In this review, we will be comparing RP-404C II and RC-64 III, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-404C II and Klipsch RC-64 III first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Klipsch RP-404C II | Klipsch RC-64 III |
|---|
| Brand | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Tractrix Horn | 1-3/4" Tractrix horn |
|---|
| Woofer | 4 x 4" Cerametallic cone | 4 x 6.5" Cerametallic cone |
|---|
| Frequency response | 87-25k Hz | 57-24k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 94 dB | 99 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | up to 125 watts | up to 200 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 9.20kg / 20.2lbs | 25.00kg / 55lbs |
|---|
| 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 | 8" x 35-3/4" x 15-1/4"
204.0 x 909.0 x 388.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the Klipsch RP-404C II and Klipsch RC-64 III 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 |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
| 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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Drivers
Both RP-404C II and RC-64 III are 2-way speakers.
Klipsch RP-404C IIKlipsch RC-64 III
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 |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-3/4-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 4-inch
|
4 x 6.5-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 RC-64 III features a 1-3/4" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 6.5" Cerametallic cone Woofer.
Frequency Response
RP-404C II has a frequency range of 87-25k Hz whereas RC-64 III has a frequency range of 57-24k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 57Hz, the RC-64 III 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 RC-64 III 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 RC-64 III's is at 99 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Klipsch RC-64 III a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch RP-404C II, 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.
RC-64 III 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 RC-64 III.
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
RC-64 III features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-404C II has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-404C II's Binding post terminals
Klipsch RC-64 III's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
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 Klipsch RC-64 III'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 Klipsch RC-64 III has external dimensions of 204.0 x 909.0 x 388.0mm (8 x 35-3/4 x 15-1/4inch).
Klipsch RC-64 III is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 226mm wider, 57mm taller and 222mm deeper than Klipsch RP-404C II.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-404C II and Klipsch RC-64 III in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-404C II and Klipsch RC-64 III Size and External Dimensions
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 Klipsch RC-64 III is approximately 3526.9cm2 / 546.7inch2. The RP-404C II requires 68% less surface area than the RC-64 III 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 Klipsch RC-64 III weighs 25.00kg / 55lbs. This makes the RC-64 III 172% heavier than the RP-404C II.
Here is a comparison of how RP-404C II and RC-64 III'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 Klipsch RC-64 III?
Here are the items that come with the RC-64 III:
- Center channel loudspeaker
- Grille
- 6 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- 2 Jumpers (pre-installed)
- Owners Manual
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
147mm
vs
204mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1133cm2
vs
3526cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
1829USD
|
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 |
 Sensitivity |
99 dB
vs
94 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
57 Hz
vs
87 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-404C II |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 125 watts |
up to 200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
94 dB |
99 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
87-25k Hz |
57-24k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1-3/4" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1900 Hz |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
147.0mm (5.8") |
204.0mm (8") |
| Width |
683.0mm (26.9") |
909.0mm (35.8") |
| Depth |
166.0mm (6.5") |
388.0mm (15.3") |
| Weight |
9.20kg (20.2lbs) |
25.00kg (55lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
furniture grade veneer |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
These sit in different price classes - Klipsch RC-64 III costs roughly 3.1x what Klipsch RP-404C II does. Expect it to lead on paper; the question is whether the gap is audible enough in your room to be worth it.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | B | Klipsch RC-64 III digs deeper - 57Hz against 87Hz. |
| Amplifier needs | B | Klipsch RC-64 III is more sensitive (99dB vs 94dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Headroom | B | Klipsch RC-64 III takes more power (200W vs 125W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | Klipsch RP-404C II is easier to place; Klipsch RC-64 III 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 | B | Klipsch RC-64 III: bi-amping. |
| Price | A | Klipsch RP-404C II is cheaper - $599 against $1,829, about 67% less; arguably a different class. |
A Klipsch RP-404C II B Klipsch RC-64 III
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system 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: Klipsch RC-64 III measures better, Klipsch RP-404C II costs about about 3.1x the price% 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. In a large or open-plan room, Klipsch RC-64 III has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, Klipsch RP-404C II is the easier speaker to get right.
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.