In this review, we will be comparing Alpha C10 and RP-500C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from PSB and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of PSB Alpha C10 and Klipsch RP-500C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the PSB Alpha C10 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 PSB Alpha C10 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 Alpha C10 and RP-500C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
PSB Alpha C10 |
Klipsch RP-500C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
3/4-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
Alpha C10 features a 3/4" anodized aluminum dome with front waveguide Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" textured polypropylene 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
Alpha C10 has a frequency range of 55-21k Hz whereas RP-500C has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the Alpha C10 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-500C's min frequency of 60Hz.
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
Alpha C10 and RP-500C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Alpha C10 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the RP-500C's is at 96 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500C a more sensitive speaker compared to PSB Alpha C10, 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.
Alpha C10 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-500C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the Alpha C10.
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
Alpha C10 features Binding post type posts and RP-500C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
PSB Alpha C10's 5-Way 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 PSB Alpha C10's and Klipsch RP-500C's external dimensions. PSB Alpha C10 has external dimensions of 172.0 x 451.0 x 254.0mm ( 6-3/4 x 17-3/4 x 10inch) 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) .
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 PSB Alpha C10 is approximately 1145.5cm2 / 177.6inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-500C is approximately 1198.9cm2 / 185.8inch2. The Alpha C10 requires 4% 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 PSB Alpha C10 weighs 7.73kg / 17lbs and the Klipsch RP-500C weighs 8.18kg / 18lbs. This makes the RP-500C 6% heavier than the Alpha C10.
Here is a comparison of how Alpha C10 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 PSB Alpha C10?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Alpha C10:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille4 Self-adhesive rubber feetQuick Start GuideWarranty 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 |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
60 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Base Surface Area |
1145cm2 (451x254mm)
vs
1198cm2 (472x254mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
PSB Alpha C10 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C |
| Brand |
PSB |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
15-120 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-21k Hz |
60-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
textured polypropylene |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
3/4" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
dome with front waveguide |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
175.0mm (6.9") |
175.0mm (6.9") |
| Width |
451.0mm (17.8") |
472.0mm (18.6") |
| Depth |
254.0mm (10") |
254.0mm (10") |
| Weight |
7.73kg (17lbs) |
8.18kg (18lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut |
Walnut, Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |