In this review, we will be comparing RP-504C II and TSi CS10, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Polk Audio.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-504C II and Polk TSi CS10 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 )
Polk TSi CS10 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dynamic Balance Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" bi-laminate organic fiber cone Woofer
- 63-24k Hz Frequency Response
- 91 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-125watts
- Weight:7.27kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 167.0" x 20-1/16" x 9-15/16"( 167.0 x 510.0 x 253.0mm )
What size room are the Klipsch RP-504C II and Polk TSi CS10 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 |
Polk TSi CS10 |
| 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 Polk TSi CS10 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both RP-504C II and TSi CS10 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-504C II |
Polk TSi CS10 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 5.25-inch
|
2 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 TSi CS10 features a 1" silk dome Dynamic Balance Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" bi-laminate organic fiber cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
RP-504C II has a frequency range of 50-25k Hz whereas TSi CS10 has a frequency range of 63-24k 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 TSi CS10's min frequency of 63Hz.
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 TSi CS10 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 TSi CS10's is at 91 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-504C II a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk TSi CS10, 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 TSi CS10 has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS, 25 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 5-Way post type posts and TSi CS10 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-504C II's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-504C II and TSi CS10 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.
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 Polk TSi CS10'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 Polk TSi CS10 has external dimensions of 167.0 x 510.0 x 253.0mm ( 6-9/16 x 20-1/16 x 9-15/16inch) .
Klipsch RP-504C II is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 308mm wider, 10mm taller and 132mm deeper than Polk TSi CS10.
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 Polk TSi CS10 is approximately 1290.3cm2 / 200.0inch2. The RP-504C II requires 144% more surface area than the TSi CS10 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 Polk TSi CS10 weighs 7.27kg / 16lbs. This makes the RP-504C II 127% heavier than the TSi CS10.
Here is a comparison of how RP-504C II and TSi CS10'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 Polk TSi CS10?
Here are the items that come with the TSi CS10:
Black center-channel speaker (removable cloth grille)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline registration sheetPolk Audio product brochure
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
125 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
91 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
|
Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
63 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
167mm
vs
177mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1290cm2
vs
3149cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
119USD
vs
799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-504C II |
Polk Audio TSi CS10 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker (Black) |
| Power Range |
up to 150 watts |
20-125 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
91 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
50-25k Hz |
63-24k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
bi-laminate organic fiber cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Dynamic Balance |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
| Crossover Frequency |
1950 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
177.0mm (7") |
167.0mm (6.6") |
| Width |
818.0mm (32.2") |
510.0mm (20.1") |
| Depth |
385.0mm (15.2") |
253.0mm (10") |
| Weight |
16.50kg (36.3lbs) |
7.27kg (16lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Black |
| 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 |