In this review, we will be comparing RP-500C and Q250c, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and KEF.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-500C and KEF Q250c first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch RP-500C 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:8.18kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 175.0" x 18-9/16" x 10"( 175.0 x 472.0 x 254.0mm )
KEF Q250c Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" aluminum Woofer
- 68-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-100watts
- Weight:7.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 181.0" x 20-11/16" x 8-1/2"( 181.0 x 526.0 x 216.0mm )
What size room are the Klipsch RP-500C and KEF Q250c 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 |
KEF Q250c |
| 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 and KEF Q250c 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both RP-500C and Q250c are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-500C |
KEF Q250c |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
RP-500C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer . On the other hand, the Q250c features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-500C has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz whereas Q250c has a frequency range of 68-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the RP-500C can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Q250c's min frequency of 68Hz.
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 and Q250c have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-500C sensitivity is rated at 96 dB and the Q250c's is at 87 dB. This 9 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500C a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q250c, 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 features Binding post type posts and Q250c has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-500C'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's and KEF Q250c's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-500C has external dimensions of 175.0 x 472.0 x 254.0mm ( 6-7/8 x 18-9/16 x 10inch) whereas KEF Q250c has external dimensions of 181.0 x 526.0 x 216.0mm ( 7-1/8 x 20-11/16 x 8-1/2inch) .
Klipsch RP-500C is 54mm narrower and 6mm shorter than KEF Q250c but it is also 38mm 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 is approximately 1198.9cm2 / 185.8inch2 and base area of the KEF Q250c is approximately 1136.2cm2 / 176.1inch2. The RP-500C requires 6% more surface area than the Q250c 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 weighs 8.18kg / 18lbs and the KEF Q250c weighs 7.50kg / 16.5lbs. This makes the RP-500C 9% heavier than the Q250c.
Here is a comparison of how RP-500C and Q250c'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?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-500C:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetTilt rod (attached nut)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of KEF Q250c?
Here are the items that come with the Q250c:
Center-channel loudspeaker 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owners Manual Warranty Information
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
|
Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
68 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
175mm
vs
181mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
one 6.5-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Base Surface Area |
1136cm2
vs
1198cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C |
KEF Q250c |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
10-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
87 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
60-25k Hz |
68-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
aluminum |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix horn |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
175.0mm (6.9") |
181.0mm (7.1") |
| Width |
472.0mm (18.6") |
526.0mm (20.7") |
| Depth |
254.0mm (10") |
216.0mm (8.5") |
| Weight |
8.18kg (18lbs) |
7.50kg (16.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Satin White, Satin Black, Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
optional |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |