In this review, we will be comparing RP-404C II and SuperCenter X, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and GoldenEar.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-404C II and GoldenEar SuperCenter X first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Klipsch RP-404C II | GoldenEar SuperCenter X |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Tractrix Horn | HVFR (High-Velocity Folded Ribbon) |
|---|
| Woofer | 4 x 4" Cerametallic cone | 2 x 5.25" |
|---|
| Frequency response | 87-25k Hz | 45-35k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 94 dB | 90 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | up to 125 watts | 20-200 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 9.20kg / 20.2lbs | 6.82kg / 15lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 5-3/4" x 26-7/8" x 6-1/2"
147.0 x 683.0 x 166.0mm | 5-7/8" x 20-1/16" x 11-1/8"
150.0 x 510.0 x 283.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the Klipsch RP-404C II and GoldenEar SuperCenter X 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 |
GoldenEar SuperCenter X |
| 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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
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through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both RP-404C II and SuperCenter X are 2-way speakers.
Klipsch RP-404C IIGoldenEar SuperCenter X
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-404C II |
GoldenEar SuperCenter X |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
-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 SuperCenter X features a " HVFR (High-Velocity Folded Ribbon) Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Woofer.
Frequency Response
RP-404C II has a frequency range of 87-25k Hz whereas SuperCenter X has a frequency range of 45-35k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the SuperCenter X can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-404C II's min frequency of 87Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
RP-404C II and SuperCenter X 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 SuperCenter X's is at 90 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-404C II a more sensitive speaker compared to GoldenEar SuperCenter X, 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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
SuperCenter X can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS, whereas RP-404C II has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS, 75 watts less than the SuperCenter X.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier — change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
RP-404C II features 5-Way post type posts and SuperCenter X 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
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 GoldenEar SuperCenter X'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 GoldenEar SuperCenter X has external dimensions of 150.0 x 510.0 x 283.0mm (5-7/8 x 20-1/16 x 11-1/8inch).
Klipsch RP-404C II is 3mm shorter and 117mm less deeper than GoldenEar SuperCenter X but it is also 173mm 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 GoldenEar SuperCenter X is approximately 1443.3cm2 / 223.7inch2. The RP-404C II requires 21% less surface area than the SuperCenter X 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 GoldenEar SuperCenter X weighs 6.82kg / 15lbs. This makes the RP-404C II 35% heavier than the SuperCenter X.
Here is a comparison of how RP-404C II and SuperCenter X'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 loudspeaker
- Grille
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
What's in the Box of GoldenEar SuperCenter X?
Here are the items that come with the SuperCenter X:
- Center-channel loudspeaker
- 3 Leveling feet
- 3 Threaded-inserts
- Owners Manual
 Sensitivity |
94 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 Height |
147mm
vs
150mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1133cm2
vs
1443cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
749USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
125 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
|
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
87 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
7-inch x 10-inch quadratic planar bass
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-404C II |
GoldenEar SuperCenter X |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
GoldenEar |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 125 watts |
20-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
94 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
87-25k Hz |
45-35k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
|
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
- |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
HVFR (High-Velocity Folded Ribbon) |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1900 Hz |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
147.0mm (5.8") |
150.0mm (5.9") |
| Width |
683.0mm (26.9") |
510.0mm (20.1") |
| Depth |
166.0mm (6.5") |
283.0mm (11.1") |
| Weight |
9.20kg (20.2lbs) |
6.82kg (15lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
A generation apart: Klipsch RP-404C II is the newer design, against a 2015 model. Newer is not automatically better, but the older one is more likely to be discounted or near run-out.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass |
B |
GoldenEar SuperCenter X digs deeper - 45Hz against 87Hz. |
| Amplifier needs |
A |
Klipsch RP-404C II is more sensitive (94dB vs 90dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Headroom |
B |
GoldenEar SuperCenter X takes more power (200W vs 125W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size |
depends |
Klipsch RP-404C II is easier to place; GoldenEar SuperCenter X is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Cabinet |
depends |
Sealed vs Passive Radiator. Sealed is tighter and happier near a wall; ported digs lower but wants space behind it. |
| Expandability |
depends |
Neither adds bi-amping, a sub output or height drivers. Klipsch RP-404C II sits in a wider range (10 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price |
A |
Klipsch RP-404C II is cheaper - $599 against $749, about 20% less. |
A Klipsch RP-404C II
B GoldenEar SuperCenter X
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, placement or how you will use them.
Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
The usual trade-off: GoldenEar SuperCenter X measures better, Klipsch RP-404C II costs about 20% less. Whether that gap is worth the money is the call only you can make - and in a normal room it is often smaller than the numbers suggest. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 87Hz anyway, which makes the cheaper Klipsch RP-404C II much easier to justify. If your amplifier is modest, vintage or valve-based, Klipsch RP-404C II is the safer partner - the other will want more current or more watts to sound its best.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.