In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Klipsch. Klipsch Reference RF-7 III is a Floor-standing speaker whereas the R-30C is a Center Channel speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RF-7 III and Klipsch R-30C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch RF-7 III Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1.75" dome Tweeter
- 2 x 10" Cerametallic Woofer
- 32-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 100 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 250watts
- Weight:44.10kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1247.0" x 13-15/16" x 17-15/16"( 1247.0 x 355.0 x 456.0mm )
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 )
What size room are the Klipsch RF-7 III 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 RF-7 III |
Klipsch R-30C |
| Near-field |
Bad |
Average |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Good |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Average |
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 RF-7 III 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 RF-7 III and R-30C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RF-7 III |
Klipsch R-30C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.75-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 10-inch
|
4 x 3.5-inch
|
RF-7 III features a 1.75" titanium dome Tweeter and 2 x 10" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1300Hz. 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
RF-7 III has a frequency range of 32-25k Hz whereas R-30C has a frequency range of 78-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 32Hz, the RF-7 III can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-30C's min frequency of 78Hz.
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 Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing 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
RF-7 III and R-30C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RF-7 III sensitivity is rated at 100 dB and the R-30C's is at 96 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Klipsch RF-7 III a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch R-30C, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing 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.
RF-7 III can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-30C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 150 watts less than the RF-7 III.
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
RF-7 III features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. R-30C has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RF-7 III's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Klipsch R-30C's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RF-7 III and R-30C have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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 RF-7 III's and Klipsch R-30C's external dimensions. Klipsch RF-7 III has external dimensions of 1247.0 x 355.0 x 456.0mm ( 49-1/16 x 13-15/16 x 17-15/16inch) 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 1121mm shorter and 282mm less deeper than Klipsch RF-7 III but it is also 307mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RF-7 III and Klipsch R-30C in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RF-7 III 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 RF-7 III is approximately 1618.8cm2 / 250.9inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-30C is approximately 1151.9cm2 / 178.5inch2. The RF-7 III requires 41% more surface area than the R-30C which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Klipsch RF-7 III?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RF-7 III:
Floorstanding loudspeakerPlinthGrille4 Spike feet4 Rubber feet2 Jumpers (pre-installed)4 Machine screwsOwners Manual
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