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Klipsch Reference R-25C vs Klipsch R-50C Comparison

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Klipsch Reference R-25C

Passive Center Channel | 82-24K Hz

Klipsch Reference R-25C
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Klipsch R-50C

Passive Center Channel | 90-21k Hz

Klipsch Reference R-50C
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Klipsch Reference R-25C Klipsch Reference R-...
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Klipsch R-50C Klipsch R-50C
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Klipsch Reference R-...
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Klipsch R-50C
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Klipsch Reference R-25C vs Klipsch R-50C Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing R-25C and R-50C, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Klipsch

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Klipsch Reference R-25C and Klipsch R-50C first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Klipsch Reference R-25C Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • " Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 2 x 5.25" Copper spun Woofer
  • 82-24K Hz Frequency Response
  • 98 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:up to 100watts
  • Weight:6.70kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 184.0" x 18.75" x 7.25"( 184 x 476 x 184mm )

Klipsch R-50C Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 2 x 5.25" spun-copper TCP Woofer
  • 90-21k Hz Frequency Response
  • 96 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:up to 100watts
  • Weight:6.40kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 180.0" x 18-13/16" x 8-5/16"( 180.0 x 478.0 x 212.0mm )

R-25C and R-50C are members of Klipsch's Reference (R) Center series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.

Klipsch Reference (R) Center Series History
Model Body Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Klipsch R-34C
  
Center Channel 82-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 4 x 3.5"
Klipsch R-30C
  
Center Channel 78-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 4 x 3.5"
Klipsch R-52C
  
Center Channel 89-21k Hz 95 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Klipsch R-50C
Center Channel 90-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Klipsch Reference R-25C
Center Channel 82-24K Hz 98 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"

What size room are the Klipsch Reference R-25C and Klipsch R-50C 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 Reference R-25C Klipsch R-50C
Near-field Poor Average
Small Room Average Good
Mid-size Room Good Average
Large Room Average Poor
Very Large Room Poor Bad

(* 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 Reference R-25C and Klipsch R-50C 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 R-25C and R-50C are 2-way speakers.

Driver Klipsch Reference R-25C Klipsch R-50C
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 R-50C features a 1" LTS (Linear Travel Suspension) titanium diaphragm Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" spun-copper TCP Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1650 Hz.

Frequency Response

R-25C has a frequency range of 82-24K Hz whereas R-50C has a frequency range of 90-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 82Hz, the R-25C can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-50C's min frequency of 90Hz.

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

R-25C
R-50C
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Center Channel Speakers

Klipsch Reference R-25C
Klipsch R-50C
Min
Average
Max

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 R-50C 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 R-50C's is at 96 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Klipsch Reference R-25C a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch R-50C, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Center Channel Speakers

R-25C
R-50C
Min
Average
Max

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 R-50C 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 R-50C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

Klipsch Reference R-25C Terminals
Klipsch Reference R-25C's Binding post terminals

Klipsch R-50CBinding post Terminals
Klipsch R-50C'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 R-50C'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 R-50C has external dimensions of 180.0 x 478.0 x 212.0mm ( 7-1/16inch x 18-13/16inch x 8-5/16inch ) .

Klipsch Reference R-25C is 2mm narrower and 28mm less deeper than Klipsch R-50C but it is also 4mm taller.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch Reference R-25C and Klipsch R-50C in scale.

Klipsch Reference R-25C vs Klipsch R-50C Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Klipsch Reference R-25C and Klipsch R-50C 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 R-50C is approximately 1013.4cm2 / 157.1inch2. The R-25C requires 14% less surface area than the R-50C 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 R-50C weighs 6.40kg / 14.1lbs. This makes the R-25C 5% heavier than the R-50C.

Here is a comparison of how R-25C and R-50C's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Klipsch Reference R-25C
Klipsch R-50C
Min
Average
Max

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 loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • User Manual
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information
  • What's in the Box of Klipsch R-50C?

    Here are the items that come with the R-50C:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • User Manual
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information

  • Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-25C over Klipsch Reference R-50C
    Sensitivity 98 dB vs 96 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Low Frequency Response 82 Hz vs 90 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 24k Hz vs 21k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Base Surface Area 876cm2 vs 1013cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 129USD vs 379USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

    Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-50C over Klipsch Reference R-25C

    Height 180mm vs 184mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Klipsch Reference R-25C vs Klipsch R-50C Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Klipsch Reference R-25C Klipsch Reference R-50C
    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
    Impedance n/a 3.5 ohms
    Frequency Response 82-24K Hz 90-21k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 2 2
    Woofer Size 5.25" 5.25"
    Woofer Composition Copper spun spun-copper TCP
    Tweeter Size - 1"
    Tweeter Type Tractrix Horn Tractrix Horn
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency 1800 Hz 1650 Hz
    Physical Specs
    Height 184.0mm (7.2") 180.0mm (7.1")
    Width 476.0mm (18.7") 478.0mm (18.8")
    Depth 184.0mm (7.2") 212.0mm (8.3")
    Weight 6.70kg (14.7lbs) 6.40kg (14.1lbs)
    Enclosure Sealed Sealed
    Finish Polymer Veneer Textured Wood Grain Vinyl
    Available Colors Black Black,White,Mocha
    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

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