In this review, we will be comparing Motion 8i and RP-500C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from MartinLogan and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of MartinLogan 8i and Klipsch RP-500C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the MartinLogan 8i and Klipsch RP-500C 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 8i and Klipsch RP-500C 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 Motion 8i and RP-500C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
MartinLogan 8i |
Klipsch RP-500C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.0 x 1.4-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
Motion 8i features a 1.0 x 1.4" Folded Motion Tweeter and 2 x 4" poly cone woofers with rigid dust caps Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-500C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
Motion 8i has a frequency range of 70-23k Hz whereas RP-500C has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the RP-500C can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Motion 8i's min frequency of 70Hz.
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
Motion 8i is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the RP-500C 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 Motion 8i can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Motion 8i sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the RP-500C's is rated at 96 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500C a more sensitive speaker compared to MartinLogan 8i, 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.
Motion 8i can handle a max power of 180 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-500C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 80 watts less than the Motion 8i.
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
Motion 8i features Binding post type posts and RP-500C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
MartinLogan 8i's Spring post terminals
Klipsch RP-500C'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 8i's and Klipsch RP-500C's external dimensions. MartinLogan 8i has external dimensions of 142.0 x 562.0 x 134.0mm ( 5-9/16 x 22-1/8 x 5-1/4inch) whereas Klipsch RP-500C has external dimensions of 175.0 x 472.0 x 254.0mm ( 6-7/8 x 18-9/16 x 10inch) .
MartinLogan 8i is 33mm shorter and 120mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-500C but it is also 90mm 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 8i is approximately 753.1cm2 / 116.7inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-500C is approximately 1198.9cm2 / 185.8inch2. The Motion 8i requires 37% less surface area than the RP-500C 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 8i weighs 3.86kg / 8.5lbs and the Klipsch RP-500C weighs 8.18kg / 18lbs. This makes the RP-500C 112% heavier than the Motion 8i.
Here is a comparison of how Motion 8i and RP-500C'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 8i?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Motion 8i:
LCR loudspeakerGrille2 Wall-bracket2 Shoulder bolts4 Rubber bumpersCleaning clothUser-feets Manual (En/Fr)Installation templateProduct Registration Card
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-500C?
Here are the items that come with the RP-500C:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetTilt rod (attached nut)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
180 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Height |
142mm
vs
175mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
753cm2 (562x134mm)
vs
1198cm2 (472x254mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
70 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
23k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
MartinLogan Motion 8i |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C |
| Brand |
MartinLogan |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
20-180 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
70-23k Hz |
60-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
poly cone woofers with rigid dust caps |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.0 x 1.4" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Folded Motion |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
| Suggested Break-in Period |
Allow 72 hours of break-in at 90 dB |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
142.0mm (5.6") |
175.0mm (6.9") |
| Width |
562.0mm (22.1") |
472.0mm (18.6") |
| Depth |
134.0mm (5.3") |
254.0mm (10") |
| Weight |
3.86kg (8.5lbs) |
8.18kg (18lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black, Matt White, Red Walnut |
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 |