In this review, we will be comparing R-30C and RP-504C II, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Klipsch Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-30C and Klipsch RP-504C II first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch R-30C and Klipsch RP-504C II 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-504C II 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-504C II are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-30C |
Klipsch RP-504C II |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 3.5-inch
|
4 x 5.25-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-504C II features a 1" titanium Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 4 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1950 Hz.
Frequency Response
R-30C has a frequency range of 78-21k Hz whereas RP-504C II has a frequency range of 50-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the RP-504C II 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-504C II have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 96 dB.
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 RP-504C II.
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-504C II has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-30C's Binding post terminals
Klipsch RP-504C II's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both R-30C and RP-504C II 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-504C II'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-504C II has external dimensions of 177.0 x 818.0 x 385.0mm ( 6-15/16 x 32-3/16 x 15-1/8inch) .
Klipsch RP-504C II is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 156mm wider, 51mm taller and 211mm deeper than Klipsch R-30C.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-30C and Klipsch RP-504C II in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-30C and Klipsch RP-504C II 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 R-30C is approximately 1151.9cm2 / 178.5inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-504C II is approximately 3149.3cm2 / 488.1inch2. The R-30C requires 63% less surface area than the RP-504C II 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-504C II weighs 16.50kg / 36.3lbs. This makes the RP-504C II 230% heavier than the R-30C.
Here is a comparison of how R-30C and RP-504C II'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-504C II?
Here are the items that come with the RP-504C II:
Center channel loudspeakerGrilleUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Height |
126mm
vs
177mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1151cm2 (662x174mm)
vs
3149cm2 (818x385mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
799USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
3.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
78 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-30C |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-504C II |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
up to 150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
78-21k Hz |
50-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
3.5" |
5.25" |
| 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 |
1950 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
126.0mm (5") |
177.0mm (7") |
| Width |
662.0mm (26.1") |
818.0mm (32.2") |
| Depth |
174.0mm (6.9") |
385.0mm (15.2") |
| Weight |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
16.50kg (36.3lbs) |
| 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 |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |