In this review, we will be comparing Apex A40 and R-34C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Monitor Audio and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Monitor Audio Apex A40 and Klipsch R-34C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Monitor Audio Apex A40 and Klipsch R-34C 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 Monitor Audio Apex A40 and Klipsch R-34C 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 Apex A40 and R-34C are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Monitor Audio Apex A40 |
Klipsch R-34C |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
2 x 5.5-inch
|
4 x 3.5-inch
|
Apex A40 features a 1" gold dome C-CAM Tweeter and 2 x 5.5" C-CAM with RST® (Rigid Surface Technology) Woofer . On the other hand, the R-34C features a 1" aluminum Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 3.5" copper spun IMG Woofer .
Frequency Response
Apex A40 has a frequency range of 50-35k Hz whereas R-34C has a frequency range of 82-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the Apex A40 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-34C's min frequency of 82Hz.
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
Apex A40 and R-34C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Apex A40 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the R-34C's is at 96 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-34C a more sensitive speaker compared to Monitor Audio Apex A40, 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.
Apex A40 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-34C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 100 watts less than the Apex A40.
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
Apex A40 features Binding post type posts and R-34C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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 Monitor Audio Apex A40's and Klipsch R-34C's external dimensions. Monitor Audio Apex A40 has external dimensions of 140.0 x 610.0 x 121.0mm ( 5-1/2 x 24 x 4-3/4inch) whereas Klipsch R-34C has external dimensions of 126.0 x 662.0 x 159.0mm ( 4-15/16 x 26-1/16 x 6-1/4inch) .
Monitor Audio Apex A40 is 52mm narrower and 38mm less deeper than Klipsch R-34C 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 Monitor Audio Apex A40 is approximately 738.1cm2 / 114.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-34C is approximately 1052.6cm2 / 163.2inch2. The Apex A40 requires 30% less surface area than the R-34C 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 Monitor Audio Apex A40 weighs 6.91kg / 15.2lbs and the Klipsch R-34C weighs 5.91kg / 13lbs. This makes the Apex A40 17% heavier than the R-34C.
Here is a comparison of how Apex A40 and R-34C'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 Monitor Audio Apex A40?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Apex A40:
LCR loudspeakerGrilleBracket (pre-installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feet2 Rubber insertsHex-keySet Up GuideImportant Safety InstructionsImportant InformationMounting Template
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-34C?
Here are the items that come with the R-34C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetQuick Setup GuideImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Woofer Size |
5.5 inches
vs
3.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
82 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Base Surface Area |
738cm2 (610x121mm)
vs
1052cm2 (662x159mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
Height |
126mm
vs
140mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
General |
Monitor Audio Apex A40 |
Klipsch Reference R-34C |
Brand |
Monitor Audio |
Klipsch |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
50-200 watts |
up to 100 watts |
Sensitivity |
90 dB |
96 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
50-35k Hz |
82-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
4 |
Woofer Size |
5.5" |
3.5" |
Woofer Composition |
C-CAM with RST® (Rigid Surface Technology) |
copper spun IMG |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
gold dome C-CAM |
Tractrix horn |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
140.0mm (5.5") |
126.0mm (5") |
Width |
610.0mm (24") |
662.0mm (26.1") |
Depth |
121.0mm (4.8") |
159.0mm (6.3") |
Weight |
6.91kg (15.2lbs) |
5.91kg (13lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
n/a |
textured wood grain viny |
Available Colors |
Gloss White |
Black |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |