In this review, we will be comparing RP-404C II and Q250c, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and KEF. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-404C II and KEF Q250c first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RP-404C II and KEF Q250c 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch RP-404C II and KEF Q250c 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 Q250c are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Klipsch RP-404C II |
KEF Q250c |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
4 x 4-inch
|
1 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 Q250c features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-404C II has a frequency range of 87-25k Hz whereas Q250c has a frequency range of 68-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 68Hz, the Q250c 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 Q250c 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 Q250c's is at 87 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-404C II a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q250c, 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 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Q250c has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the RP-404C II.
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 Binding post type posts and Q250c has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 KEF Q250c'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 KEF Q250c has external dimensions of 181.0 x 526.0 x 216.0mm ( 7-1/8 x 20-11/16 x 8-1/2inch) .
Klipsch RP-404C II is 34mm shorter and 50mm less deeper than KEF Q250c but it is also 157mm 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 KEF Q250c is approximately 1136.2cm2 / 176.1inch2. The RP-404C II requires 0% less surface area than the Q250c 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 KEF Q250c weighs 7.50kg / 16.5lbs. This makes the RP-404C II 23% heavier than the Q250c.
Here is a comparison of how RP-404C II and Q250c'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 loudspeakerGrilleUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of KEF Q250c?
Here are the items that come with the Q250c:
Center-channel loudspeaker 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owners Manual Warranty Information
Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
94 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Number of Woofers |
4
vs
1
|
More woofers |
Height |
147mm
vs
181mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
1133cm2 (683x166mm)
vs
1136cm2 (526x216mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
600USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
68 Hz
vs
87 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Passive Radiator |
one 6.5-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-404C II |
KEF Q250c |
Brand |
Klipsch |
KEF |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
up to 125 watts |
10-100 watts |
Sensitivity |
94 dB |
87 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
3.4 ohms |
Frequency Response |
87-25k Hz |
68-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
4 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
4" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
aluminum |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
1900 Hz |
2500Hz |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
147.0mm (5.8") |
181.0mm (7.1") |
Width |
683.0mm (26.9") |
526.0mm (20.7") |
Depth |
166.0mm (6.5") |
216.0mm (8.5") |
Weight |
9.20kg (20.2lbs) |
7.50kg (16.5lbs) |
Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Passive Radiator |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
n/a |
Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Satin White, Satin Black, Walnut |
Grille |
Yes |
optional |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |