In this review, we will be comparing RP-500C II and Blackstone TL1, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Polk Audio.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-500C II and Polk TL1 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 )
Polk TL1 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 0.5" dome Tweeter
- 2 x 2.5" Dynamic Balance Woofer
- 125-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-125watts
- Weight:1.84kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 101.0" x 15" x 3-7/16"( 101.0 x 381.0 x 88.0mm )
What size room are the Klipsch RP-500C II and Polk TL1 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 |
Polk TL1 |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
Poor |
(* 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 Polk TL1 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 Blackstone TL1 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-500C II |
Polk TL1 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
0.5-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 2.5-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 Blackstone TL1 features a 0.5" silk dome Tweeter and 2 x 2.5" Dynamic Balance Woofer .
Frequency Response
RP-500C II has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz whereas Blackstone TL1 has a frequency range of 125-20k 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 Blackstone TL1's min frequency of 125Hz.
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 Blackstone TL1 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 Blackstone TL1's is at 89 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500C II a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk TL1, 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 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-500C II has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 25 watts less than the Blackstone TL1.
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 Blackstone TL1 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-500C II and Blackstone TL1 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 Polk TL1'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 Polk TL1 has external dimensions of 101.0 x 381.0 x 88.0mm ( 3-15/16 x 15 x 3-7/16inch) .
Klipsch RP-500C II is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 113mm wider, 76mm taller and 181mm deeper than Polk TL1.
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 Polk TL1 is approximately 335.3cm2 / 52.0inch2. The RP-500C II requires 296% more surface area than the Blackstone TL1 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 Polk TL1 weighs 1.84kg / 4lbs. This makes the RP-500C II 346% heavier than the Blackstone TL1.
Here is a comparison of how RP-500C II and Blackstone TL1'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 Polk TL1?
Here are the items that come with the Blackstone TL1:
Gloss-black center-channel loudspeakerDetachable black cloth grille (attached)System Diagram/Warranty sheetTemplateOnline Product Registration cardImportant Safety Instructions
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
2.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
125 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Height |
101mm
vs
177mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
335cm2
vs
1328cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
79USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II |
Polk Audio Blackstone TL1 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
10-125 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
60-25k Hz |
125-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
2.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
Dynamic Balance |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
0.5" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1630 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
177.0mm (7") |
101.0mm (4") |
| Width |
494.0mm (19.4") |
381.0mm (15") |
| Depth |
269.0mm (10.6") |
88.0mm (3.5") |
| Weight |
8.20kg (18lbs) |
1.84kg (4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| 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 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |