In this review, we will be comparing 3090c and RP-500C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Q Acoustics and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Q Acoustics 3090c and Klipsch RP-500C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Q Acoustics 3090c Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 0.9" Soft-dome Tweeter
- 2 x 4" Coated paper Woofer
- 68-30k Hz Frequency Response
- 92 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:25-120watts
- Weight:6.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 159.0" x 16.9" x 8.5"( 159 x 430 x 216 mm )
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 Q Acoustics 3090c 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* |
Q Acoustics 3090c |
Klipsch RP-500C |
| Near-field |
Average |
Average |
| Small Room |
Good |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
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 Q Acoustics 3090c 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 3090c and RP-500C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Q Acoustics 3090c |
Klipsch RP-500C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.9-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
3090c features a 0.9" Soft-dome Tweeter and 2 x 4" Coated paper Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2900 Hz. On the other hand, the RP-500C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
3090c has a frequency range of 68-30k 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 3090c's min frequency of 68Hz.
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
3090c is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the RP-500C which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. 3090c sensitivity is rated at 92 dB and the RP-500C's is rated at 96 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500C a more sensitive speaker compared to Q Acoustics 3090c, 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.
3090c 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 3090c.
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
3090c features Binding post type posts and RP-500C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-500C's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both 3090c 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 Q Acoustics 3090c's and Klipsch RP-500C's external dimensions. Q Acoustics 3090c has external dimensions of 159 x 430 x 216 mm ( 6.3 x 16.9 x 8.5 in) 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) .
Klipsch RP-500C is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 42mm wider, 16mm taller and 38mm deeper than Q Acoustics 3090c.
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 Q Acoustics 3090c is approximately 928.8cm2 / 144.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-500C is approximately 1198.9cm2 / 185.8inch2. The 3090c requires 23% 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 Q Acoustics 3090c weighs 6.50kg / 14.3lbs and the Klipsch RP-500C weighs 8.18kg / 18lbs. This makes the RP-500C 26% heavier than the 3090c.
Here is a comparison of how 3090c 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 Q Acoustics 3090c?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of 3090c:
1x 3090c loudspeaker 1x Owners manual 2x Foam bung
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 |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
159mm
vs
175mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
928cm2
vs
1198cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
92 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
68 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Q Acoustics 3090c |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C |
| Brand |
Q Acoustics |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
25-120 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
92 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.7 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
68-30k Hz |
60-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Coated paper |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
0.9" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-dome |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2900 Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
159.0mm (6.3") |
175.0mm (6.9") |
| Width |
430.0mm (16.9") |
472.0mm (18.6") |
| Depth |
216.0mm (8.5") |
254.0mm (10") |
| Weight |
6.50kg (14.3lbs) |
8.18kg (18lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black, White, Oak |
Walnut, Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
4 Years |
5 Years |