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.
| Key Specs | Klipsch R-52C | Klipsch R-30C |
|---|
| Brand | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Tractrix horn | 1" Tractrix Horn |
|---|
| Woofer | 2 x 5.25" copper spun IMG | 4 x 3.5" spun-copper TCP |
|---|
| Frequency response | 89-21k Hz | 78-21k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 95 dB | 96 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | up to 100 watts | up to 100 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 3.18kg / 7lbs | 5.08kg / 11.2lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 7-1/16" x 18-13/16" x 7-11/16"
180.0 x 478.0 x 196.0mm | 4-15/16" 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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
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through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both R-52C and R-30C are 2-way speakers.
Klipsch R-52CKlipsch R-30C
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| 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.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. 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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
R-52C and R-30C have the same power range of up to 100 watts.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
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
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-52C and Klipsch R-30C in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-52C and Klipsch R-30C Size and External Dimensions
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 5.08kg / 11.2lbs. This makes the R-30C 60% 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 loudspeaker
- Grille (installed)
- 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- Quick Setup Guide
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-30C?
Here are the items that come with the R-30C:
- Center-channel loudspeaker
- Grille
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty 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 |
No |
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) |
5.08kg (11.2lbs) |
| 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 |
Siblings in Klipsch's Reference (R) Center series, so they share a family sound. It comes down to size, output and price.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | B | Klipsch R-30C digs deeper - 78Hz against 89Hz. |
| Amplifier needs | evenly matched | Similar sensitivity (95dB vs 96dB) - both want much the same power. |
| Headroom | evenly matched | Similar power handling (100W vs 100W). |
| Size | depends | Similar cabinet size - neither is easier to fit. |
| Cabinet | depends | Sealed vs Ported. Sealed is tighter and happier near a wall; ported digs lower but wants space behind it. |
| Price | A | Klipsch R-52C is cheaper - $349 against $499, about 30% less. |
A Klipsch R-52C B Klipsch R-30C
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Klipsch R-30C is ahead, but only on 1 of the measured areas, and it costs about 43% more. That is a lot of money for a narrow margin on paper - Klipsch R-52C looks like the sensible buy unless something else about the Klipsch R-30C appeals to you. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 89Hz anyway, which makes the cheaper Klipsch R-52C much easier to justify. Think about the whole system, not just the speakers: the roughly $150 saved by taking the cheaper pair would buy a subwoofer or a better amplifier, and either usually does more for the sound than the difference between these two.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.