In this review, we will be comparing R-34C and C 9 CEN II, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Jamo. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-34C and Jamo C 9 CEN II first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch R-34C and Jamo C 9 CEN 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-34C and Jamo C 9 CEN 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-34C and C 9 CEN II are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-34C |
Jamo C 9 CEN II |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 3.5-inch
|
2 x 4-inch
|
R-34C features a 1" aluminum Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 3.5" copper spun IMG Woofer . On the other hand, the C 9 CEN II features a 1" soft dome with an integrated waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 4" HCCC (Hybrid Composition Conical Cone) Woofer .
Frequency Response
R-34C has a frequency range of 82-21k Hz whereas C 9 CEN II has a frequency range of 55-24k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the C 9 CEN II 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 C 9 CEN II 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 C 9 CEN II's is rated at 88 dB. This 8 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-34C a more sensitive speaker compared to Jamo C 9 CEN II, 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 140 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-34C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 40 watts less than the C 9 CEN 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-34C features 5-Way post type posts and C 9 CEN II has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-34C's Binding post terminals
Jamo C 9 CEN II's 5-Way 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 Jamo C 9 CEN II'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 Jamo C 9 CEN II has external dimensions of 183.0 x 466.0 x 231.0mm ( 7-3/16 x 18-5/16 x 9-1/16inch) .
Klipsch R-34C is 57mm shorter and 72mm less deeper than Jamo C 9 CEN II but it is also 196mm wider.
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 Jamo C 9 CEN II is approximately 1076.5cm2 / 166.9inch2. The R-34C requires 2% less surface area than the C 9 CEN 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-34C weighs 5.91kg / 13lbs and the Jamo C 9 CEN II weighs 3.09kg / 6.8lbs. This makes the R-34C 91% heavier than the C 9 CEN II.
Here is a comparison of how R-34C and C 9 CEN 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-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 Jamo C 9 CEN II?
Here are the items that come with the C 9 CEN II:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille4 Rubber feet (pre-installed)2 Self-adhesive rubber bumpersUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 Height |
126mm
vs
183mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1052cm2 (662x159mm)
vs
1076cm2 (466x231mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
140 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
| Woofer Size |
4 inches
vs
3.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
82 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
24k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-34C |
Jamo Concert 9 Series C 9 CEN II |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Jamo |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker (Black Ash) |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
50-140 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
82-21k Hz |
55-24k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
3.5" |
4" |
| Woofer Composition |
copper spun IMG |
HCCC (Hybrid Composition Conical Cone) |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix horn |
soft dome with an integrated waveguide |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
N/A" |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
126.0mm (5") |
183.0mm (7.2") |
| Width |
662.0mm (26.1") |
466.0mm (18.3") |
| Depth |
159.0mm (6.3") |
231.0mm (9.1") |
| Weight |
5.91kg (13lbs) |
3.09kg (6.8lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
textured wood grain viny |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black Ash, White Oak,Dark Apple |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |