In this review, we will be comparing R-25C and SS-CS8, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Sony. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch Reference R-25C and Sony SS-CS8 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch Reference R-25C and Sony SS-CS8 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 Sony SS-CS8 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 SS-CS8 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch Reference R-25C |
Sony SS-CS8 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 4-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 SS-CS8 features a 1" polyester fiber Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 4" Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) Woofer .
Frequency Response
R-25C has a frequency range of 82-24K Hz whereas SS-CS8 has a frequency range of 55-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the SS-CS8 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 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the SS-CS8 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. R-25C sensitivity is rated at 98 dB and the SS-CS8's is rated at 86 dB. This 12 dB difference makes the Klipsch Reference R-25C a more sensitive speaker compared to Sony SS-CS8, 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 can handle a max power of 145 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-25C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 45 watts less than the SS-CS8.
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 SS-CS8 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch Reference R-25C's Binding post terminals
Sony SS-CS8's 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 Sony SS-CS8'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 Sony SS-CS8 has external dimensions of 146.0 x 430.0 x 220.0mm ( 5.75 x 16.93 x 8.66inch) .
Sony SS-CS8 is 46mm narrower and 38mm shorter than Klipsch Reference R-25C but it is also 36mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch Reference R-25C and Sony SS-CS8 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch Reference R-25C and Sony SS-CS8 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 Sony SS-CS8 is approximately 946.0cm2 / 146.6inch2. The R-25C requires 7% less surface area than the SS-CS8 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 Sony SS-CS8 weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs. This makes the R-25C 34% heavier than the SS-CS8.
Here is a comparison of how R-25C and SS-CS8'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
 Sensitivity |
98 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Base Surface Area |
876cm2 (476x184mm)
vs
946cm2 (430x220mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
129USD
vs
169USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
145 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
| Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
82 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
146mm
vs
184mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-25C |
Sony SS-CS8 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Sony |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center Channel |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
up to 145 watts |
| Sensitivity |
98 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
82-24K Hz |
55-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
4" |
| Woofer Composition |
Copper spun |
Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1800 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
184.0mm (7.2") |
146.0mm (5.7") |
| Width |
476.0mm (18.7") |
430.0mm (16.9") |
| Depth |
184.0mm (7.2") |
220.0mm (8.7") |
| Weight |
6.70kg (14.7lbs) |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Sealed |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
Polymer Veneer |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
2 years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
2 years |