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  1. Home
  2. Klipsch Speakers
  3. Passive Center Channel Speakers
  4. Klipsch Reference R-34C
Klipsch R-34C Review
Klipsch R-34C - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" Tractrix horn Tweeter
  • 4 x 3.5" copper spun IMG Woofer
  • 82-21k Hz Frequency Response
  • 96 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: up to 100 watts
  • Weight: 13.00 lbs / 5.91 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 4-15/16"x26-1/16"x6-1/4" / 126.0 x 662.0 x 159.0mm
MSRP: $499 (list price)
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Klipsch R-34C Review
Klipsch R-34C Klipsch R-34C
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Klipsch · United States · since 1946 · sold through dealers

Klipsch Reference R-34C is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by Klipsch. It was released in 2018. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 1" Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 x 3.5" copper spun IMG Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 82-21k Hz and a sensitivity of 96 dB. Klipsch R-34C has an MSRP of 499$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Klipsch R-34C is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldAverage
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomBad

(* 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.)

Klipsch's Reference (R) Center Series of Loudspeakers

R-34C is a member of Klipsch's Reference (R) Center series of Passive speakers. These are the center-channel models in Klipsch's affordable Reference (R) range. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 5 Klipsch Reference (R) Center models compared »

Klipsch Reference (R) Center Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Klipsch R-34C
82-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 4 x 3.5"
Klipsch R-30C
Compare
78-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 4 x 3.5"
Klipsch R-52C
Compare
89-21k Hz 95 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Klipsch Reference R-25C
Compare
82-24k Hz 98 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Klipsch R-50C
Compare
90-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"

Frequency Response of the Klipsch R-34C Speaker

Klipsch R-34C has a Frequency response range of 82-21k Hz and Power Range of up to 100 watts.

Here we have a comparison of how R-34C's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Klipsch R-34C
Min
Average
Median

Impedance and Sensitivity

Klipsch R-34C's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 96 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Klipsch R-34C
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Klipsch Reference R-34C is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

96dB of the Klipsch Reference R-34C is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes R-34C an easy to drive from Sensitivity perspective. If you are planning to power your speaker with a Tube amp which are generally very low power, the Klipsch R-34C will be a good choice. Work out how loud the Klipsch R-34C plays in your room →

What amplifier does the Klipsch R-34C need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 1.9–60 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $500, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

R-34C features Binding post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Klipsch R-34C Back View
Klipsch R-34C Back View

Klipsch R-34C External Dimensions and Weight

Klipsch R-34C has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 4-15/16 x 26-1/16 x 6-1/4inch (126.0 x 662.0 x 159.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Klipsch R-34C is approximately 1052.6cm2 / 163.2inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Klipsch R-34C, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Klipsch R-34C Real Life Body Size Comparison
Klipsch R-34C Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The Klipsch R-34C weighs 5.91kg / 13lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how R-34C's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Klipsch R-34C
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $500
Klipsch R-34C
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Klipsch R-34C has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a textured wood grain viny finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Speaker Feet

Klipsch R-34C comes with 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Available colors

Klipsch R-34C is available in Black.

Does the Klipsch R-34C come with a Grille?

R-34C comes with magnetic grilles in black color choices. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the R-34C is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

Klipsch R-34C  with Grille
Klipsch R-34C with Grille

What's in the Box of Klipsch R-34C?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-34C:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • Grille (installed)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Quick Setup Guide
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Klipsch Reference R-34C.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Klipsch Reference R-34C Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Klipsch R-30C
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 78-21k Hz
Klipsch R-52C
Compare
2-way 95 dB 8 ohms 89-21k Hz
Polk ES35
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 66-40k Hz
Klipsch RP-450C
Compare
2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 58-25k Hz
Klipsch RP-504C
Compare
2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 58-25k Hz
Polk XT35
Compare
2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 57-40k Hz
Klipsch Reference R-25C
Compare
2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 82-24K Hz
Klipsch RP-404C II
Compare
2-way 94 dB 8 ohms 87-25k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Klipsch Reference R-34C

What amplifier do you need for the Klipsch R-34C?

Klipsch rates the Klipsch R-34C for up to 100 watts of amplifier power. It is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the Klipsch R-34C easy to drive?

The Klipsch R-34C has a sensitivity of 96 dB. That is high: it goes loud on modest power, so it suits low-powered amplifiers, including valve/tube designs.

Does the Klipsch R-34C need a subwoofer?

The Klipsch R-34C reaches down to 82Hz (full range 82-21k Hz). That leaves the lowest octaves out, so a subwoofer will make a clear difference for films and bass-heavy music.

What drivers does the Klipsch R-34C use?

The Klipsch R-34C is a 2-way design using a 1" Tractrix horn tweeter and 4 x 3.5" copper spun IMG woofers.

Is the Klipsch R-34C sealed or ported?

The Klipsch R-34C uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Can the Klipsch R-34C be wall mounted?

The Klipsch R-34C does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the Klipsch R-34C come with grilles?

Yes. The Klipsch R-34C comes with removable grilles (black).

How big and heavy is the Klipsch R-34C?

The Klipsch R-34C weighs 5.91kg / 13lbs each and measures 4-15/16 x 26-1/16 x 6-1/4inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Klipsch R-34C cost?

The Klipsch R-34C has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $499 per pair.


Klipsch R-34C Detailed Specifications

General
BrandKlipsch
Full Model NameKlipsch Reference R-34C
Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
Power Rangeup to 100 watts
Sensitivity96 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response82-21k Hz
Release Date2018
DRIVERS
Woofer Size3.5-inch
Woofer Compositioncopper spun IMG
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeTractrix horn

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height126.0mm ( 4-15/16-inch)
Width662.0mm ( 26-1/16-inch)
Depth159.0mm ( 6-1/4-inch)
Height126.0mm ( 4-15/16-inch)
Weight5.91 kg (13 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
Finishtextured wood grain viny
Available ColorsBlack
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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