In this review, we will be comparing RP-500C II and ProCenter 1000, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Definitive Technology. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-500C II and Definitive ProCenter 1000 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RP-500C II and Definitive ProCenter 1000 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-500C II and Definitive ProCenter 1000 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-500C II and ProCenter 1000 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Klipsch RP-500C II |
Definitive ProCenter 1000 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 4.5-inch
|
RP-500C II features a 1" titanium Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1630 Hz. On the other hand, the ProCenter 1000 features a 1" pure aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 4.5" BDSS Woofer .
Frequency Response
RP-500C II has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz whereas ProCenter 1000 has a frequency range of 47-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 47Hz, the ProCenter 1000 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-500C II's min frequency of 60Hz.
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
Definitive ProCenter 1000
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-500C II and ProCenter 1000 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-500C II sensitivity is rated at 96 dB and the ProCenter 1000's is at 90 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500C II a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive ProCenter 1000, 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-500C II can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-500C II has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the ProCenter 1000.
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-500C II features 5-Way post type posts and ProCenter 1000 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers 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-500C II's and Definitive ProCenter 1000's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-500C II has external dimensions of 177.0 x 494.0 x 269.0mm ( 6-15/16 x 19-7/16 x 10-9/16inch) whereas Definitive ProCenter 1000 has external dimensions of 124.0 x 372.0 x 127.0mm ( 4-7/8 x 14-5/8 x 5inch) .
Klipsch RP-500C II is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 122mm wider, 53mm taller and 142mm deeper than Definitive ProCenter 1000.
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-500C II is approximately 1328.9cm2 / 206.0inch2 and base area of the Definitive ProCenter 1000 is approximately 472.4cm2 / 73.2inch2. The RP-500C II requires 181% more surface area than the ProCenter 1000 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-500C II weighs 8.20kg / 18lbs and the Definitive ProCenter 1000 weighs 3.64kg / 8lbs. This makes the RP-500C II 125% heavier than the ProCenter 1000.
Here is a comparison of how RP-500C II and ProCenter 1000's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Definitive ProCenter 1000
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-500C II?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-500C II:
Center channel loudspeakerGrilleTilt rod (attached nut)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Definitive ProCenter 1000?
Here are the items that come with the ProCenter 1000:
Black center-channel speakerRemovable cloth grille (installed)2 Plastic insertsOwners ManualOnline Product Registration card
Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Low Frequency Response |
47 Hz
vs
60 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Passive Radiator |
two 4-1/2-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
Height |
124mm
vs
177mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
472cm2 (372x127mm)
vs
1328cm2 (494x269mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
249USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II |
Definitive Technology ProCenter 1000 |
Brand |
Klipsch |
Definitive Technology |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker (Black) |
Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
10-200 watts |
Sensitivity |
96 dB |
90 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
60-25k Hz |
47-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
4.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
BDSS |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
1630 Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
177.0mm (7") |
124.0mm (4.9") |
Width |
494.0mm (19.4") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
Depth |
269.0mm (10.6") |
127.0mm (5") |
Weight |
8.20kg (18lbs) |
3.64kg (8lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
n/a |
Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Gloss Black |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Year |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |