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Klipsch Reference R-50C Review
Klipsch Reference R-50C

Main Features

  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 2 x 5.25" spun-copper TCP Woofer
  • 90-21k Hz Frequency Response
  • 96 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: up to 100watts
  • Weight:14.00 lbs / 6.40 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 7-1/16"x18-13/16"x8-5/16" / 180.0 x 478.0 x 212.0mm
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Klipsch R-50C Review

Klipsch Reference R-50C is a 2-way Passive Sealed Center Channel speaker by Klipsch. 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 2 x 5.25" spun-copper TCP Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 90-21k Hz and a sensitivity of 96 dB. Klipsch R-50C has an MSRP of 379$.

What size of room is the Klipsch R-50C speaker good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use the Klipsch R-50C is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various sizes of environments considering its size and max power parameters:

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.)

What are the speakers in Klipsch's Reference (R) Series?

R-50C is a member of Klipsch's Reference (R) series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Klipsch Reference (R) Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Klipsch R-51M
Compare
62-21k Hz 93 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Klipsch R-620F
Compare
38-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Klipsch R-820F
Compare
35-21k Hz 97 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
Klipsch R-625FA
Compare
38-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Klipsch R-41M
Compare
68-21k Hz 90 dB8Ω 1 x 4"
Klipsch R-610F
Compare
45-21k Hz 94 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Klipsch R-34C
Compare
82-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 4 x 3.5"
Klipsch RF-7 III
Compare
32-25k Hz 100 dB8Ω 2 x 10"
Klipsch R-52C
Compare
89-21k Hz 95 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Klipsch R-30C
Compare
78-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 4 x 3.5"


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What is the Frequency Response of the Klipsch R-50C speaker?

Klipsch R-50C has a Frequency response range of 90-21k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of up to 100 watts. Here we have a comparison of how R-50C's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.

Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Klipsch R-50C
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Klipsch R-50C
Min
Average
Max
Klipsch R-50C Woofer
Klipsch R-50C's spun-copper TCP Woofer



Klipsch R-50C Tweeter
Klipsch R-50C's LTS (Linear Travel Suspension) titanium diaphragm Tractrix Horn Tweeter

What is the Crossover frequency of Klipsch R-50C?

The Crossover frequency of the R-50C is set to 1650 Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

What are the Impedance and Sensitivity of the Klipsch R-50C? Is it an easy-to-drive speaker?

Klipsch R-50C's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.5 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 96 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Klipsch R-50C
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Klipsch Reference R-50C is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

96dB of Klipsch Reference R-50C is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes R-50C 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-50C will be a good choice.

Minimum Impedance of Klipsch R-50C

Even though the nominal impedance of the R-50C is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to Klipsch is 3.5 ohms Klipsch Reference R-50C so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Klipsch R-50C:

  • Integrated Amps under 300 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

R-50C features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Klipsch R-50C Back View
Klipsch R-50C Back View

Klipsch R-50C External Dimensions and Weight

Klipsch R-50C has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 7-1/16inch x 18-13/16inch x 8-5/16inch (180.0 x 478.0 x 212.0mm ).

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-50C is approximately 1013.4cm2 / 157.1inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Klipsch R-50C, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Klipsch R-50C Real Life Body Size Comparison
Klipsch R-50C Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Weight

The Klipsch R-50C weighs 6.40kg / 14.1lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how R-50C's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Klipsch R-50C
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $500
Klipsch R-50C
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Klipsch R-50C has a Sealed type cabinet and a Textured Wood Grain Vinyl finish.

Klipsch R-50C  - Side View
Klipsch R-50C - Side View

Available colors

Klipsch R-50C is available in Black, White and Mocha.

Does the Klipsch R-50C come with a Grille?

R-50C comes with magnetic grilles. 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-50C is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

Klipsch R-50C  with Grille
Klipsch R-50C with Grille

What's in the Box of Klipsch R-50C?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-50C:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • User Manual
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information
  • User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Klipsch Reference R-50C, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for Klipsch R-50C

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Klipsch Reference R-50C speaker:
    Official Brochure for Klipsch R-50C

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Klipsch Reference R-50C speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for Klipsch R-50C

    Warranty

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

    Klipsch Reference R-50C Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Polk ES35
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 66-40k Hz
    Sony SS-CS8
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 6 ohms 55-25k Hz
    Polk XT35
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 8 ohms 57-40k Hz
    Klipsch RP-404C II
    Compare
    2-way 94 dB 8 ohms 87-25k Hz
    Polk ES30
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
    Emotiva Airmotiv C1+
    Compare
    3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 50 Hz – 28 kHz
    Wharfedale Diamond 12.C
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 90-20k Hz
    Emotiva Airmotiv C2+
    Compare
    3-way 92 dB 4 ohms 45 Hz – 28 kHz
    Polk R400
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 48-39K Hz
    Klipsch RP-500C II
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 60-25k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Klipsch Reference R-50C
    What is the External Dimensions of Klipsch Reference R-50C
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Klipsch Reference R-50C
    is the Klipsch Reference R-50C an easy to drive speaker?



    Klipsch R-50C Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandKlipsch
    Full Model NameKlipsch Reference R-50C
    Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
    Power Rangeup to 100 watts
    Sensitivity96 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response90-21k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5.25-inch
    Woofer Compositionspun-copper TCP
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeTractrix Horn
    Crossover freq1650 Hz

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeBinding post
    Biamp InputsNo
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height180.0mm ( 7-1/16-inch)
    Width478.0mm ( 18-13/16-inch)
    Depth212.0mm ( 8-5/16-inch)
    Height180.0mm ( 7-1/16-inch)
    Weight6.40kg ( 14.00 lbs)
    EnclosureSealed
    FinishTextured Wood Grain Vinyl
    Available ColorsBlack,White,Mocha
    Mounting BracketNo
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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