In this review, we will be comparing R-50C and R-25C, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Klipsch Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-50C and Klipsch Reference R-25C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
R-50C and R-25C are members of Klipsch's Reference (R) Center series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Klipsch Reference (R) Center Series History
What size room are the Klipsch R-50C and Klipsch Reference R-25C 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-50C and Klipsch Reference R-25C 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-50C and R-25C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-50C |
Klipsch Reference R-25C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
R-50C features a 1" LTS (Linear Travel Suspension) titanium diaphragm Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" spun-copper TCP Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1650 Hz. On the other hand, the R-25C features a " LTS (Linear Travel Suspension) aluminum diaphragm Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Copper spun Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1800 Hz.
Frequency Response
R-50C has a frequency range of 90-21k Hz whereas R-25C has a frequency range of 82-24K Hz. With a minimum frequency of 82Hz, the R-25C can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-50C's min frequency of 90Hz.
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-50C and R-25C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R-50C sensitivity is rated at 96 dB and the R-25C's is at 98 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Klipsch Reference R-25C a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch R-50C, 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-50C and R-25C has the same power range of up to 100 watts.
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-50C features Binding post type posts and R-25C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-50C's Binding post terminals
Klipsch Reference R-25C'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-50C's and Klipsch Reference R-25C's external dimensions. Klipsch R-50C has external dimensions of 180.0 x 478.0 x 212.0mm ( 7-1/16inch x 18-13/16inch x 8-5/16inch ) whereas Klipsch Reference R-25C has external dimensions of 184 x 476 x 184mm ( 7.25 x 18.75 x 7.25-inch) .
Klipsch Reference R-25C is 2mm narrower and 28mm less deeper than Klipsch R-50C but it is also 4mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-50C and Klipsch Reference R-25C in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-50C and Klipsch Reference R-25C Size and External Dimensions
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-50C is approximately 1013.4cm2 / 157.1inch2 and base area of the Klipsch Reference R-25C is approximately 876.0cm2 / 135.8inch2. The R-50C requires 16% more surface area than the R-25C 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-50C weighs 6.40kg / 14.1lbs and the Klipsch Reference R-25C weighs 6.70kg / 14.7lbs. This makes the R-25C 5% heavier than the R-50C.
Here is a comparison of how R-50C and R-25C'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-50C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-50C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Klipsch Reference R-25C?
Here are the items that come with the R-25C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Height |
180mm
vs
184mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Sensitivity |
98 dB
vs
96 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
82 Hz
vs
90 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
24k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
876cm2 (476x184mm)
vs
1013cm2 (478x212mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
129USD
vs
379USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-50C |
Klipsch Reference R-25C |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
98 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.5 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
90-21k Hz |
82-24K Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
spun-copper TCP |
Copper spun |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
- |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1650 Hz |
1800 Hz |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
180.0mm (7.1") |
184.0mm (7.2") |
| Width |
478.0mm (18.8") |
476.0mm (18.7") |
| Depth |
212.0mm (8.3") |
184.0mm (7.2") |
| Weight |
6.40kg (14.1lbs) |
6.70kg (14.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Sealed |
Sealed |
| Finish |
Textured Wood Grain Vinyl |
Polymer Veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black,White,Mocha |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |