In this review, we will be comparing R-34C and Elysian C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-34C and Wharfedale Elysian C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch R-34C and Wharfedale Elysian C 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 Wharfedale Elysian C 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that R-34C is a 2-way design whereas the Elysian C is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
Driver |
Klipsch R-34C |
Wharfedale Elysian C |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
27 x 45mm-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 6-inch |
Woofer
|
4 x 3.5-inch
|
2 x 8.5-inch
|
R-34C features a 1" aluminum Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 3.5" copper spun IMG Woofer . On the other hand, the Elysian C features a 27 x 45mm" Air Motion Transformer (AMT) Tweeter , a 6" Midrange and 2 x 8.5" coated fiberglass matrix Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 360Hz and 2900HZ.
Frequency Response
R-34C has a frequency range of 82-21k Hz whereas Elysian C has a frequency range of 35-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 35Hz, the Elysian C 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 Elysian C 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 Elysian C's is rated at 91 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-34C a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale Elysian C, 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 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-34C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 150 watts less than the Elysian C.
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
Elysian C features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. R-34C has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 Wharfedale Elysian C'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 Wharfedale Elysian C has external dimensions of 321.0 x 831.0 x 370.0mm ( 12-5/8 x 32-11/16 x 14-9/16inch) .
Wharfedale Elysian C is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 169mm wider, 195mm taller and 211mm deeper than Klipsch R-34C.
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 Wharfedale Elysian C is approximately 3074.7cm2 / 476.6inch2. The R-34C requires 66% less surface area than the Elysian C 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 Wharfedale Elysian C weighs 30.23kg / 66.5lbs. This makes the Elysian C 412% heavier than the R-34C.
Here is a comparison of how R-34C and Elysian C'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 Wharfedale Elysian C?
Here are the items that come with the Elysian C:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille2 Terminal-jumpersUser Manual
Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
91 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
321mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
1052cm2 (662x159mm)
vs
3074cm2 (831x370mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Max Input Power |
250 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
Woofer Size |
8.5 inches
vs
3.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
35 Hz
vs
82 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
22k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Passive Radiator |
Foamed Rubber
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
General |
Klipsch Reference R-34C |
Wharfedale Elysian C |
Brand |
Klipsch |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
50-250 watts |
Sensitivity |
96 dB |
91 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
6 ohms |
Impedance |
n/a |
3.5 ohms |
Frequency Response |
82-21k Hz |
35-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
4 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
3.5" |
8.5" |
Woofer Composition |
copper spun IMG |
coated fiberglass matrix |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
27 x 45mm" |
Tweeter Type |
Tractrix horn |
Air Motion Transformer (AMT) |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
6" |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
360Hz and 2900HZ |
Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
126.0mm (5") |
321.0mm (12.6") |
Width |
662.0mm (26.1") |
831.0mm (32.7") |
Depth |
159.0mm (6.3") |
370.0mm (14.6") |
Weight |
5.91kg (13lbs) |
30.23kg (66.5lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
textured wood grain viny |
MDF/Lacquer |
Available Colors |
Black |
Piano Black, Piano Walnut,White |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |