In this review, we will be comparing RP-404C II and RP-500C II, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Klipsch Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-404C II and Klipsch RP-500C II first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
RP-404C II and RP-500C II are members of Klipsch's Reference Premiere (RP) II series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Klipsch Reference Premiere (RP) II Series History
What size room are the Klipsch RP-404C II and Klipsch RP-500C II 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 Klipsch RP-500C II 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 RP-500C II are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-404C II |
Klipsch RP-500C II |
|
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 RP-500C II features a 1" titanium Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1630 Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-404C II has a frequency range of 87-25k Hz whereas RP-500C II has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the RP-500C II 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 RP-500C II 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 RP-500C II's is at 96 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500C II 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. 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 RP-500C II 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 RP-500C II 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 Klipsch RP-500C II'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 RP-500C II has external dimensions of 177.0 x 494.0 x 269.0mm ( 6-15/16 x 19-7/16 x 10-9/16inch) .
Klipsch RP-404C II is 30mm shorter and 103mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-500C II but it is also 189mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-404C II and Klipsch RP-500C II in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-404C II and Klipsch RP-500C II 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 RP-500C II is approximately 1328.9cm2 / 206.0inch2. The RP-404C II requires 15% less surface area than the RP-500C II 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 RP-500C II weighs 8.20kg / 18lbs. This makes the RP-404C II 12% heavier than the RP-500C II.
Here is a comparison of how RP-404C II and RP-500C II'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 Klipsch RP-500C II?
Here are the items that come with the RP-500C II:
Center channel loudspeakerGrilleTilt rod (attached nut)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 Height |
147mm
vs
177mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1133cm2 (683x166mm)
vs
1328cm2 (494x269mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
94 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
| Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
87 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-404C II |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 125 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
94 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
87-25k Hz |
60-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1900 Hz |
1630 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
147.0mm (5.8") |
177.0mm (7") |
| Width |
683.0mm (26.9") |
494.0mm (19.4") |
| Depth |
166.0mm (6.5") |
269.0mm (10.6") |
| Weight |
9.20kg (20.2lbs) |
8.20kg (18lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Walnut, Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |