In this review, we will be comparing RP-404C II and ES35, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-404C II and Polk ES35 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RP-404C II and Polk ES35 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 Polk ES35 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 ES35 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-404C II |
Polk ES35 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 4-inch
|
6 x 3-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 ES35 features a 1" Terylene High-res dome Tweeter and 6 x 3" mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance Woofer .
Frequency Response
RP-404C II has a frequency range of 87-25k Hz whereas ES35 has a frequency range of 66-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 66Hz, the ES35 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 ES35 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 ES35's is at 89 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-404C II a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk ES35, 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 ES35.
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 5-Way post type posts and ES35 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-404C II's Binding post terminals
Polk ES35's 5-Way post terminals
Polk ES35 Port
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 Polk ES35'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 Polk ES35 has external dimensions of 107.0 x 621.0 x 154.0mm ( 4-3/16 x 24-7/16 x 6-1/16inch) .
Klipsch RP-404C II is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 62mm wider, 40mm taller and 12mm deeper than Polk ES35.
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 Polk ES35 is approximately 956.3cm2 / 148.2inch2. The RP-404C II requires 19% more surface area than the ES35 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 Polk ES35 weighs 6.36kg / 14lbs. This makes the RP-404C II 45% heavier than the ES35.
Here is a comparison of how RP-404C II and ES35'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 Polk ES35?
Here are the items that come with the ES35:
LCR loudspeakerGrille (attached)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetWall-mount templateOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
 Sensitivity |
94 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
4 inches
vs
3 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
125 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
| Number of Woofers |
6
vs
4
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
66 Hz
vs
87 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
107mm
vs
147mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
956cm2 (621x154mm)
vs
1133cm2 (683x166mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-404C II |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES35 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Low-profile center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 125 watts |
20-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
94 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
87-25k Hz |
66-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
6 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
3" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
High-res dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
| Crossover Frequency |
1900 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
147.0mm (5.8") |
107.0mm (4.2") |
| Width |
683.0mm (26.9") |
621.0mm (24.4") |
| Depth |
166.0mm (6.5") |
154.0mm (6.1") |
| Weight |
9.20kg (20.2lbs) |
6.36kg (14lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF, Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Black, Walnut, White |
| 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 |