In this review, we will be comparing RP-500C II and RP-5203C, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-500C II and Klipsch RP-5203C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Klipsch RP-500C II | Klipsch RP-5203C |
|---|
| Brand | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Tractrix Horn | 1" Tractrix Horn |
|---|
| Woofer | 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone | 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic |
|---|
| Frequency response | 60-25k Hz | 56-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 96 dB | 94 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | up to 100 watts | up to 100 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 8.20kg / 18lbs | — |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6-15/16" x 19-7/16" x 10-9/16"
177.0 x 494.0 x 269.0mm | 6-7/8" x 19-5/16" x 10-9/16"
174.0 x 491.0 x 269.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the Klipsch RP-500C II and Klipsch RP-5203C 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-500C II |
Klipsch RP-5203C |
| Near-field |
Average |
Average |
| Small Room |
Good |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
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-500C II and RP-5203C are 2-way speakers.
Klipsch RP-500C IIKlipsch RP-5203C
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-500C II |
Klipsch RP-5203C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 5.25-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 RP-5203C features a 1" titanium Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1630 Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-500C II has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz whereas RP-5203C has a frequency range of 56-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 56Hz, the RP-5203C can go slightly deeper then the RP-500C II's min frequency of 60Hz.
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-500C II and RP-5203C 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 RP-5203C's is at 94 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500C II a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch RP-5203C, 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-500C II and RP-5203C have the same power range of up to 100 watts.
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-500C II features Binding post type posts and RP-5203C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-500C II and RP-5203C 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-500C II's and Klipsch RP-5203C'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 Klipsch RP-5203C has external dimensions of 174.0 x 491.0 x 269.0mm (6-7/8 x 19-5/16 x 10-9/16inch).
Klipsch RP-5203C is 3mm narrower and 3mm shorter than Klipsch RP-500C II but they have the same thickness of 269.0mm.
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 Klipsch RP-5203C is approximately 1320.8cm2 / 204.7inch2. The RP-500C II requires 1% more surface area than the RP-5203C which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 loudspeaker
- Grille
- Tilt rod (attached nut)
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information