In this review, we will be comparing R-25C and R-52C, 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-52C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Klipsch Reference R-25C | Klipsch R-52C |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | Tractrix Horn | 1" Tractrix horn |
|---|
| Woofer | 2 x 5.25" Copper spun | 2 x 5.25" copper spun IMG |
|---|
| Frequency response | 82-24K Hz | 89-21k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 98 dB | 95 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | up to 100 watts | up to 100 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 6.70kg / 14.7lbs | 3.18kg / 7lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 7.25" x 18.75" x 7.25"
184 x 476 x 184mm | 7-1/16" x 18-13/16" x 7-11/16"
180.0 x 478.0 x 196.0mm |
|---|
R-25C and R-52C 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
What size room are the Klipsch Reference R-25C and Klipsch R-52C 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-52C |
| 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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
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Drivers
Both R-25C and R-52C are 2-way speakers.
Klipsch Reference R-25CKlipsch R-52C
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
Klipsch Reference R-25C |
Klipsch R-52C |
|
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-52C features a 1" aluminum Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" copper spun IMG Woofer.
Frequency Response
R-25C has a frequency range of 82-24K Hz whereas R-52C has a frequency range of 89-21k 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-52C's min frequency of 89Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
R-25C and R-52C 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-52C's is at 95 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Klipsch Reference R-25C a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch R-52C, 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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
R-25C and R-52C have the same power range of up to 100 watts.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier — change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
R-25C features Binding post type posts and R-52C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch Reference R-25C's Binding post terminals
Klipsch R-52C's Binding post terminals
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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-52C'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-52C has external dimensions of 180.0 x 478.0 x 196.0mm (7-1/16 x 18-13/16 x 7-11/16inch).
Klipsch Reference R-25C is 2mm narrower and 12mm less deeper than Klipsch R-52C but it is also 4mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch Reference R-25C and Klipsch R-52C in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch Reference R-25C and Klipsch R-52C 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-52C is approximately 936.9cm2 / 145.2inch2. The R-25C requires 7% less surface area than the R-52C 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-52C weighs 3.18kg / 7lbs. This makes the R-25C 111% heavier than the R-52C.
Here is a comparison of how R-25C and R-52C'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 loudspeaker
- Grille
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-52C?
Here are the items that come with the R-52C:
- Center-channel loudspeaker
- Grille (installed)
- 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- Quick Setup Guide
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
 Sensitivity |
98 dB
vs
95 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
82 Hz
vs
89 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
24k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
876cm2
vs
936cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
129USD
vs
349USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Height |
180mm
vs
184mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-25C |
Klipsch Reference R-52C |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
98 dB |
95 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
82-24K Hz |
89-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Copper spun |
copper spun IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1800 Hz |
n/a |
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") |
196.0mm (7.7") |
| Weight |
6.70kg (14.7lbs) |
3.18kg (7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Sealed |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
Polymer Veneer |
wood grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
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 |
Siblings in Klipsch's Reference (R) Center series, so they share a family sound. It comes down to size, output and price.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass |
A |
Klipsch Reference R-25C digs deeper - 82Hz against 89Hz. A subwoofer would even that out. |
| Amplifier needs |
A |
Klipsch Reference R-25C is more sensitive (98dB vs 95dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Headroom |
evenly matched |
Similar power handling (100W vs 100W). |
| Size |
depends |
Similar cabinet size - neither is easier to fit. |
| Price |
A |
Klipsch Reference R-25C is cheaper - $129 against $349, about 63% less; arguably a different class. |
A Klipsch Reference R-25C
B Klipsch R-52C
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, placement or how you will use them.
Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Klipsch Reference R-25C is the easier recommendation: it leads on most of the measured areas and costs less. Take Klipsch R-52C if its size, looks or fit in your room suit you better. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 89Hz anyway, so judge these on the other rows instead. Match it to your room: we rate Klipsch Reference R-25C the better fit for a mid-size room and a large room, and Klipsch R-52C for near-field listening and a small room.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.