In this review, we will be comparing Elysian C and RP-500C, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Wharfedale and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale Elysian C and Klipsch RP-500C first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale Elysian C 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Wharfedale Elysian C 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.
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Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Elysian C is a 3-way design whereas the RP-500C is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
Driver |
Wharfedale Elysian C |
Klipsch RP-500C |
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
27 x 45mm-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
1 x 6-inch |
- |
Woofer
|
2 x 8.5-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
Elysian C features a 27 x 45mm" Air Motion Transformer (AMT) Tweeter , a 6" Midrange and 2 x 8.5" coated fiberglass matrix Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 360Hz and 2900HZ. On the other hand, the RP-500C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer .
Frequency Response
Elysian C has a frequency range of 35-22k Hz whereas RP-500C has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 35Hz, the Elysian C can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-500C's min frequency of 60Hz.
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
Elysian C 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. Elysian C sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the RP-500C's is rated at 96 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500C a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale Elysian C, 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.
Elysian C can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-500C has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 150 watts less than the Elysian C.
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
Elysian C features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-500C has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Elysian C 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 Wharfedale Elysian C's and Klipsch RP-500C's external dimensions. Wharfedale Elysian C has external dimensions of 321.0 x 831.0 x 370.0mm ( 12-5/8 x 32-11/16 x 14-9/16inch) 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) .
Wharfedale Elysian C is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 359mm wider, 146mm taller and 116mm deeper than Klipsch RP-500C.
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 Elysian C is approximately 3074.7cm2 / 476.6inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-500C is approximately 1198.9cm2 / 185.8inch2. The Elysian C requires 156% more surface area than the RP-500C 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 Wharfedale Elysian C weighs 30.23kg / 66.5lbs and the Klipsch RP-500C weighs 8.18kg / 18lbs. This makes the Elysian C 270% heavier than the RP-500C.
Here is a comparison of how Elysian C 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 Wharfedale Elysian C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Elysian C:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille2 Terminal-jumpersUser Manual
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 |
250 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
Woofer Size |
8.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
35 Hz
vs
60 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Passive Radiator |
Foamed Rubber
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
91 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
175mm
vs
321mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
1198cm2 (472x254mm)
vs
3074cm2 (831x370mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Wharfedale Elysian C |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C |
Brand |
Wharfedale |
Klipsch |
Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
Power Range |
50-250 watts |
up to 100 watts |
Sensitivity |
91 dB |
96 dB |
Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
3.5 ohms |
n/a |
Frequency Response |
35-22k Hz |
60-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
Woofer Size |
8.5" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
coated fiberglass matrix |
Cerametallic cone |
Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
27 x 45mm" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Air Motion Transformer (AMT) |
Tractrix horn |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
6" |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
360Hz and 2900HZ |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
321.0mm (12.6") |
175.0mm (6.9") |
Width |
831.0mm (32.7") |
472.0mm (18.6") |
Depth |
370.0mm (14.6") |
254.0mm (10") |
Weight |
30.23kg (66.5lbs) |
8.18kg (18lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Lacquer |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Piano Black, Piano Walnut,White |
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 |