In this review, we will be comparing R-52C and Monitor XT30, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Klipsch and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-52C and Polk XT30 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch R-52C and Polk XT30 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-52C and Polk XT30 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 Monitor XT30 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-52C |
Polk XT30 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
R-52C features a 1" aluminum Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" copper spun IMG Woofer . On the other hand, the Monitor XT30 features a 1" Terylene High-res dome Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" bi-laminate paper cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
R-52C has a frequency range of 89-21k Hz whereas Monitor XT30 has a frequency range of 55-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the Monitor XT30 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 Monitor XT30 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 Monitor XT30's is at 89 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-52C a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk XT30, 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 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-52C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the Monitor XT30.
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 5-Way post type posts and Monitor XT30 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-52C's Binding post terminals
Polk XT30'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-52C's and Polk XT30'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 Polk XT30 has external dimensions of 166.0 x 485.0 x 208.0mm ( 6-1/2 x 19-1/16 x 8-3/16inch) .
Klipsch R-52C is 7mm narrower and 12mm less deeper than Polk XT30 but it is also 14mm 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 Polk XT30 is approximately 1008.8cm2 / 156.4inch2. The R-52C requires 7% less surface area than the Monitor XT30 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 Polk XT30 weighs 5.91kg / 13lbs. This makes the Monitor XT30 86% heavier than the R-52C.
Here is a comparison of how R-52C and Monitor XT30'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 Polk XT30?
Here are the items that come with the Monitor XT30:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille (attached)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product RegistrationWall-Mount Template
 Sensitivity |
95 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Base Surface Area |
936cm2 (478x196mm)
vs
1008cm2 (485x208mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
89 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
166mm
vs
180mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
199USD
vs
349USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-52C |
Polk Audio Monitor XT30 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
30-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
95 dB |
89 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
89-21k Hz |
55-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
copper spun IMG |
bi-laminate paper cone |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix horn |
High-res dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
N/A" |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
180.0mm (7.1") |
166.0mm (6.5") |
| Width |
478.0mm (18.8") |
485.0mm (19.1") |
| Depth |
196.0mm (7.7") |
208.0mm (8.2") |
| Weight |
3.18kg (7lbs) |
5.91kg (13lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
wood grain vinyl |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |