In this review, we will be comparing RP-404C II and HDI-4500, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and JBL.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-404C II and JBL HDI-4500 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 )
JBL HDI-4500 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" horn-loaded high-frequency compression Tweeter
- 4 x 5.25" Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone Woofer
- 50-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:20-250watts
- Weight:20.15kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 197.0" x 33-1/8" x 12-3/16"( 197.0 x 842.0 x 310.0mm )
What size room are the Klipsch RP-404C II and JBL HDI-4500 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 |
JBL HDI-4500 |
| 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 JBL HDI-4500 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
Both RP-404C II and HDI-4500 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-404C II |
JBL HDI-4500 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 4-inch
|
4 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 HDI-4500 features a 1" horn-loaded high-frequency compression Tweeter and 4 x 5.25" Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
RP-404C II has a frequency range of 87-25k Hz whereas HDI-4500 has a frequency range of 50-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the HDI-4500 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 HDI-4500 which has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the HDI-4500 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. RP-404C II sensitivity is rated at 94 dB and the HDI-4500's is rated at 90 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-404C II a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL HDI-4500, 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 HDI-4500.
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 HDI-4500 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-404C II's Binding post terminals
JBL HDI-4500's 5-Way 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 JBL HDI-4500'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 JBL HDI-4500 has external dimensions of 197.0 x 842.0 x 310.0mm ( 7-3/4 x 33-1/8 x 12-3/16inch) .
JBL HDI-4500 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 159mm wider, 50mm taller and 144mm deeper than Klipsch RP-404C II.
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 JBL HDI-4500 is approximately 2610.2cm2 / 404.6inch2. The RP-404C II requires 57% less surface area than the HDI-4500 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.