In this review, we will be comparing ElectroMotion ESL C and RP-450C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from MartinLogan and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of MartinLogan ESL C and Klipsch RP-450C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the MartinLogan ESL C and Klipsch RP-450C 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 MartinLogan ESL C and Klipsch RP-450C 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that ElectroMotion ESL C is a 3-way design whereas the RP-450C is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
MartinLogan ESL C |
Klipsch RP-450C |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1 x 1-7/16-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
4 x 5.25-inch
|
ElectroMotion ESL C features a 1 x 1-7/16" Folded Motion Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" high-rigidity aluminum woofers Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-450C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
ElectroMotion ESL C has a frequency range of 66-23k Hz whereas RP-450C has a frequency range of 58-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 58Hz, the RP-450C can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the ElectroMotion ESL C's min frequency of 66Hz.
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
ElectroMotion ESL C is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the RP-450C which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the ElectroMotion ESL C can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. ElectroMotion ESL C sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the RP-450C's is rated at 97 dB. This 8 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-450C a more sensitive speaker compared to MartinLogan ESL C, 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.
ElectroMotion ESL C can handle a max power of 300 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-450C has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS, 150 watts less than the ElectroMotion ESL C.
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
ElectroMotion ESL C features Binding post type posts and RP-450C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
MartinLogan ESL C's Binding post terminals
Klipsch RP-450C'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 MartinLogan ESL C's and Klipsch RP-450C's external dimensions. MartinLogan ESL C has external dimensions of 194.0 x 582.0 x 410.0mm ( 7-5/8 x 22-7/8 x 16-1/8inch) whereas Klipsch RP-450C has external dimensions of 174.0 x 791.0 x 370.0mm ( 6-13/16 x 31-1/8 x 14-9/16inch) .
Klipsch RP-450C is 20mm shorter and 40mm less deeper than MartinLogan ESL C but it is also 209mm 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 MartinLogan ESL C is approximately 2386.2cm2 / 369.9inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-450C is approximately 2926.7cm2 / 453.6inch2. The ElectroMotion ESL C requires 18% less surface area than the RP-450C 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 MartinLogan ESL C weighs 14.55kg / 32lbs and the Klipsch RP-450C weighs 16.23kg / 35.7lbs. This makes the RP-450C 12% heavier than the ElectroMotion ESL C.
Here is a comparison of how ElectroMotion ESL C and RP-450C'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 MartinLogan ESL C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of ElectroMotion ESL C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleAC power supply (attached 10-feet DC cord)User-feets Manual (En/Fr)Product Registration Card
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-450C?
Here are the items that come with the RP-450C:
Center-channel loudspeakerDetachable magnetic grille4 Rubber feetUser ManualWarranty InformationImportant Safety Instructions
 Max Input Power |
300 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Base Surface Area |
2386cm2 (582x410mm)
vs
2926cm2 (791x370mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
97 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
58 Hz
vs
66 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
23k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
174mm
vs
194mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
650USD
vs
1700USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL C |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-450C |
| Brand |
MartinLogan |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker (Ebony) |
| Power Range |
20-300 watts |
up to 150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
97 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
66-23k Hz |
58-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
high-rigidity aluminum woofers |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1 x 1-7/16" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Folded Motion |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
9 x 6.375" |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
| Suggested Break-in Period |
Allow 72 hours of break-in at 90 dB |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
194.0mm (7.6") |
174.0mm (6.9") |
| Width |
582.0mm (22.9") |
791.0mm (31.1") |
| Depth |
410.0mm (16.1") |
370.0mm (14.6") |
| Weight |
14.55kg (32lbs) |
16.23kg (35.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
polymer veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut, Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Yrs w/ Registration |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Yrs w/ Registration |
5 Years |