In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by Klipsch. Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-404C is a Center Channel speaker whereas the RP-160M is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-404C and Klipsch RP-160M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Klipsch RP-404C | Klipsch RP-160M |
|---|
| 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 | 6.5" Cerametallic |
|---|
| Frequency response | 59-25k Hz | 45-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 97 dB | 95 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | up to 125 watts | up to 100 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 12.73kg / 28lbs | 9.03kg / 19.9lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 5-3/4" x 26-1/16" x 13-7/16"
147.0 x 662.0 x 342.0mm | 16.6" x 8.8" x 12.8"
424.0 x 224.0 x 327.0mm |
|---|
RP-404C and RP-160M are members of Klipsch's Reference Premiere (RP) series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Klipsch Reference Premiere (RP) Series
History
What size room are the Klipsch RP-404C and Klipsch RP-160M 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 |
Klipsch RP-160M |
| 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.
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Drivers
Both RP-404C and RP-160M are 2-way speakers.
Klipsch RP-404CKlipsch RP-160M
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 |
Klipsch RP-160M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 4-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
RP-404C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 4" Cerametallic cone Woofer. On the other hand, the RP-160M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-404C has a frequency range of 59-25k Hz whereas RP-160M has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the RP-160M can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-404C's min frequency of 59Hz.
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 and RP-160M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-404C sensitivity is rated at 97 dB and the RP-160M's is at 95 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-404C a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch RP-160M, 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 can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS, whereas RP-160M has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the RP-404C.
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-160M features Dual binding posts posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-404C has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-404C's Binding post terminals
Klipsch RP-160M's Dual binding posts terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-404C and RP-160M have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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's and Klipsch RP-160M's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-404C has external dimensions of 147.0 x 662.0 x 342.0mm (5-3/4 x 26-1/16 x 13-7/16inch) whereas Klipsch RP-160M has external dimensions of 424.0 x 224.0 x 327.0mm (16.6 x 8.8 x 12.8inch).
Klipsch RP-160M is 438mm narrower and 15mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-404C but it is also 277mm taller.
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 is approximately 2264.0cm2 / 350.9inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-160M is approximately 732.5cm2 / 113.5inch2. The RP-404C requires 209% more surface area than the RP-160M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-404C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-404C:
- Center channel loudspeaker
- Grille (installed)
- 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-160M?
Here are the items that come with the RP-160M:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Detachable magnetic grilles
- User Manual
- Warranty Information
- Important Safety Instructions