In this review, we will be comparing RP-404C II and R-52C, 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-52C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Klipsch RP-404C II | Klipsch R-52C |
|---|
| Brand | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Tractrix Horn | 1" Tractrix horn |
|---|
| Woofer | 4 x 4" Cerametallic cone | 2 x 5.25" copper spun IMG |
|---|
| Frequency response | 87-25k Hz | 89-21k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 94 dB | 95 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | up to 125 watts | up to 100 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 9.20kg / 20.2lbs | 3.18kg / 7lbs |
|---|
| 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 | 7-1/16" x 18-13/16" x 7-11/16"
180.0 x 478.0 x 196.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the Klipsch RP-404C II and Klipsch R-52C 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-52C |
| 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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both RP-404C II and R-52C are 2-way speakers.
Klipsch RP-404C IIKlipsch R-52C
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 R-52C |
|
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 R-52C features a 1" aluminum Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" copper spun IMG Woofer.
Frequency Response
RP-404C II has a frequency range of 87-25k Hz whereas R-52C has a frequency range of 89-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 87Hz, the RP-404C II can go slightly deeper then the R-52C's min frequency of 89Hz.
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 R-52C 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-52C's is at 95 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-52C 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.
RP-404C II can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS, whereas R-52C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the RP-404C II.
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
RP-404C II features Binding post type posts and R-52C 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-52C's Binding post terminals
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 R-52C'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-52C has external dimensions of 180.0 x 478.0 x 196.0mm (7-1/16 x 18-13/16 x 7-11/16inch).
Klipsch RP-404C II is 33mm shorter and 30mm less deeper than Klipsch R-52C but it is also 205mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-404C II and Klipsch R-52C in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-404C II and Klipsch R-52C 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 R-52C is approximately 936.9cm2 / 145.2inch2. The RP-404C II requires 21% more surface area than the R-52C 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-52C weighs 3.18kg / 7lbs. This makes the RP-404C II 189% heavier than the R-52C.
Here is a comparison of how RP-404C II and R-52C'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 R-52C?
Here are the items that come with the R-52C:
- Center-channel loudspeaker
- Grille (installed)
- 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- Quick Setup Guide
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
|
Low Frequency Response |
87 Hz
vs
89 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
147mm
vs
180mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Sensitivity |
95 dB
vs
94 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
|
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Base Surface Area |
936cm2
vs
1133cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
349USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-404C II |
Klipsch Reference R-52C |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 125 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
94 dB |
95 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
87-25k Hz |
89-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
5.25" |
| 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 |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1900 Hz |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
147.0mm (5.8") |
180.0mm (7.1") |
| Width |
683.0mm (26.9") |
478.0mm (18.8") |
| Depth |
166.0mm (6.5") |
196.0mm (7.7") |
| Weight |
9.20kg (20.2lbs) |
3.18kg (7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
wood grain vinyl |
| 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 |
These sit in different price classes - Klipsch RP-404C II costs roughly 1.7x what Klipsch R-52C 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 | evenly matched | Much the same reach (87Hz vs 89Hz). |
| Amplifier needs | evenly matched | Similar sensitivity (94dB vs 95dB) - both want much the same power. |
| Headroom | A | Klipsch RP-404C II takes more power (125W vs 100W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | Similar cabinet size - neither is easier to fit. |
| Expandability | depends | Neither adds bi-amping, a sub output or height drivers. Klipsch RP-404C II sits in a wider range (10 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | B | Klipsch R-52C is cheaper - $349 against $599, about 42% less; arguably a different class. |
A Klipsch RP-404C II B Klipsch R-52C
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?
Klipsch RP-404C II is ahead, but only on 1 of the measured areas, and it costs about 72% more. That is a lot of money for a narrow margin on paper - Klipsch R-52C looks like the sensible buy unless something else about the Klipsch RP-404C II appeals to you. Match it to your room: we rate Klipsch RP-404C II the better fit for a mid-size room and a large room, and Klipsch R-52C for near-field listening and a small room. Think about the whole system, not just the speakers: the roughly $250 saved by taking the cheaper pair would buy a subwoofer or a better amplifier, and either usually does more for the sound than the difference between these two.
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.