In this review, we will be comparing R-52C and RP-400C, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Klipsch
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-52C and Klipsch RP-400C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch R-52C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix horn Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" copper spun IMG Woofer
- 89-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 95 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:3.18kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 180.0" x 18-13/16" x 7-11/16"( 180.0 x 478.0 x 196.0mm )
Klipsch RP-400C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix horn Tweeter
- 2 x 4" Cerametallic cone Woofer
- 65-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 95 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 75watts
- Weight:6.36kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 147.0" x 16-1/16" x 9-1/2"( 147.0 x 408.0 x 242.0mm )
What size room are the Klipsch R-52C and Klipsch RP-400C 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-52C |
Klipsch RP-400C |
| Near-field |
Average |
Good |
| Small Room |
Good |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
No way |
(* 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-52C and Klipsch RP-400C 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-52C and RP-400C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-52C |
Klipsch RP-400C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 4-inch
|
R-52C features a 1" aluminum Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" copper spun IMG Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-400C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 4" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
R-52C has a frequency range of 89-21k Hz whereas RP-400C has a frequency range of 65-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 65Hz, the RP-400C can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-52C's min frequency of 89Hz.
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-52C and RP-400C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 95 dB.
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-52C can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-400C has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the R-52C.
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-52C features Binding post type posts and RP-400C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-52C's Binding post terminals
Klipsch RP-400C'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-52C's and Klipsch RP-400C's external dimensions. Klipsch R-52C has external dimensions of 180.0 x 478.0 x 196.0mm ( 7-1/16 x 18-13/16 x 7-11/16inch) whereas Klipsch RP-400C has external dimensions of 147.0 x 408.0 x 242.0mm ( 5-3/4 x 16-1/16 x 9-1/2inch) .
Klipsch RP-400C is 70mm narrower and 33mm shorter than Klipsch R-52C but it is also 46mm deeper.
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-52C is approximately 936.9cm2 / 145.2inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-400C is approximately 987.4cm2 / 153.0inch2. The R-52C requires 5% less surface area than the RP-400C 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-52C weighs 3.18kg / 7lbs and the Klipsch RP-400C weighs 6.36kg / 14lbs. This makes the RP-400C 100% heavier than the R-52C.
Here is a comparison of how R-52C and RP-400C'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-52C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-52C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetQuick Setup GuideImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-400C?
Here are the items that come with the RP-400C:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetTilt rod (attached nut)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Base Surface Area |
936cm2
vs
987cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
|
Low Frequency Response |
65 Hz
vs
89 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
147mm
vs
180mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
344USD
vs
349USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-52C |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400C |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
up to 75 watts |
| Sensitivity |
95 dB |
95 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
89-21k Hz |
65-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
4" |
| Woofer Composition |
copper spun IMG |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix horn |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
180.0mm (7.1") |
147.0mm (5.8") |
| Width |
478.0mm (18.8") |
408.0mm (16.1") |
| Depth |
196.0mm (7.7") |
242.0mm (9.5") |
| Weight |
3.18kg (7lbs) |
6.36kg (14lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
wood grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut, Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |