In this review, we will be comparing RP-404C II and HTM71 S2, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Bowers Wilkins.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-404C II and BW HTM71 S2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch RP-404C II Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 4 x 4" Cerametallic cone Woofer
- 87-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 94 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 125watts
- Weight:9.20kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 147.0" x 26-7/8" x 6-1/2"( 147.0 x 683.0 x 166.0mm )
BW HTM71 S2 Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter
- 4" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" Aerofoil Profile Woofer
- 4" Midrange
- 50-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-200watts
- Weight:18.05kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 228.0" x 23-1/4" x 11-7/8"( 228.0 x 591.0 x 302.0mm )
What size room are the Klipsch RP-404C II and BW HTM71 S2 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Klipsch RP-404C II |
BW HTM71 S2 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch RP-404C II and BW HTM71 S2 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 RP-404C II is a 2-way design whereas the HTM71 S2 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 RP-404C II |
BW HTM71 S2 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 4-inch
|
2 x 6.5-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 HTM71 S2 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Aerofoil Profile Woofer .
Frequency Response
RP-404C II has a frequency range of 87-25k Hz whereas HTM71 S2 has a frequency range of 50-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the HTM71 S2 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 and HTM71 S2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-404C II sensitivity is rated at 94 dB and the HTM71 S2's is at 89 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-404C II a more sensitive speaker compared to BW HTM71 S2, 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 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-404C II has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS , 75 watts less than the HTM71 S2.
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
HTM71 S2 features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-404C II has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-404C II's Binding post terminals
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 BW HTM71 S2'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 BW HTM71 S2 has external dimensions of 228.0 x 591.0 x 302.0mm ( 8-15/16 x 23-1/4 x 11-7/8inch) .
Klipsch RP-404C II is 81mm shorter and 136mm less deeper than BW HTM71 S2 but it is also 92mm 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 BW HTM71 S2 is approximately 1784.8cm2 / 276.6inch2. The RP-404C II requires 36% less surface area than the HTM71 S2 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.