In this review, we will be comparing RP-404C II and SuperCenter X, two 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.
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 )
GoldenEar SuperCenter X Key Specs
- " HVFR (High-Velocity Folded Ribbon) Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Woofer
- 45-35k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-200watts
- Weight:6.82kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 150.0" x 20-1/16" x 11-1/8"( 150.0 x 510.0 x 283.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch RP-404C II and GoldenEar SuperCenter X 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 SuperCenter X is a -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 |
GoldenEar SuperCenter X |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
-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.
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 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. 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 SuperCenter X.
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 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
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 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.