In this review, we will be comparing RP-504C II and CS-9040, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Definitive Technology.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-504C II and Definitive CS-9040 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Klipsch RP-504C II | Definitive CS-9040 |
|---|
| Brand | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 | Definitive Technology
United States · founded 1990 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Tractrix Horn | 1" dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 4 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone | 2 x 4.5" BDSS |
|---|
| Frequency response | 50-25k Hz | 50-40k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 96 dB | 89 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | up to 150 watts | 50-200 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 16.50kg / 36.3lbs | 9.09kg / 20lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 6-15/16" x 32-3/16" x 15-1/8"
177.0 x 818.0 x 385.0mm | 6" x 20-13/16" x 12"
153.0 x 529.0 x 305.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the Klipsch RP-504C II and Definitive CS-9040 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-504C II |
Definitive CS-9040 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both RP-504C II and CS-9040 are 2-way speakers.
Klipsch RP-504C IIDefinitive CS-9040
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-504C II |
Definitive CS-9040 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 4.5-inch
|
RP-504C II features a 1" titanium Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 4 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1950 Hz. On the other hand, the CS-9040 features a 1" annealed aluminum dome Tweeter and 2 x 4.5" BDSS Woofer.
Frequency Response
RP-504C II has a frequency range of 50-25k Hz whereas CS-9040 has a frequency range of 50-40k Hz.
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-504C II and CS-9040 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-504C II sensitivity is rated at 96 dB and the CS-9040's is at 89 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-504C II a more sensitive speaker compared to Definitive CS-9040, 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.
CS-9040 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS, whereas RP-504C II has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the CS-9040.
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-504C II features 5-Way post type posts and CS-9040 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-504C II's Binding post terminals
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-504C II's and Definitive CS-9040's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-504C II has external dimensions of 177.0 x 818.0 x 385.0mm (6-15/16 x 32-3/16 x 15-1/8inch) whereas Definitive CS-9040 has external dimensions of 153.0 x 529.0 x 305.0mm (6 x 20-13/16 x 12inch).
Klipsch RP-504C II is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 289mm wider, 24mm taller and 80mm deeper than Definitive CS-9040.
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-504C II is approximately 3149.3cm2 / 488.1inch2 and base area of the Definitive CS-9040 is approximately 1613.5cm2 / 250.1inch2. The RP-504C II requires 95% more surface area than the CS-9040 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-504C II weighs 16.50kg / 36.3lbs and the Definitive CS-9040 weighs 9.09kg / 20lbs. This makes the RP-504C II 82% heavier than the CS-9040.
Here is a comparison of how RP-504C II and CS-9040'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-504C II?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-504C II:
- Center channel loudspeaker
- Grille
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
What's in the Box of Definitive CS-9040?
Here are the items that come with the CS-9040:
- Center-channel loudspeaker
- Owners Manual
- What Obsession Sounds Like card
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
upward firing one 8-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
153mm
vs
177mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1613cm2
vs
3149cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
549USD
vs
799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-504C II |
Definitive Technology CS-9040 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 150 watts |
50-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
50-25k Hz |
50-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
4.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
BDSS |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1950 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
177.0mm (7") |
153.0mm (6") |
| Width |
818.0mm (32.2") |
529.0mm (20.8") |
| Depth |
385.0mm (15.2") |
305.0mm (12") |
| Weight |
16.50kg (36.3lbs) |
9.09kg (20lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
A generation apart: Klipsch RP-504C II is the newer design, against a 2016 model. Newer is not automatically better, but the older one is more likely to be discounted or near run-out.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | evenly matched | Much the same reach (50Hz vs 50Hz). |
| Amplifier needs | A | Klipsch RP-504C II is more sensitive (96dB vs 89dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Headroom | B | Definitive CS-9040 takes more power (200W vs 150W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | Definitive CS-9040 is easier to place; Klipsch RP-504C II is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Cabinet | depends | Ported vs Passive Radiator. |
| Price | B | Definitive CS-9040 is cheaper - $549 against $799, about 31% less. |
A Klipsch RP-504C II B Definitive CS-9040
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Neither runs away with it - they trade advantages. Let the "depends" rows and your own room settle it. In a large or open-plan room, Klipsch RP-504C II has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, Definitive CS-9040 is the easier speaker to get right. If your amplifier is modest, vintage or valve-based, Klipsch RP-504C II is the safer partner - the other will want more current or more watts to sound its best.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.