In this review, we will be comparing D300C and RP-600C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Wharfedale and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale D300C and Klipsch RP-600C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale D300C and Klipsch RP-600C 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 D300C and Klipsch RP-600C 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 D300C and RP-600C are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Wharfedale D300C |
Klipsch RP-600C |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
2 x 5-inch
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
D300C features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Black woven Kevlar Cone Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-600C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn dome Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
D300C has a frequency range of 65-20k Hz whereas RP-600C has a frequency range of 58-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 58Hz, the RP-600C can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the D300C'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
D300C and RP-600C have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. D300C sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the RP-600C's is at 97 dB. This 8 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-600C a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale D300C, 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.
D300C can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas D300C has a max power handling value of 120 watts RMS , 5 watts less than the RP-600C.
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
D300C features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-600C has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
D300C has a bottom firing port whereas RP-600C has a rear firing ports. Wharfedale D300C's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Klipsch RP-600C with its rear-firing port.
New
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 D300C's and Klipsch RP-600C's external dimensions. Wharfedale D300C has external dimensions of 190 x 510 x 232mm ( 7.8) whereas Klipsch RP-600C has external dimensions of 204.0 x 558.0 x 308.0mm ( 8 x 21-15/16 x 12-1/8inch) .
Klipsch RP-600C is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 48mm wider, 14mm taller and 76mm deeper than Wharfedale D300C.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale D300C and Klipsch RP-600C in scale.
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 D300C is approximately 1183.0cm2 / 183.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-600C is approximately 1718.6cm2 / 266.4inch2. The D300C requires 31% less surface area than the RP-600C 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 D300C weighs 8.00kg / 17.6lbs and the Klipsch RP-600C weighs 10.91kg / 24lbs. This makes the RP-600C 36% heavier than the D300C.
Here is a comparison of how D300C and RP-600C'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 RP-600C?
Here are the items that come with the RP-600C:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetPlastic tipped bolt (w/ attached nut)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
Height |
190mm
vs
204mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
1183cm2 (510x232mm)
vs
1718cm2 (558x308mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
179USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
120 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
97 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
58 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
General |
Wharfedale D300C |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600C |
Brand |
Wharfedale |
Klipsch |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
25-120 watts |
up to 125 watts |
Sensitivity |
89 dB |
97 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
3.8 ohms |
n/a |
Frequency Response |
65-20k Hz |
58-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Black woven Kevlar Cone |
Cerametallic cone |
Woofer Surround Material |
Foamed Polyether |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Tractrix horn dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
190.0mm (7.5") |
204.0mm (8") |
Width |
510.0mm (20.1") |
558.0mm (22") |
Depth |
232.0mm (9.1") |
308.0mm (12.1") |
Weight |
8.00kg (17.6lbs) |
10.91kg (24lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Rosewood, Black, White, Walnut |
Walnut, Black |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |