In this review, we will be comparing R-30C and A135C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and JBL.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-30C and JBL Stage A135C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch R-30C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 4 x 3.5" spun-copper TCP Woofer
- 78-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 96 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:5.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 126.0" x 26-1/16" x 6-13/16"( 126.0 x 662.0 x 174.0mm )
JBL Stage A135C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" dome with HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide technology Tweeter
- 6 x 3" polycellulose Woofer
- 75-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:20-150watts
- Weight:7.46kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 105.0" x 29-3/8" x 7-5/16"( 105.0 x 747.0 x 186.0mm )
What size room are the Klipsch R-30C and JBL Stage A135C 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 R-30C |
JBL Stage A135C |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
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 R-30C and JBL Stage A135C 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-30C and A135C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-30C |
JBL Stage A135C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 3.5-inch
|
6 x 3-inch
|
R-30C features a 1" LTS (Linear Travel Suspension) titanium diaphragm Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 4 x 3.5" spun-copper TCP Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1650 Hz. On the other hand, the A135C features a 1" aluminum dome with HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide technology Tweeter and 6 x 3" polycellulose Woofer .
Frequency Response
R-30C has a frequency range of 78-21k Hz whereas A135C has a frequency range of 75-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 75Hz, the A135C can go slightly deeper then the R-30C's min frequency of 78Hz.
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-30C is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the A135C which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. R-30C sensitivity is rated at 96 dB and the A135C's is rated at 90 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-30C a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL Stage A135C, 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-30C can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-30C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the A135C.
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-30C features 5-way post type posts and A135C has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-30C's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
R-30C has a rear firing port whereas A135C has a side firing ports.
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 R-30C's and JBL Stage A135C's external dimensions. Klipsch R-30C has external dimensions of 126.0 x 662.0 x 174.0mm ( 4-15/16inch x 26-1/16inch x 6-13/16inch ) whereas JBL Stage A135C has external dimensions of 105.0 x 747.0 x 186.0mm ( 4-1/8 x 29-3/8 x 7-5/16inch) .
Klipsch R-30C is 85mm narrower and 12mm less deeper than JBL Stage A135C but it is also 21mm taller.
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 R-30C is approximately 1151.9cm2 / 178.5inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A135C is approximately 1389.4cm2 / 215.4inch2. The R-30C requires 17% less surface area than the A135C which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.