In this review, we will be comparing R-34C and S 81 CEN, 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 S 81 CEN first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch R-34C and Jamo S 81 CEN 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 S 81 CEN 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 S 81 CEN are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-34C |
Jamo S 81 CEN |
|
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 S 81 CEN features a 1" soft dome with an integrated waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 4" polyfiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000Hz.
Frequency Response
R-34C has a frequency range of 82-21k Hz whereas S 81 CEN has a frequency range of 71-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 71Hz, the S 81 CEN 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 and S 81 CEN have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R-34C sensitivity is rated at 96 dB and the S 81 CEN's is at 86 dB. This 10 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-34C a more sensitive speaker compared to Jamo S 81 CEN, 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 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas S 81 CEN has a max power handling value of 60 watts RMS, 40 watts less than the R-34C.
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 Binding post type posts and S 81 CEN has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-34C's Binding post terminals
Jamo S 81 CEN'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 Jamo S 81 CEN'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 S 81 CEN has external dimensions of 186.0 x 435.0 x 221.0mm ( 7-5/16 x 17-1/8 x 8-11/16inch) .
Klipsch R-34C is 60mm shorter and 62mm less deeper than Jamo S 81 CEN but it is also 227mm 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 S 81 CEN is approximately 961.4cm2 / 149.0inch2. The R-34C requires 9% more surface area than the S 81 CEN which gives it a small disadvantage 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 S 81 CEN weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs. This makes the R-34C 18% heavier than the S 81 CEN.
Here is a comparison of how R-34C and S 81 CEN'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 S 81 CEN?
Here are the items that come with the S 81 CEN:
Center-channel loudspeaker Grille User Manual Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
 Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
60 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 Height |
126mm
vs
186mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| Woofer Size |
4 inches
vs
3.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
71 Hz
vs
82 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
26k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
961cm2 (435x221mm)
vs
1052cm2 (662x159mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-34C |
Jamo S 81 CEN |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Jamo |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
up to 60 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
82-21k Hz |
71-26k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
3.5" |
4" |
| Woofer Composition |
copper spun IMG |
polyfiber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix horn |
soft dome with an integrated waveguide |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
N/A" |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
2000Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
126.0mm (5") |
186.0mm (7.3") |
| Width |
662.0mm (26.1") |
435.0mm (17.1") |
| Depth |
159.0mm (6.3") |
221.0mm (8.7") |
| Weight |
5.91kg (13lbs) |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
textured wood grain viny |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black, White, Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |