In this review, we will be comparing RP-404C II and Elysian C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-404C II and Wharfedale Elysian C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RP-404C II and Wharfedale Elysian C 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 Wharfedale Elysian C 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that RP-404C II is a 2-way design whereas the Elysian C is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
Driver |
Klipsch RP-404C II |
Wharfedale Elysian C |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
27 x 45mm-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 6-inch |
Woofer
|
4 x 4-inch
|
2 x 8.5-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 Elysian C features a 27 x 45mm" Air Motion Transformer (AMT) Tweeter , a 6" Midrange and 2 x 8.5" coated fiberglass matrix Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 360Hz and 2900HZ.
Frequency Response
RP-404C II has a frequency range of 87-25k Hz whereas Elysian C has a frequency range of 35-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 35Hz, the Elysian C 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 Elysian C which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. RP-404C II sensitivity is rated at 94 dB and the Elysian C's is rated at 91 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-404C II a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale Elysian C, 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 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-404C II has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS , 125 watts less than the Elysian C.
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
Elysian C 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.
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 Wharfedale Elysian C'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 Wharfedale Elysian C has external dimensions of 321.0 x 831.0 x 370.0mm ( 12-5/8 x 32-11/16 x 14-9/16inch) .
Wharfedale Elysian C is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 148mm wider, 174mm taller and 204mm deeper than Klipsch RP-404C II.
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 Wharfedale Elysian C is approximately 3074.7cm2 / 476.6inch2. The RP-404C II requires 63% less surface area than the Elysian C 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 Wharfedale Elysian C weighs 30.23kg / 66.5lbs. This makes the Elysian C 229% heavier than the RP-404C II.
Here is a comparison of how RP-404C II and Elysian C'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 Wharfedale Elysian C?
Here are the items that come with the Elysian C:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille2 Terminal-jumpersUser Manual
Sensitivity |
94 dB
vs
91 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
147mm
vs
321mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
1133cm2 (683x166mm)
vs
3074cm2 (831x370mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
599USD
vs
4995USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Max Input Power |
250 watts
vs
125 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
Woofer Size |
8.5 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
35 Hz
vs
87 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Passive Radiator |
Foamed Rubber
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-404C II |
Wharfedale Elysian C |
Brand |
Klipsch |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
up to 125 watts |
50-250 watts |
Sensitivity |
94 dB |
91 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
3.5 ohms |
Frequency Response |
87-25k Hz |
35-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
4" |
8.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
coated fiberglass matrix |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
27 x 45mm" |
Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Air Motion Transformer (AMT) |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
6" |
Crossover Frequency |
1900 Hz |
360Hz and 2900HZ |
Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
147.0mm (5.8") |
321.0mm (12.6") |
Width |
683.0mm (26.9") |
831.0mm (32.7") |
Depth |
166.0mm (6.5") |
370.0mm (14.6") |
Weight |
9.20kg (20.2lbs) |
30.23kg (66.5lbs) |
Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Lacquer |
Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Piano Black, Piano Walnut,White |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |