In this review, we will be comparing SS-CS8 and R-52C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Sony and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Sony SS-CS8 and Klipsch R-52C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Sony SS-CS8 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Sony SS-CS8 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.
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Drivers
Both SS-CS8 and R-52C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Sony SS-CS8 |
Klipsch R-52C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
SS-CS8 features a 1" polyester fiber Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 4" Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) 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
SS-CS8 has a frequency range of 55-25k Hz whereas R-52C has a frequency range of 89-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the SS-CS8 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-52C's min frequency of 89Hz.
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
SS-CS8 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the R-52C which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. SS-CS8 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the R-52C's is rated at 95 dB. This 9 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-52C a more sensitive speaker compared to Sony SS-CS8, 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.
SS-CS8 can handle a max power of 145 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-52C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 45 watts less than the SS-CS8.
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
SS-CS8 features Binding post type posts and R-52C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Sony SS-CS8's Post terminals
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 Sony SS-CS8's and Klipsch R-52C's external dimensions. Sony SS-CS8 has external dimensions of 146.0 x 430.0 x 220.0mm ( 5.75 x 16.93 x 8.66inch) 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) .
Sony SS-CS8 is 48mm narrower and 34mm shorter than Klipsch R-52C but it is also 24mm deeper.
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 Sony SS-CS8 is approximately 946.0cm2 / 146.6inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-52C is approximately 936.9cm2 / 145.2inch2. The SS-CS8 requires 1% more surface area than the R-52C which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Sony SS-CS8 weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs and the Klipsch R-52C weighs 3.18kg / 7lbs. This makes the SS-CS8 57% heavier than the R-52C.
Here is a comparison of how SS-CS8 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 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 |
145 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
89 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
146mm
vs
180mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
169USD
vs
349USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
95 dB
vs
86 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 |
 Base Surface Area |
936cm2 (478x196mm)
vs
946cm2 (430x220mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Sony SS-CS8 |
Klipsch Reference R-52C |
| Brand |
Sony |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center Channel |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 145 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86 dB |
95 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-25k Hz |
89-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) |
copper spun IMG |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
146.0mm (5.7") |
180.0mm (7.1") |
| Width |
430.0mm (16.9") |
478.0mm (18.8") |
| Depth |
220.0mm (8.7") |
196.0mm (7.7") |
| Weight |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
3.18kg (7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Acoustic Suspension |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
wood grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 years |
5 Years |