In this review, we will be comparing CSi A6 and RP-450C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Polk Audio and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk CSi A6 and Klipsch RP-450C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Polk CSi A6 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dynamic Balance Tweeter
- 2 x 6.5" Dynamic Balance polymer composite Woofer
- 55-26k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-200watts
- Weight:13.18kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 199.0" x 24-1/16" x 14-1/4"( 199.0 x 612.0 x 362.0mm )
Klipsch RP-450C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix horn Tweeter
- 4 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer
- 58-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 97 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 150watts
- Weight:16.23kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 174.0" x 31-1/8" x 14-9/16"( 174.0 x 791.0 x 370.0mm )
What size room are the Polk CSi A6 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Polk CSi A6 |
Klipsch RP-450C |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* 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 CSi A6 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.
**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 CSi A6 and RP-450C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk CSi A6 |
Klipsch RP-450C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
4 x 5.25-inch
|
CSi A6 features a 1" silk/polymer Dynamic Balance Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Dynamic Balance polymer composite 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
CSi A6 has a frequency range of 55-26k Hz whereas RP-450C has a frequency range of 58-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the CSi A6 can go slightly deeper then the RP-450C's min frequency of 58Hz.
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
CSi A6 and RP-450C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. CSi A6 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the RP-450C's is at 97 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-450C a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk CSi A6, 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.
CSi A6 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-450C has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the CSi A6.
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
CSi A6 features Binding post type posts and RP-450C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Polk CSi A6's 5-Way post terminals
Klipsch RP-450C's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both CSi A6 and RP-450C have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
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 CSi A6's and Klipsch RP-450C's external dimensions. Polk CSi A6 has external dimensions of 199.0 x 612.0 x 362.0mm ( 7-13/16 x 24-1/16 x 14-1/4inch) 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) .
Polk CSi A6 is 179mm narrower and 8mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-450C but it is also 25mm 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 Polk CSi A6 is approximately 2215.4cm2 / 343.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-450C is approximately 2926.7cm2 / 453.6inch2. The CSi A6 requires 24% 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 Polk CSi A6 weighs 13.18kg / 29lbs and the Klipsch RP-450C weighs 16.23kg / 35.7lbs. This makes the RP-450C 23% heavier than the CSi A6.
Here is a comparison of how CSi A6 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 Polk CSi A6?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of CSi A6:
One cherry center channel speakerOne 9.5-inch kickstandOne 5.5-inch kickstand (installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline registration sheetPolk Audio product brochure
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 |
200 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
58 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
26k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
2215cm2
vs
2926cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
97 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
|
Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 Height |
174mm
vs
199mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Polk Audio CSi A6 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-450C |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker (Cherry) |
Center channel speaker (Ebony) |
| Power Range |
20-200 watts |
up to 150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
97 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-26k Hz |
58-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Dynamic Balance polymer composite |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dynamic Balance |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
199.0mm (7.8") |
174.0mm (6.9") |
| Width |
612.0mm (24.1") |
791.0mm (31.1") |
| Depth |
362.0mm (14.3") |
370.0mm (14.6") |
| Weight |
13.18kg (29lbs) |
16.23kg (35.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
polymer veneer |
| Available Colors |
Black, Cherry |
Walnut, Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |