In this review, we will be comparing RP-504C II and Premier 600C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Paradigm. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-504C II and Paradigm 600C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RP-504C II and Paradigm 600C 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 Paradigm 600C 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that RP-504C II is a 2-way design whereas the Premier 600C is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-504C II |
Paradigm 600C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 4-inch |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 5.25-inch
|
4 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 Premier 600C features a 1" aluminum X-PAL dome with PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) lens Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 4 x 6.5" carbon-infused polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
RP-504C II has a frequency range of 50-25k Hz whereas Premier 600C has a frequency range of 60-25k 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 Premier 600C's min frequency of 60Hz.
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 Premier 600C 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 Premier 600C's is at 94 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-504C II a more sensitive speaker compared to Paradigm 600C, 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 180 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-504C II has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS , 30 watts less than the Premier 600C.
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 Premier 600C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-504C II's Binding post terminals
Paradigm 600C'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 Paradigm 600C'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 Paradigm 600C has external dimensions of 208.0 x 907.0 x 348.0mm ( 8-3/16 x 35-11/16 x 13-11/16inch) .
Klipsch RP-504C II is 89mm narrower and 31mm shorter than Paradigm 600C but it is also 37mm 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-504C II is approximately 3149.3cm2 / 488.1inch2 and base area of the Paradigm 600C is approximately 3156.4cm2 / 489.2inch2. The RP-504C II requires 0% less surface area than the Premier 600C which gives it a small advantage 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 Paradigm 600C weighs 19.55kg / 43lbs. This makes the Premier 600C 18% heavier than the RP-504C II.
Here is a comparison of how RP-504C II and Premier 600C'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 Paradigm 600C?
Here are the items that come with the Premier 600C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Binding-post jumpers (pre-installed)4 Rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Registration CardCenter Channel Elevation Gauge
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
94 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
60 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
177mm
vs
208mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
3149cm2 (818x385mm)
vs
3156cm2 (907x348mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
799USD
vs
1099USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
180 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
| Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-504C II |
Paradigm Premier 600C |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Paradigm |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 150 watts |
15-180 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
94 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
50-25k Hz |
60-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
carbon-infused polypropylene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
X-PAL dome with PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) lens |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
4" |
| Crossover Frequency |
1950 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
177.0mm (7") |
208.0mm (8.2") |
| Width |
818.0mm (32.2") |
907.0mm (35.7") |
| Depth |
385.0mm (15.2") |
348.0mm (13.7") |
| Weight |
16.50kg (36.3lbs) |
19.55kg (43lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Gloss White |
| 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 |