In this review, we will be comparing R-34C and A135C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and JBL. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-34C and JBL Stage A135C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch R-34C 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch R-34C 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-34C and A135C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-34C |
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-34C features a 1" aluminum Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 3.5" copper spun IMG Woofer . 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-34C has a frequency range of 82-21k Hz whereas A135C has a frequency range of 75-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 75Hz, the A135C can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-34C'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-34C 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-34C sensitivity is rated at 96 dB and the A135C's is rated at 90 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-34C 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-34C can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-34C 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-34C 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-34C'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 R-34C's and JBL Stage A135C's external dimensions. Klipsch R-34C has external dimensions of 126.0 x 662.0 x 159.0mm ( 4-15/16 x 26-1/16 x 6-1/4inch) 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-34C is 85mm narrower and 27mm 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-34C is approximately 1052.6cm2 / 163.2inch2 and base area of the JBL Stage A135C is approximately 1389.4cm2 / 215.4inch2. The R-34C requires 24% less surface area than the A135C 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-34C weighs 5.91kg / 13lbs and the JBL Stage A135C weighs 7.46kg / 16.4lbs. This makes the A135C 26% heavier than the R-34C.
Here is a comparison of how R-34C and A135C'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-34C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-34C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetQuick Setup GuideImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of JBL Stage A135C?
Here are the items that come with the A135C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille4 Leveling feet4 Rubber feetOwners ManualWarranty Card
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
3.5 inches
vs
3 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Base Surface Area |
1052cm2 (662x159mm)
vs
1389cm2 (747x186mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
| Number of Woofers |
6
vs
4
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
75 Hz
vs
82 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
105mm
vs
126mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-34C |
JBL Stage A135C |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Low-profile center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
20-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
82-21k Hz |
75-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
6 |
| Woofer Size |
3.5" |
3" |
| Woofer Composition |
copper spun IMG |
polycellulose |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix horn |
dome with HDI (High Definition Imaging) waveguide technology |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
N/A" |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
side |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
126.0mm (5") |
105.0mm (4.1") |
| Width |
662.0mm (26.1") |
747.0mm (29.4") |
| Depth |
159.0mm (6.3") |
186.0mm (7.3") |
| Weight |
5.91kg (13lbs) |
7.46kg (16.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
textured wood grain viny |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |