In this review, we will be comparing Blackstone TL1 and R-52C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Polk Audio and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk TL1 and Klipsch R-52C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Polk TL1 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 0.5" dome Tweeter
- 2 x 2.5" Dynamic Balance Woofer
- 125-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:10-125watts
- Weight:1.84kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 101.0" x 15" x 3-7/16"( 101.0 x 381.0 x 88.0mm )
Klipsch R-52C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix horn Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" copper spun IMG Woofer
- 89-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 95 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:3.18kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 180.0" x 18-13/16" x 7-11/16"( 180.0 x 478.0 x 196.0mm )
What size room are the Polk TL1 and Klipsch R-52C 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* |
Polk TL1 |
Klipsch R-52C |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Average |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
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 Polk TL1 and Klipsch R-52C 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 Blackstone TL1 and R-52C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk TL1 |
Klipsch R-52C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.5-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 2.5-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
Blackstone TL1 features a 0.5" silk dome Tweeter and 2 x 2.5" Dynamic Balance Woofer . On the other hand, the R-52C features a 1" aluminum Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" copper spun IMG Woofer .
Frequency Response
Blackstone TL1 has a frequency range of 125-20k Hz whereas R-52C has a frequency range of 89-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 89Hz, the R-52C can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Blackstone TL1's min frequency of 125Hz.
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
Blackstone TL1 and R-52C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Blackstone TL1 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the R-52C's is at 95 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-52C a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk TL1, 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.
Blackstone TL1 can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-52C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the Blackstone TL1.
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
Blackstone TL1 features Binding post type posts and R-52C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-52C'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 Polk TL1's and Klipsch R-52C's external dimensions. Polk TL1 has external dimensions of 101.0 x 381.0 x 88.0mm ( 3-15/16 x 15 x 3-7/16inch) whereas Klipsch R-52C has external dimensions of 180.0 x 478.0 x 196.0mm ( 7-1/16 x 18-13/16 x 7-11/16inch) .
Klipsch R-52C is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 97mm wider, 79mm taller and 108mm deeper than Polk TL1.
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 Polk TL1 is approximately 335.3cm2 / 52.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-52C is approximately 936.9cm2 / 145.2inch2. The Blackstone TL1 requires 64% less surface area than the R-52C 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 Polk TL1 weighs 1.84kg / 4lbs and the Klipsch R-52C weighs 3.18kg / 7lbs. This makes the R-52C 73% heavier than the Blackstone TL1.
Here is a comparison of how Blackstone TL1 and R-52C'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 Polk TL1?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Blackstone TL1:
Gloss-black center-channel loudspeakerDetachable black cloth grille (attached)System Diagram/Warranty sheetTemplateOnline Product Registration cardImportant Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-52C?
Here are the items that come with the R-52C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetQuick Setup GuideImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Height |
101mm
vs
180mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
335cm2
vs
936cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
79USD
vs
349USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
95 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
2.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
89 Hz
vs
125 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
21k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
| General |
Polk Audio Blackstone TL1 |
Klipsch Reference R-52C |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
10-125 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
95 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
125-20k Hz |
89-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
2.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Dynamic Balance |
copper spun IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
0.5" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
dome |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
101.0mm (4") |
180.0mm (7.1") |
| Width |
381.0mm (15") |
478.0mm (18.8") |
| Depth |
88.0mm (3.5") |
196.0mm (7.7") |
| Weight |
1.84kg (4lbs) |
3.18kg (7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
n/a |
wood grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |