In this review, we will be comparing AURA CS and RC-64 III, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Wharfedale and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale AURA CS and Klipsch RC-64 III first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale AURA CS and Klipsch RC-64 III 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 Wharfedale AURA CS and Klipsch RC-64 III 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 AURA CS and RC-64 III are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Wharfedale AURA CS |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.0625 x 3.5-inch
|
1-3/4-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5-inch
|
4 x 6.5-inch
|
AURA CS features a 1.0625 x 3.5" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter and 2 x 5" Glass Fiber Matrix Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2.4kHz. On the other hand, the RC-64 III features a 1-3/4" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 6.5" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
AURA CS has a frequency range of 56-22k Hz whereas RC-64 III has a frequency range of 57-24k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 56Hz, the AURA CS can go slightly deeper then the RC-64 III's min frequency of 57Hz.
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
AURA CS is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the RC-64 III which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the AURA CS can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. AURA CS sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the RC-64 III's is rated at 99 dB. This 10 dB difference makes the Klipsch RC-64 III a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale AURA CS, 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.
AURA CS can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas AURA CS has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the RC-64 III.
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
Both AURA CS and RC-64 III features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Klipsch RC-64 III's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
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 Wharfedale AURA CS's and Klipsch RC-64 III's external dimensions. Wharfedale AURA CS has external dimensions of 253.0 x 616.0 x 353.0mm ( 24-1/4) whereas Klipsch RC-64 III has external dimensions of 204.0 x 909.0 x 388.0mm ( 8 x 35-3/4 x 15-1/4inch) .
Wharfedale AURA CS is 293mm narrower and 35mm less deeper than Klipsch RC-64 III but it is also 49mm 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 Wharfedale AURA CS is approximately 2174.5cm2 / 337.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RC-64 III is approximately 3526.9cm2 / 546.7inch2. The AURA CS requires 38% less surface area than the RC-64 III 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 Wharfedale AURA CS weighs 18.64kg / 41lbs and the Klipsch RC-64 III weighs 25.00kg / 55lbs. This makes the RC-64 III 34% heavier than the AURA CS.
Here is a comparison of how AURA CS and RC-64 III'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 Wharfedale AURA CS?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of AURA CS:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleBase2 Jumper wires4 Self-adhesive rubber feetPair of white glovesUser Manual
What's in the Box of Klipsch RC-64 III?
Here are the items that come with the RC-64 III:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille6 Self-adhesive rubber feet2 Jumpers (pre-installed)Owners Manual
 Low Frequency Response |
56 Hz
vs
57 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Base Surface Area |
2174cm2 (616x353mm)
vs
3526cm2 (909x388mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1499USD
vs
1829USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
99 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Number of Woofers |
4
vs
2
|
More woofers |
 High Frequency Response |
24k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
204mm
vs
253mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Wharfedale AURA CS |
Klipsch RC-64 III |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
25-150 watts |
up to 200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
99 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.8 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
56-22k Hz |
57-24k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
4 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Glass Fiber Matrix |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1.0625 x 3.5" |
1-3/4" |
| Tweeter Type |
AMT (Ribbon) |
Tractrix horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
N/A" |
| Crossover Frequency |
2.4kHz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
side |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
253.0mm (10") |
204.0mm (8") |
| Width |
616.0mm (24.3") |
909.0mm (35.8") |
| Depth |
353.0mm (13.9") |
388.0mm (15.3") |
| Weight |
18.64kg (41lbs) |
25.00kg (55lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
Multi-layer wood |
furniture grade veneer |
| Available Colors |
Piano Black,Piano Walnut,White Gloss |
Walnut |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |