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Klipsch Reference R-25C vs Klipsch R-820F 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-820F

Passive Floor-standing | 35-21k Hz

Klipsch Reference R-820F
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Klipsch Reference R-25C Klipsch Reference R-...
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Klipsch R-820F Klipsch R-820F
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Klipsch Reference R-...
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Klipsch R-820F
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Klipsch Reference R-25C vs Klipsch R-820F Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Klipsch. Klipsch Reference R-25C is a Center Channel speaker whereas the R-820F is a Floor-standing speaker.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Klipsch Reference R-25C and Klipsch R-820F 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-820F Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Tweeter
  • 2 x 8" Copper-spun IMG Woofer
  • 35-21k Hz Frequency Response
  • 97 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:up to 150watts
  • Weight:24.55kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 1096.0" x 10-7/8" x 16-3/4"( 1096.0 x 277.0 x 426.0mm )

What size room are the Klipsch Reference R-25C and Klipsch R-820F 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-820F
Near-field Poor Bad
Small Room Average Poor
Mid-size Room Good Good
Large Room Average Good
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 Reference R-25C and Klipsch R-820F 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-820F are 2-way speakers.

Driver Klipsch Reference R-25C Klipsch R-820F
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter -inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 2 x 5.25-inch 2 x 8-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-820F features a 1" Tweeter and 2 x 8" Copper-spun IMG Woofer .

Frequency Response

R-25C has a frequency range of 82-24K Hz whereas R-820F has a frequency range of 35-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 35Hz, the R-820F 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

R-25C
R-820F
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Center Channel Speakers

Klipsch Reference R-25C
Klipsch R-820F
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-820F 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-820F's is at 97 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Klipsch Reference R-25C a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch R-820F, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Center Channel Speakers

R-25C
R-820F
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 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-25C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the R-820F.

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 Post type posts and R-820F has a 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

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-820F'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-820F has external dimensions of 1096.0 x 277.0 x 426.0mm ( 43-1/8 x 10-7/8 x 16-3/4inch) .

Klipsch Reference R-25C is 912mm shorter and 242mm less deeper than Klipsch R-820F but it is also 199mm wider.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch Reference R-25C and Klipsch R-820F in scale.

Klipsch Reference R-25C vs Klipsch R-820F Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Klipsch Reference R-25C and Klipsch R-820F 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-820F is approximately 1180.0cm2 / 182.9inch2. The R-25C requires 26% less surface area than the R-820F which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.

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-820F?

    Here are the items that come with the R-820F:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • Grille (installed)
  • 2 Feet
  • 4 Screws
  • Quick Setup Guide
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information
  • Loudspeaker Feet note

  • Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-25C over Klipsch Reference R-820F
    Sensitivity 98 dB vs 97 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    High Frequency Response 24k Hz vs 21k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Height 184mm vs 1096mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 876cm2 vs 1180cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 129USD vs 1198USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

    Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-820F over Klipsch Reference R-25C

    Max Input Power 150 watts vs 100 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Woofer Size 8 inches vs 5.25 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 35 Hz vs 82 Hz Generates deeper bass
    Klipsch Reference R-25C vs Klipsch R-820F Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Klipsch Reference R-25C Klipsch Reference R-820F
    Brand Klipsch Klipsch
    Speaker Type Center channel speaker Floor-standing speaker
    Power Range up to 100 watts up to 150 watts
    Sensitivity 98 dB 97 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Frequency Response 82-24K Hz 35-21k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 2 2
    Woofer Size 5.25" 8"
    Woofer Composition Copper spun Copper-spun IMG
    Woofer Surround Material n/a Rubber
    Tweeter Size - 1"
    Tweeter Type Tractrix Horn n/a
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency 1800 Hz n/a
    Physical Specs
    Height 184.0mm (7.2") 1096.0mm (43.1")
    Width 476.0mm (18.7") 277.0mm (10.9")
    Depth 184.0mm (7.2") 426.0mm (16.8")
    Weight 6.70kg (14.7lbs) 24.55kg (54lbs)
    Enclosure Sealed Bass Reflex
    Finish Polymer Veneer MDF/Wood-grain vinyl
    Available Colors Black 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

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