In this review, we will be comparing RP-600C and Premier 500C, 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 500C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch RP-600C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix horn dome Tweeter
- 2 x 6.5" Cerametallic cone Woofer
- 58-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 97 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 125watts
- Weight:10.91kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 204.0" x 21-15/16" x 12-1/8"( 204.0 x 558.0 x 308.0mm )
Paradigm 500C Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" X-PAL dome with PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) lens Tweeter
- 4" Midrange
- 2 x 5.5" carbon-infused polypropylene Woofer
- 4" Midrange
- 73-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 92 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:15-120watts
- Weight:11.82kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 189.0" x 20-1/16" x 12-11/16"( 189.0 x 510.0 x 323.0mm )
What size room are the Klipsch RP-600C and Paradigm 500C 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-600C |
Paradigm 500C |
| 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-600C and Paradigm 500C 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that RP-600C is a 2-way design whereas the Premier 500C 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-600C |
Paradigm 500C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 4-inch |
|
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 Premier 500C features a 1" aluminum X-PAL dome with PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) lens Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 2 x 5.5" carbon-infused polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
RP-600C has a frequency range of 58-25k Hz whereas Premier 500C has a frequency range of 73-25k 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 Premier 500C's min frequency of 73Hz.
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 Premier 500C 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 Premier 500C's is at 92 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-600C a more sensitive speaker compared to Paradigm 500C, 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 Premier 500C has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS, 5 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 Premier 500C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-600C's Binding post terminals
Paradigm 500C'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 500C'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 500C has external dimensions of 189.0 x 510.0 x 323.0mm ( 7-7/16 x 20-1/16 x 12-11/16inch) .
Paradigm 500C is 48mm narrower and 15mm shorter than Klipsch RP-600C but it is also 15mm 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-600C is approximately 1718.6cm2 / 266.4inch2 and base area of the Paradigm 500C is approximately 1647.3cm2 / 255.3inch2. The RP-600C requires 4% more surface area than the Premier 500C 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 500C weighs 11.82kg / 26lbs. This makes the Premier 500C 8% heavier than the RP-600C.
Here is a comparison of how RP-600C and Premier 500C'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 500C?
Here are the items that come with the Premier 500C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Binding-post jumpers (pre-installed)4 Rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Registration Card
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
97 dB
vs
92 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
73 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
850USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Height |
189mm
vs
204mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1647cm2
vs
1718cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600C |
Paradigm Premier 500C |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Paradigm |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 125 watts |
15-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
97 dB |
92 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
58-25k Hz |
73-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
carbon-infused 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 |
4" |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
204.0mm (8") |
189.0mm (7.4") |
| Width |
558.0mm (22") |
510.0mm (20.1") |
| Depth |
308.0mm (12.1") |
323.0mm (12.7") |
| Weight |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
11.82kg (26lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Gloss White |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |