In this review, we will be comparing RP-404C II and R-34C, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Klipsch
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-404C II and Klipsch R-34C 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 )
Klipsch R-34C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix horn Tweeter
- 4 x 3.5" copper spun IMG Woofer
- 82-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 96 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:5.91kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 126.0" x 26-1/16" x 6-1/4"( 126.0 x 662.0 x 159.0mm )
What size room are the Klipsch RP-404C II and Klipsch R-34C 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 R-34C |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Average |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Bad |
(* 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 Klipsch R-34C 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 R-34C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-404C II |
Klipsch R-34C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 4-inch
|
4 x 3.5-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 R-34C features a 1" aluminum Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 3.5" copper spun IMG Woofer .
Frequency Response
RP-404C II has a frequency range of 87-25k Hz whereas R-34C has a frequency range of 82-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 82Hz, the R-34C 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 R-34C 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 R-34C's is at 96 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-34C 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 R-34C 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 R-34C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-404C II's Binding post terminals
Klipsch R-34C'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 R-34C'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 R-34C has external dimensions of 126.0 x 662.0 x 159.0mm ( 4-15/16 x 26-1/16 x 6-1/4inch) .
Klipsch RP-404C II is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 21mm wider, 21mm taller and 7mm deeper than Klipsch R-34C.
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 R-34C is approximately 1052.6cm2 / 163.2inch2. The RP-404C II requires 8% more surface area than the R-34C which gives it a small disadvantage 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 R-34C weighs 5.91kg / 13lbs. This makes the RP-404C II 56% heavier than the R-34C.
Here is a comparison of how RP-404C II and R-34C'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 R-34C?
Here are the items that come with the R-34C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetQuick Setup GuideImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
4 inches
vs
3.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
94 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
|
Low Frequency Response |
82 Hz
vs
87 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
126mm
vs
147mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1052cm2
vs
1133cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-404C II |
Klipsch Reference R-34C |
| 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 |
82-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
3.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
copper spun IMG |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
| Crossover Frequency |
1900 Hz |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
147.0mm (5.8") |
126.0mm (5") |
| Width |
683.0mm (26.9") |
662.0mm (26.1") |
| Depth |
166.0mm (6.5") |
159.0mm (6.3") |
| Weight |
9.20kg (20.2lbs) |
5.91kg (13lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
textured wood grain viny |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |