In this review, we will be comparing RP-600C and Monitor SE 2000C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Paradigm. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-600C and Paradigm SE 2000C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RP-600C and Paradigm SE 2000C 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-600C and Paradigm SE 2000C 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-600C and Monitor SE 2000C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-600C |
Paradigm SE 2000C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
2 x 5.5-inch
|
RP-600C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Cerametallic cone Woofer . On the other hand, the Monitor SE 2000C features a 1" aluminum X-PAL dome with PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) lens Tweeter and 2 x 5.5" mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
RP-600C has a frequency range of 58-25k Hz whereas Monitor SE 2000C has a frequency range of 65-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 58Hz, the RP-600C can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Monitor SE 2000C's min frequency of 65Hz.
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-600C and Monitor SE 2000C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-600C sensitivity is rated at 97 dB and the Monitor SE 2000C's is at 93 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-600C a more sensitive speaker compared to Paradigm SE 2000C, 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-600C can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Monitor SE 2000C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the RP-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-600C features Binding post type posts and Monitor SE 2000C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-600C's Binding post terminals
Paradigm SE 2000C'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-600C's and Paradigm SE 2000C's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-600C has external dimensions of 204.0 x 558.0 x 308.0mm ( 8 x 21-15/16 x 12-1/8inch) whereas Paradigm SE 2000C has external dimensions of 181.0 x 502.0 x 280.0mm ( 7-1/8 x 19-3/4 x 11inch) .
Klipsch RP-600C is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 56mm wider, 23mm taller and 28mm deeper than Paradigm SE 2000C.
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-600C is approximately 1718.6cm2 / 266.4inch2 and base area of the Paradigm SE 2000C is approximately 1405.6cm2 / 217.9inch2. The RP-600C requires 22% more surface area than the Monitor SE 2000C 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-600C weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs and the Paradigm SE 2000C weighs 8.64kg / 19lbs. This makes the RP-600C 26% heavier than the Monitor SE 2000C.
Here is a comparison of how RP-600C and Monitor SE 2000C'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-600C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-600C:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetPlastic tipped bolt (w/ attached nut)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Paradigm SE 2000C?
Here are the items that come with the Monitor SE 2000C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille4 Rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Registration Card
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
97 dB
vs
93 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
58 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
181mm
vs
204mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1405cm2 (502x280mm)
vs
1718cm2 (558x308mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
250USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600C |
Paradigm Monitor SE 2000C |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Paradigm |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 125 watts |
15-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
97 dB |
93 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
58-25k Hz |
65-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
mineral-filled polypropylene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix horn dome |
X-PAL dome with PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) lens |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
204.0mm (8") |
181.0mm (7.1") |
| Width |
558.0mm (22") |
502.0mm (19.8") |
| Depth |
308.0mm (12.1") |
280.0mm (11") |
| Weight |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
8.64kg (19lbs) |
| 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 |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |