In this review, we will be comparing R-50C and Prime Center, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and SVS. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-50C and SVS Prime Center first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch R-50C and SVS Prime Center 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 SVS Prime Center 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-50C is a 2-way design whereas the Prime Center 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-50C |
SVS Prime Center |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 3-1/2-inch |
|
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 Prime Center features a 1" aluminum dome Tweeter , a 3-1/2" Midrange and 2 x 5.25" polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 350Hz and 2400Hz.
Frequency Response
R-50C has a frequency range of 90-21k Hz whereas Prime Center has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the Prime Center 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 Prime Center 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 Prime Center's is at 86 dB. This 10 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-50C a more sensitive speaker compared to SVS Prime Center, 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 Prime Center.
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 5-Way post type posts and Prime Center has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-50C's Binding post terminals
SVS Prime Center's 5-Way 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 SVS Prime Center'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 SVS Prime Center has external dimensions of 196.0 x 475.0 x 232.0mm ( 7-11/16 x 18-11/16 x 9-1/8inch) .
Klipsch R-50C is 16mm shorter and 20mm less deeper than SVS Prime Center but it is also 3mm 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-50C is approximately 1013.4cm2 / 157.1inch2 and base area of the SVS Prime Center is approximately 1102.0cm2 / 170.8inch2. The R-50C requires 8% less surface area than the Prime Center 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 SVS Prime Center weighs 9.18kg / 20.2lbs. This makes the Prime Center 43% heavier than the R-50C.
Here is a comparison of how R-50C and Prime Center'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 SVS Prime Center?
Here are the items that come with the Prime Center:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille (pre-installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber bumpersOwners ManualSVS brochureOnline Product Registration Card
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Height |
180mm
vs
196mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1013cm2 (478x212mm)
vs
1102cm2 (475x232mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
379USD
vs
399USD
|
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 |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
90 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-50C |
SVS Prime Center |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
SVS |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker (Premium Black Ash) |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
20-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.5 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
90-21k Hz |
48-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
spun-copper TCP |
polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
3-1/2" |
| Crossover Frequency |
1650 Hz |
350Hz and 2400Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
180.0mm (7.1") |
196.0mm (7.7") |
| Width |
478.0mm (18.8") |
475.0mm (18.7") |
| Depth |
212.0mm (8.3") |
232.0mm (9.1") |
| Weight |
6.40kg (14.1lbs) |
9.18kg (20.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Sealed |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
Textured Wood Grain Vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black,White,Mocha |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |