In this review, we will be comparing RP-404C II and Story, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and KLH. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-404C II and KLH Story first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RP-404C II and KLH Story 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 KLH Story 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 Story are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-404C II |
KLH Story |
|
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 Story features a 1" anodized aluminum Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" woven Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
RP-404C II has a frequency range of 87-25k Hz whereas Story has a frequency range of 48-23k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the Story 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 Story 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 Story's is at 91 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-404C II a more sensitive speaker compared to KLH Story, 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 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-404C II has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS , 25 watts less than the Story.
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 Story has a Binding 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 KLH Story'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 KLH Story has external dimensions of 181.0 x 486.0 x 251.0mm ( 7-1/8 x 19-1/8 x 9-7/8inch) .
Klipsch RP-404C II is 34mm shorter and 85mm less deeper than KLH Story but it is also 197mm 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 KLH Story is approximately 1219.9cm2 / 189.1inch2. The RP-404C II requires 7% less surface area than the Story 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 KLH Story weighs 7.27kg / 16lbs. This makes the RP-404C II 27% heavier than the Story.
Here is a comparison of how RP-404C II and Story'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 KLH Story?
Here are the items that come with the Story:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Foam ports4 Self-adhesive rubber feetManual
 Sensitivity |
94 dB
vs
91 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
23k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
147mm
vs
181mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1133cm2 (683x166mm)
vs
1219cm2 (486x251mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
125 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
| Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
87 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
480USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-404C II |
KLH Story |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
KLH |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 125 watts |
up to 150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
94 dB |
91 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
87-25k Hz |
48-23k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
woven Kevlar |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
n/a |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1900 Hz |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
147.0mm (5.8") |
181.0mm (7.1") |
| Width |
683.0mm (26.9") |
486.0mm (19.1") |
| Depth |
166.0mm (6.5") |
251.0mm (9.9") |
| Weight |
9.20kg (20.2lbs) |
7.27kg (16lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
10 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
10 Years |