In this review, we will be comparing RP-404C II and ProCenter 2000, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Definitive Technology.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-404C II and Definitive ProCenter 2000 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 )
Definitive ProCenter 2000 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" dome Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" BDSS Woofer
- 42-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 91 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-250watts
- Weight:4.55kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 169.0" x 17" x 6-7/16"( 169.0 x 432.0 x 164.0mm )
What size room are the Klipsch RP-404C II and Definitive ProCenter 2000 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 |
Definitive ProCenter 2000 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
(* 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 Definitive ProCenter 2000 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-404C II and ProCenter 2000 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-404C II |
Definitive ProCenter 2000 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 4-inch
|
2 x 5.25-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 ProCenter 2000 features a 1" pure aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" BDSS Woofer .
Frequency Response
RP-404C II has a frequency range of 87-25k Hz whereas ProCenter 2000 has a frequency range of 42-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the ProCenter 2000 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
Definitive ProCenter 2000
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 ProCenter 2000 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 ProCenter 2000's is at 91 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-404C II a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive ProCenter 2000, 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 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-404C II has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS , 125 watts less than the ProCenter 2000.
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-404C II features 5-Way post type posts and ProCenter 2000 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers 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 Definitive ProCenter 2000'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 Definitive ProCenter 2000 has external dimensions of 169.0 x 432.0 x 164.0mm ( 6-5/8 x 17 x 6-7/16inch) .
Definitive ProCenter 2000 is 251mm narrower and 2mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-404C II but it is also 22mm 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 RP-404C II is approximately 1133.8cm2 / 175.7inch2 and base area of the Definitive ProCenter 2000 is approximately 708.5cm2 / 109.8inch2. The RP-404C II requires 60% more surface area than the ProCenter 2000 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 RP-404C II weighs 9.20kg / 20.2lbs and the Definitive ProCenter 2000 weighs 4.55kg / 10lbs. This makes the RP-404C II 102% heavier than the ProCenter 2000.
Here is a comparison of how RP-404C II and ProCenter 2000's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Definitive ProCenter 2000
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
What's in the Box of Definitive ProCenter 2000?
Here are the items that come with the ProCenter 2000:
Black center-channel speakerRemovable cloth grille (installed)2 Plastic insertsOwners ManualOnline Product Registration card
 Sensitivity |
94 dB
vs
91 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 Height |
147mm
vs
169mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Max Input Power |
250 watts
vs
125 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
|
Woofer Size |
5.25 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 |
 Passive Radiator |
two 5-1/4-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Base Surface Area |
708cm2
vs
1133cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
379USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-404C II |
Definitive Technology ProCenter 2000 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 125 watts |
10-250 watts |
| Sensitivity |
94 dB |
91 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
87-25k Hz |
42-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
BDSS |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1900 Hz |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
147.0mm (5.8") |
169.0mm (6.7") |
| Width |
683.0mm (26.9") |
432.0mm (17") |
| Depth |
166.0mm (6.5") |
164.0mm (6.5") |
| Weight |
9.20kg (20.2lbs) |
4.55kg (10lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Gloss Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |