In this review, we will be comparing ES35 and RP-504C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Polk Audio and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk ES35 and Klipsch RP-504C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Polk ES35 and Klipsch RP-504C 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 Polk ES35 and Klipsch RP-504C 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 ES35 and RP-504C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk ES35 |
Klipsch RP-504C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
6 x 3-inch
|
4 x 5.25-inch
|
ES35 features a 1" Terylene High-res dome Tweeter and 6 x 3" mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-504C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
ES35 has a frequency range of 66-40k Hz whereas RP-504C has a frequency range of 58-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 58Hz, the RP-504C can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the ES35's min frequency of 66Hz.
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
ES35 and RP-504C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. ES35 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the RP-504C's is at 97 dB. This 8 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-504C a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk ES35, 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.
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
ES35 features Binding post type posts and RP-504C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Polk ES35's 5-Way post terminals
Klipsch RP-504C's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both ES35 and RP-504C 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.
Polk ES35 Port
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 ES35's and Klipsch RP-504C's external dimensions. Polk ES35 has external dimensions of 107.0 x 621.0 x 154.0mm ( 4-3/16 x 24-7/16 x 6-1/16inch) whereas Klipsch RP-504C has external dimensions of 175.0 x 793.0 x 367.0mm ( 6-7/8 x 31-3/16 x 14-7/16inch) .
Klipsch RP-504C is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 172mm wider, 68mm taller and 213mm deeper than Polk ES35.
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 ES35 is approximately 956.3cm2 / 148.2inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-504C is approximately 2910.3cm2 / 451.1inch2. The ES35 requires 67% less surface area than the RP-504C 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 ES35 weighs 6.36kg / 14lbs and the Klipsch RP-504C weighs 15.45kg / 34lbs. This makes the RP-504C 143% heavier than the ES35.
Here is a comparison of how ES35 and RP-504C'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 ES35?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of ES35:
LCR loudspeakerGrille (attached)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetWall-mount templateOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-504C?
Here are the items that come with the RP-504C:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Number of Woofers |
6
vs
4
|
More woofers |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
107mm
vs
175mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
956cm2 (621x154mm)
vs
2910cm2 (793x367mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
97 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
| Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
3 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
58 Hz
vs
66 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES35 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-504C |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Low-profile center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
20-150 watts |
up to 150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
97 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
66-40k Hz |
58-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
6 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
3" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
mica-reinforced polypropylene Dynamic Balance |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
High-res dome |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
N/A" |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
107.0mm (4.2") |
175.0mm (6.9") |
| Width |
621.0mm (24.4") |
793.0mm (31.2") |
| Depth |
154.0mm (6.1") |
367.0mm (14.4") |
| Weight |
6.36kg (14lbs) |
15.45kg (34lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF, Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black, Walnut, White |
Walnut, Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |