In this review, we will be comparing R-30C and RP-404C, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Klipsch Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-30C and Klipsch RP-404C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch R-30C and Klipsch RP-404C 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 R-30C and Klipsch RP-404C 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 RP-404C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-30C |
Klipsch RP-404C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 3.5-inch
|
4 x 4-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 RP-404C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 4" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
R-30C has a frequency range of 78-21k Hz whereas RP-404C has a frequency range of 59-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 59Hz, the RP-404C can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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 and RP-404C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R-30C sensitivity is rated at 96 dB and the RP-404C's is at 97 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-404C a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch R-30C, 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 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-30C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 25 watts less than the RP-404C.
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 Binding post type posts and RP-404C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-30C's Binding post terminals
Klipsch RP-404C's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both R-30C and RP-404C have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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 Klipsch RP-404C'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 Klipsch RP-404C has external dimensions of 147.0 x 662.0 x 342.0mm ( 5-3/4 x 26-1/16 x 13-7/16inch) .
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 Klipsch RP-404C is approximately 2264.0cm2 / 350.9inch2. The R-30C requires 49% less surface area than the RP-404C 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 R-30C weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs and the Klipsch RP-404C weighs 12.73kg / 28lbs. This makes the RP-404C 155% heavier than the R-30C.
Here is a comparison of how R-30C and RP-404C'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 R-30C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-30C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-404C?
Here are the items that come with the RP-404C:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Height |
126mm
vs
147mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1151cm2 (662x174mm)
vs
2264cm2 (662x342mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
97 dB
vs
96 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
4 inches
vs
3.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
59 Hz
vs
78 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
329USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-30C |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-404C |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
up to 125 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
97 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
78-21k Hz |
59-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
3.5" |
4" |
| Woofer Composition |
spun-copper TCP |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1650 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
126.0mm (5") |
147.0mm (5.8") |
| Width |
662.0mm (26.1") |
662.0mm (26.1") |
| Depth |
174.0mm (6.9") |
342.0mm (13.5") |
| Weight |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
12.73kg (28lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Ported |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
Textured Wood Grain Vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black,White,Mocha |
Walnut, 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 |