In this review, we will be comparing R-52C and RP-404C, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Klipsch
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-52C and Klipsch RP-404C 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-404C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix horn Tweeter
- 4 x 4" Cerametallic cone Woofer
- 59-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 97 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 125watts
- Weight:12.73kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 147.0" x 26-1/16" x 13-7/16"( 147.0 x 662.0 x 342.0mm )
What size room are the Klipsch R-52C and Klipsch RP-404C 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-404C |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
Poor |
(* 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-404C 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-52C and RP-404C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-52C |
Klipsch RP-404C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
4 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-404C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 4" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
R-52C has a frequency range of 89-21k Hz whereas RP-404C has a frequency range of 59-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 59Hz, the RP-404C 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-404C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R-52C sensitivity is rated at 95 dB and the RP-404C's is at 97 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-404C a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch R-52C, 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-52C can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-52C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 25 watts less than the RP-404C.
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-404C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-52C's Binding post terminals
Klipsch RP-404C'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-404C'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-404C has external dimensions of 147.0 x 662.0 x 342.0mm ( 5-3/4 x 26-1/16 x 13-7/16inch) .
Klipsch R-52C is 184mm narrower and 146mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-404C but it is also 33mm taller.
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-404C is approximately 2264.0cm2 / 350.9inch2. The R-52C requires 59% less surface area than the RP-404C which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.