In this review, we will be comparing R-34C and Bronze C150, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Monitor Audio .
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-34C and Monitor Audio Bronze C150 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch R-34C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix horn Tweeter
- 4 x 3.5" copper spun IMG Woofer
- 82-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 96 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:5.91kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 126.0" x 26-1/16" x 6-1/4"( 126.0 x 662.0 x 159.0mm )
Monitor Audio Bronze C150 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" vented dome with waveguide Tweeter
- 5.25" aluminum Woofer
- 66-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-120watts
- Weight:7.01kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 167.0" x 17-13/16" x 8-15/16"( 167.0 x 453.0 x 228.0mm )
What size room are the Klipsch R-34C and Monitor Audio Bronze C150 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Klipsch R-34C |
Monitor Audio Bronze C150 |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch R-34C and Monitor Audio Bronze C150 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both R-34C and Bronze C150 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-34C |
Monitor Audio Bronze C150 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 3.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
R-34C features a 1" aluminum Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 3.5" copper spun IMG Woofer . On the other hand, the Bronze C150 features a 1" aluminum vented dome with waveguide Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
R-34C has a frequency range of 82-21k Hz whereas Bronze C150 has a frequency range of 66-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 66Hz, the Bronze C150 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
Monitor Audio Bronze C150
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 Bronze C150 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 Bronze C150's is at 88 dB. This 8 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-34C a more sensitive speaker compared to Monitor Audio Bronze C150, 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 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-34C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the Bronze C150.
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 Bronze C150 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-34C's Binding post terminals
Monitor Audio Bronze C150'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 Monitor Audio Bronze C150'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 Monitor Audio Bronze C150 has external dimensions of 167.0 x 453.0 x 228.0mm ( 6-9/16 x 17-13/16 x 8-15/16inch) .
Klipsch R-34C is 41mm shorter and 69mm less deeper than Monitor Audio Bronze C150 but it is also 209mm 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 Monitor Audio Bronze C150 is approximately 1032.8cm2 / 160.1inch2. The R-34C requires 2% more surface area than the Bronze C150 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 Monitor Audio Bronze C150 weighs 7.01kg / 15.4lbs. This makes the Bronze C150 19% heavier than the R-34C.
Here is a comparison of how R-34C and Bronze C150's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Monitor Audio Bronze C150
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 Monitor Audio Bronze C150?
Here are the items that come with the Bronze C150:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille2 Terminal-jumpers (pre-installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetHex-keyQuick Start GuideImportant Safety Instructions
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
1
|
More woofers |
 Height |
126mm
vs
167mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
|
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
3.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
66 Hz
vs
82 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
1032cm2
vs
1052cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-34C |
Monitor Audio Bronze C150 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Monitor Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
30-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
82-21k Hz |
66-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
4 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
3.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
copper spun IMG |
aluminum |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix horn |
vented dome with waveguide |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
No |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
126.0mm (5") |
167.0mm (6.6") |
| Width |
662.0mm (26.1") |
453.0mm (17.8") |
| Depth |
159.0mm (6.3") |
228.0mm (9") |
| Weight |
5.91kg (13lbs) |
7.01kg (15.4lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
textured wood grain viny |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |