In this review, we will be comparing RP-404C II and Lumina CI, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Sonus Faber. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-404C II and Sonus Lumina Center I 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 )
Sonus Lumina Center I Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1.15" high definition DAD Tweeter
- 2 x 4.75" paper cone Woofer
- 65-24k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 4ohms
- Power Range:30-100watts
- Weight:7.60kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 169.0" x 20.6" x 8.4"( 169.0 x 524.0 x 213.0mm )
What size room are the Klipsch RP-404C II and Sonus Lumina Center I 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 |
Sonus Lumina Center I |
| 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 Sonus Lumina Center I 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 Lumina CI are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-404C II |
Sonus Lumina Center I |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1.15-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 4-inch
|
2 x 4.75-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 Lumina CI features a 1.15" high definition DAD Tweeter and 2 x 4.75" paper cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000 Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-404C II has a frequency range of 87-25k Hz whereas Lumina CI has a frequency range of 65-24k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 65Hz, the Lumina CI 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 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Lumina CI which has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Lumina CI can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. RP-404C II sensitivity is rated at 94 dB and the Lumina CI's is rated at 87 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-404C II a more sensitive speaker compared to Sonus Lumina Center I, 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 Lumina CI 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
Lumina CI 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
Sonus Lumina Center I's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
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 Sonus Lumina Center I'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 Sonus Lumina Center I has external dimensions of 169.0 x 524.0 x 213.0mm ( 6.6 x 20.6 x 8.4inch) .
Klipsch RP-404C II is 22mm shorter and 47mm less deeper than Sonus Lumina Center I but it is also 159mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-404C II and Sonus Lumina Center I in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-404C II and Sonus Lumina Center I 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 Sonus Lumina Center I is approximately 1116.1cm2 / 173.0inch2. The RP-404C II requires 2% more surface area than the Lumina CI 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 Sonus Lumina Center I weighs 7.60kg / 16.7lbs. This makes the RP-404C II 21% heavier than the Lumina CI.
Here is a comparison of how RP-404C II and Lumina CI'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 Sonus Lumina Center I?
Here are the items that come with the Lumina CI:
1 Center Channel Speaker1 Manual 2 Jumpers1 Grilles 1 Fabric dust guards