In this review, we will be comparing R-50C and R400, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-50C and Polk R400 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch R-50C and Polk R400 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 Polk R400 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both R-50C and R400 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Klipsch R-50C |
Polk R400 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 6.5-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 R400 features a 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Polypropylene Turbine Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
R-50C has a frequency range of 90-21k Hz whereas R400 has a frequency range of 48-39K Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the R400 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 R400 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 R400's is at 89 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-50C a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk R400, 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 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-50C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the R400.
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 R400 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers 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-50C's and Polk R400'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 Polk R400 has external dimensions of 199.0 x 618.0 x 372.0mm ( 7-13/16 x 24-5/16 x 14-5/8inch) .
Polk R400 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 140mm wider, 19mm taller and 160mm deeper than Klipsch R-50C.
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 Polk R400 is approximately 2299.0cm2 / 356.3inch2. The R-50C requires 56% less surface area than the R400 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-50C weighs 6.40kg / 14.1lbs and the Polk R400 weighs 14.91kg / 32.8lbs. This makes the R400 133% heavier than the R-50C.
Here is a comparison of how R-50C and R400'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 Polk R400?
Here are the items that come with the R400:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleOwners ManualOnline Registration
Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Height |
180mm
vs
199mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
1013cm2 (478x212mm)
vs
2299cm2 (618x372mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
379USD
vs
649USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Minimum Impedance |
4.1 ohms
vs
3.5 ohms
|
Very low impedance levels puts more pressure on amplifier |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
90 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
39k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
General |
Klipsch Reference R-50C |
Polk Audio Reserve R400 |
Brand |
Klipsch |
Polk Audio |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
20-200 watts |
Sensitivity |
96 dB |
89 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
3.5 ohms |
4.1 ohms |
Frequency Response |
90-21k Hz |
48-39K Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
spun-copper TCP |
Polypropylene Turbine Cone |
Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Pinnacle Ring Radiator |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
Crossover Frequency |
1650 Hz |
2500Hz |
Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
180.0mm (7.1") |
199.0mm (7.8") |
Width |
478.0mm (18.8") |
618.0mm (24.3") |
Depth |
212.0mm (8.3") |
372.0mm (14.6") |
Weight |
6.40kg (14.1lbs) |
14.91kg (32.8lbs) |
Enclosure |
Sealed |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
Textured Wood Grain Vinyl |
n/a |
Available Colors |
Black,White,Mocha |
Black, Walnut |
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 |