cm2 / 175.7inch2 and base area of the AE307 is approximately 1196.0cm2 / 185.4inch2. The RP-404C II requires 5% less surface area than the AE307 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-404C II weighs 9.20kg / 20.2lbs and the AE307 weighs 9.00kg / 19.8lbs. This makes the RP-404C II 2% heavier than the AE307.
Here is a comparison of how RP-404C II and AE307'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-404C II?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-404C II:
Center channel loudspeakerGrilleUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Sensitivity |
94 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 Height |
147mm
vs
175mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1133cm2 (683x166mm)
vs
1196cm2 (460x260mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
175 watts
vs
125 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
| Woofer Size |
5.2 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
42 Hz
vs
87 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-404C II |
Acoustic Energy AE307 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Acoustic Energy |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 125 watts |
up to 175 watts |
| Sensitivity |
94 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
87-25k Hz |
42Hz - 30kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
5.2" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
ceramic aluminium sandwich |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1.1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
dome with waveguide |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1900 Hz |
2560Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
147.0mm (5.8") |
175.0mm (6.9") |
| Width |
683.0mm (26.9") |
460.0mm (18.1") |
| Depth |
166.0mm (6.5") |
260.0mm (10.2") |
| Weight |
9.20kg (20.2lbs) |
9.00kg (19.8lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
high density MDF |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Piano Gloss White, Piano Gloss Black, Real Walnut wood veneer |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
|
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
|