In this review, we will be comparing R-25C and RP-500C II, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Klipsch Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch Reference R-25C and Klipsch RP-500C II first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch Reference R-25C and Klipsch RP-500C II 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 Reference R-25C and Klipsch RP-500C II 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 R-25C and RP-500C II are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch Reference R-25C |
Klipsch RP-500C II |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
R-25C features a " LTS (Linear Travel Suspension) aluminum diaphragm Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Copper spun Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1800 Hz. On the other hand, the RP-500C II features a 1" titanium Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1630 Hz.
Frequency Response
R-25C has a frequency range of 82-24K Hz whereas RP-500C II has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the RP-500C II can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-25C's min frequency of 82Hz.
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
R-25C and RP-500C II have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R-25C sensitivity is rated at 98 dB and the RP-500C II's is at 96 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Klipsch Reference R-25C a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch RP-500C II, 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.
R-25C and RP-500C II has the same power range of up to 100 watts.
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
R-25C features Binding post type posts and RP-500C II has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch Reference R-25C'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 Reference R-25C's and Klipsch RP-500C II's external dimensions. Klipsch Reference R-25C has external dimensions of 184 x 476 x 184mm ( 7.25 x 18.75 x 7.25-inch) whereas Klipsch RP-500C II has external dimensions of 177.0 x 494.0 x 269.0mm ( 6-15/16 x 19-7/16 x 10-9/16inch) .
Klipsch Reference R-25C is 18mm narrower and 85mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-500C II but it is also 7mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch Reference R-25C and Klipsch RP-500C II in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch Reference R-25C and Klipsch RP-500C II 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 Reference R-25C is approximately 876.0cm2 / 135.8inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-500C II is approximately 1328.9cm2 / 206.0inch2. The R-25C requires 34% less surface area than the RP-500C II 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 Reference R-25C weighs 6.70kg / 14.7lbs and the Klipsch RP-500C II weighs 8.20kg / 18lbs. This makes the RP-500C II 22% heavier than the R-25C.
Here is a comparison of how R-25C and RP-500C II'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 Reference R-25C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-25C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-500C II?
Here are the items that come with the RP-500C II:
Center channel loudspeakerGrilleTilt rod (attached nut)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Sensitivity |
98 dB
vs
96 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Base Surface Area |
876cm2 (476x184mm)
vs
1328cm2 (494x269mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
129USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
82 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
177mm
vs
184mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-25C |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
98 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
82-24K Hz |
60-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Copper spun |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1800 Hz |
1630 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
184.0mm (7.2") |
177.0mm (7") |
| Width |
476.0mm (18.7") |
494.0mm (19.4") |
| Depth |
184.0mm (7.2") |
269.0mm (10.6") |
| Weight |
6.70kg (14.7lbs) |
8.20kg (18lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Sealed |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
Polymer Veneer |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut, Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |