In this review, we will be comparing R-52C and R-30C, two Passive Center Channel speakers by Klipsch
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-52C and Klipsch R-30C 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 R-30C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 4 x 3.5" spun-copper TCP Woofer
- 78-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 96 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:5.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 126.0" x 26-1/16" x 6-13/16"( 126.0 x 662.0 x 174.0mm )
R-52C and R-30C 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-52C and Klipsch R-30C 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 R-30C |
| Near-field |
Average |
Average |
| Small Room |
Good |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
Bad |
(* 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 R-30C 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 R-30C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-52C |
Klipsch R-30C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
4 x 3.5-inch
|
R-52C features a 1" aluminum Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" copper spun IMG Woofer . On the other hand, the R-30C features a 1" LTS (Linear Travel Suspension) titanium diaphragm Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 4 x 3.5" spun-copper TCP Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1650 Hz.
Frequency Response
R-52C has a frequency range of 89-21k Hz whereas R-30C has a frequency range of 78-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 78Hz, the R-30C 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 R-30C 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 R-30C's is at 96 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-30C 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 and R-30C 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-52C features Binding post type posts and R-30C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-52C's Binding post terminals
Klipsch R-30C'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 R-30C'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 R-30C has external dimensions of 126.0 x 662.0 x 174.0mm ( 4-15/16inch x 26-1/16inch x 6-13/16inch ) .
Klipsch R-30C is 54mm shorter and 22mm less deeper than Klipsch R-52C but it is also 184mm 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-52C is approximately 936.9cm2 / 145.2inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-30C is approximately 1151.9cm2 / 178.5inch2. The R-52C requires 19% less surface area than the R-30C 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 R-30C weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs. This makes the R-30C 57% heavier than the R-52C.
Here is a comparison of how R-52C and R-30C'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 R-30C?
Here are the items that come with the R-30C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
3.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Base Surface Area |
936cm2
vs
1151cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
349USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
95 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
|
Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
|
Low Frequency Response |
78 Hz
vs
89 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
126mm
vs
180mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-52C |
Klipsch Reference R-30C |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
95 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
89-21k Hz |
78-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
3.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
copper spun IMG |
spun-copper TCP |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix horn |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1650 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
180.0mm (7.1") |
126.0mm (5") |
| Width |
478.0mm (18.8") |
662.0mm (26.1") |
| Depth |
196.0mm (7.7") |
174.0mm (6.9") |
| Weight |
3.18kg (7lbs) |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Ported |
| Finish |
wood grain vinyl |
Textured Wood Grain Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black,White,Mocha |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |