In this review, we will be comparing RP-504C II and LS50C Meta, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and KEF. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-504C II and KEF LS50C Meta first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RP-504C II and KEF LS50C Meta 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch RP-504C II and KEF LS50C Meta 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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Drivers
Both RP-504C II and LS50C Meta are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-504C II |
KEF LS50C Meta |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-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 LS50C Meta features a 1" Aluminum Vented dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2100Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-504C II has a frequency range of 50-25k Hz whereas LS50C Meta has a frequency range of 79-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the RP-504C II can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the LS50C Meta's min frequency of 79Hz.
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-504C II and LS50C Meta 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 LS50C Meta's is at 85 dB. This 11 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-504C II a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF LS50C Meta, 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-504C II can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas LS50C Meta has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the RP-504C II.
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-504C II features Binding post type posts and LS50C Meta has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-504C II's Binding post terminals
KEF LS50C Meta's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-504C II and LS50C Meta 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.
KEF LS50C Meta off-set flexible Port
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-504C II's and KEF LS50C Meta'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 KEF LS50C Meta has external dimensions of 301.0 x 201.0 x 281.0mm ( 11-13/16 x 7-7/8 x 11-1/16inch) .
KEF LS50C Meta is 617mm narrower and 104mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-504C II but it is also 124mm taller.
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 KEF LS50C Meta is approximately 564.8cm2 / 87.5inch2. The RP-504C II requires 458% more surface area than the LS50C Meta 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 KEF LS50C Meta weighs 7.82kg / 17.2lbs. This makes the RP-504C II 111% heavier than the LS50C Meta.
Here is a comparison of how RP-504C II and LS50C Meta'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 loudspeakerGrilleUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of KEF LS50C Meta?
Here are the items that come with the LS50C Meta:
Center-channel loudspeakerFoam port plug4 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualWarranty Registration Card
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
79 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
177mm
vs
301mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
564cm2 (201x281mm)
vs
3149cm2 (818x385mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-504C II |
KEF LS50C Meta |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
KEF |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 150 watts |
40-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
85 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.5 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
50-25k Hz |
79-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
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 |
Vented dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1950 Hz |
2100Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
177.0mm (7") |
301.0mm (11.9") |
| Width |
818.0mm (32.2") |
201.0mm (7.9") |
| Depth |
385.0mm (15.2") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
| Weight |
16.50kg (36.3lbs) |
7.82kg (17.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Grey |
| 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 |