In this review, we will be comparing RP-500C II and Monitor SE 2000C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Paradigm.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-500C II and Paradigm SE 2000C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch RP-500C II Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer
- 60-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 96 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:8.20kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 177.0" x 19-7/16" x 10-9/16"( 177.0 x 494.0 x 269.0mm )
Paradigm SE 2000C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" X-PAL dome with PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) lens Tweeter
- 2 x 5.5" mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer
- 65-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 93 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:15-100watts
- Weight:8.64kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 181.0" x 19-3/4" x 11"( 181.0 x 502.0 x 280.0mm )
What size room are the Klipsch RP-500C II and Paradigm SE 2000C 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 |
Paradigm SE 2000C |
| 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.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch RP-500C II and Paradigm SE 2000C compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both RP-500C II and Monitor SE 2000C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-500C II |
Paradigm SE 2000C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 5.5-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 Monitor SE 2000C features a 1" aluminum X-PAL dome with PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) lens Tweeter and 2 x 5.5" mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
RP-500C II has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz whereas Monitor SE 2000C has a frequency range of 65-21k 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 Monitor SE 2000C'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 Monitor SE 2000C 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 Monitor SE 2000C's is at 93 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500C II a more sensitive speaker compared to Paradigm SE 2000C, 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.
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 Monitor SE 2000C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Paradigm SE 2000C's Binding post terminals
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 Paradigm SE 2000C'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 Paradigm SE 2000C has external dimensions of 181.0 x 502.0 x 280.0mm ( 7-1/8 x 19-3/4 x 11inch) .
Paradigm SE 2000C is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 8mm wider, 4mm taller and 11mm deeper than Klipsch RP-500C 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-500C II is approximately 1328.9cm2 / 206.0inch2 and base area of the Paradigm SE 2000C is approximately 1405.6cm2 / 217.9inch2. The RP-500C II requires 5% less surface area than the Monitor SE 2000C 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-500C II weighs 8.20kg / 18lbs and the Paradigm SE 2000C weighs 8.64kg / 19lbs. This makes the Monitor SE 2000C 5% heavier than the RP-500C II.
Here is a comparison of how RP-500C II and Monitor SE 2000C'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 Paradigm SE 2000C?
Here are the items that come with the Monitor SE 2000C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille4 Rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Registration Card
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
93 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
177mm
vs
181mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1328cm2
vs
1405cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
|
Woofer Size |
5.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Price per pair* |
250USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II |
Paradigm Monitor SE 2000C |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Paradigm |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
15-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
93 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
60-25k Hz |
65-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
mineral-filled polypropylene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
X-PAL dome with PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) lens |
| 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") |
181.0mm (7.1") |
| Width |
494.0mm (19.4") |
502.0mm (19.8") |
| Depth |
269.0mm (10.6") |
280.0mm (11") |
| Weight |
8.20kg (18lbs) |
8.64kg (19lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Black |
| 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 |