In this review, we will be comparing RP-504C II and Q650c, 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 Q650c first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch RP-504C II Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 4 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer
- 50-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 96 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 150watts
- Weight:16.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 177.0" x 32-3/16" x 15-1/8"( 177.0 x 818.0 x 385.0mm )
KEF Q650c Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 2 x 6.5" aluminum Woofer
- 64-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:15-150watts
- Weight:13.64kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 212.0" x 24-13/16" x 11-15/16"( 212.0 x 631.0 x 304.0mm )
What size room are the Klipsch RP-504C II and KEF Q650c 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 |
KEF Q650c |
| 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.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch RP-504C II and KEF Q650c 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 Q650c are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-504C II |
KEF Q650c |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 6.5-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 Q650c features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-504C II has a frequency range of 50-25k Hz whereas Q650c has a frequency range of 64-28k 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 Q650c's min frequency of 64Hz.
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 Q650c 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 Q650c's is at 87 dB. This 9 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-504C II a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q650c, 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-504C II features Binding post type posts and Q650c has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-504C II's Binding post terminals
KEF Q650c'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-504C II's and KEF Q650c'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 Q650c has external dimensions of 212.0 x 631.0 x 304.0mm ( 8-5/16 x 24-13/16 x 11-15/16inch) .
KEF Q650c is 187mm narrower and 81mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-504C II but it is also 35mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-504C II and KEF Q650c in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-504C II and KEF Q650c Size and External Dimensions
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 Q650c is approximately 1918.2cm2 / 297.3inch2. The RP-504C II requires 64% more surface area than the Q650c 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 Q650c weighs 13.64kg / 30lbs. This makes the RP-504C II 21% heavier than the Q650c.
Here is a comparison of how RP-504C II and Q650c'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 Q650c?
Here are the items that come with the Q650c:
Center-channel loudspeaker 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owners Manual Warranty Information