In this review, we will be comparing RP-500C II and S 83 CEN, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Jamo. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-500C II and Jamo S 83 CEN first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RP-500C II and Jamo S 83 CEN 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 Jamo S 83 CEN 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 S 83 CEN are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-500C II |
Jamo S 83 CEN |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 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 S 83 CEN features a 1" soft dome with an integrated waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 5" polyfiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-500C II has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz whereas S 83 CEN has a frequency range of 65-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the RP-500C II can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the S 83 CEN's min frequency of 65Hz.
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-500C II and S 83 CEN 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 S 83 CEN's is at 87 dB. This 9 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500C II a more sensitive speaker compared to Jamo S 83 CEN, 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 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas S 83 CEN has a max power handling value of 80 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the RP-500C 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
RP-500C II features Binding post type posts and S 83 CEN has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Jamo S 83 CEN's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-500C II and S 83 CEN 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
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 Jamo S 83 CEN'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 Jamo S 83 CEN has external dimensions of 216.0 x 499.0 x 247.0mm ( 8-1/2 x 19-5/8 x 9-11/16inch) .
Klipsch RP-500C II is 5mm narrower and 39mm shorter than Jamo S 83 CEN but it is also 22mm deeper.
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 Jamo S 83 CEN is approximately 1232.5cm2 / 191.0inch2. The RP-500C II requires 8% more surface area than the S 83 CEN 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 Jamo S 83 CEN weighs 6.80kg / 15lbs. This makes the RP-500C II 21% heavier than the S 83 CEN.
Here is a comparison of how RP-500C II and S 83 CEN'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-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 Jamo S 83 CEN?
Here are the items that come with the S 83 CEN:
Center-channel loudspeaker Grille User Manual Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
 Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
80 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
177mm
vs
216mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 High Frequency Response |
26k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
1232cm2 (499x247mm)
vs
1328cm2 (494x269mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
229USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II |
Jamo S 83 CEN |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Jamo |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
up to 80 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
60-25k Hz |
65-26k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
polyfiber |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
soft dome with an integrated waveguide |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
| Crossover Frequency |
1630 Hz |
2000Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
177.0mm (7") |
216.0mm (8.5") |
| Width |
494.0mm (19.4") |
499.0mm (19.6") |
| Depth |
269.0mm (10.6") |
247.0mm (9.7") |
| Weight |
8.20kg (18lbs) |
6.80kg (15lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Black, White, Walnut |
| 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 |