In this review, we will be comparing R300 and RP-500C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Polk Audio and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk R300 and Klipsch RP-500C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Polk R300 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Polypropylene Turbine Cone Woofer
- 65-38k Hz Frequency Response
- 86.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-200watts
- Weight:7.64kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 174.0" x 19-1/16" x 8-15/16"( 174.0 x 485.0 x 228.0mm )
Klipsch RP-500C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix horn Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer
- 60-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 96 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:8.18kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 175.0" x 18-9/16" x 10"( 175.0 x 472.0 x 254.0mm )
What size room are the Polk R300 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Polk R300 |
Klipsch RP-500C |
| 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 R300 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.
**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 R300 and RP-500C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk R300 |
Klipsch RP-500C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
R300 features a 1" Pinnacle Ring Radiator Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Polypropylene Turbine Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz. On the other hand, the RP-500C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
R300 has a frequency range of 65-38k 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 R300's min frequency of 65Hz.
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
R300 and RP-500C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R300 sensitivity is rated at 86.5 dB and the RP-500C's is at 96 dB. This 9 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500C a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk R300, 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.
R300 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-500C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 100 watts less than the R300.
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
R300 features Binding post type posts and RP-500C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Polk R300's Binding post terminals
Klipsch RP-500C's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both R300 and RP-500C 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 R300's and Klipsch RP-500C's external dimensions. Polk R300 has external dimensions of 174.0 x 485.0 x 228.0mm ( 6-13/16 x 19-1/16 x 8-15/16inch) 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) .
Polk R300 is 1mm shorter and 26mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-500C but it is also 13mm 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 Polk R300 is approximately 1105.8cm2 / 171.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-500C is approximately 1198.9cm2 / 185.8inch2. The R300 requires 8% 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 Polk R300 weighs 7.64kg / 16.8lbs and the Klipsch RP-500C weighs 8.18kg / 18lbs. This makes the RP-500C 7% heavier than the R300.
Here is a comparison of how R300 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 Polk R300?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R300:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleOwners ManualOnline Registration
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 |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 High Frequency Response |
38k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
174mm
vs
175mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1105cm2
vs
1198cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Polk Audio Reserve R300 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
30-200 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86.5 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.8 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
65-38k Hz |
60-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene Turbine Cone |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Pinnacle Ring Radiator |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2200Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
174.0mm (6.9") |
175.0mm (6.9") |
| Width |
485.0mm (19.1") |
472.0mm (18.6") |
| Depth |
228.0mm (9") |
254.0mm (10") |
| Weight |
7.64kg (16.8lbs) |
8.18kg (18lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black, Walnut |
Walnut, Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |