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  1. Home
  2. Klipsch Speakers
  3. Passive Center Channel Speakers
  4. Klipsch Reference R-52C
Klipsch R-52C Review
Klipsch R-52C - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" Tractrix horn Tweeter
  • 2 x 5.25" copper spun IMG Woofer
  • 89-21k Hz Frequency Response
  • 95 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: up to 100 watts
  • Weight: 7.00 lbs / 3.18 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 7-1/16"x18-13/16"x7-11/16" / 180.0 x 478.0 x 196.0mm
MSRP: $349 (list price)
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Klipsch R-52C Review
Klipsch R-52C Klipsch R-52C
Check price atAmazon›

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

Klipsch Reference R-52C is a 2-way Passive Acoustic Suspension 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 2 x 5.25" copper spun IMG Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 89-21k Hz and a sensitivity of 95 dB. Klipsch R-52C has an MSRP of 349$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Klipsch R-52C 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-52C 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
Compare
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
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"


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

Frequency Response of the Klipsch R-52C Speaker

Klipsch R-52C has a Frequency response range of 89-21k Hz and Power Range of up to 100 watts.

Here we have a comparison of how R-52C's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Klipsch R-52C
Min
Average
Median

Impedance and Sensitivity

Klipsch R-52C's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 95 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Klipsch R-52C
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Klipsch Reference R-52C is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

95dB of the Klipsch Reference R-52C is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes R-52C 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-52C will be a good choice. Work out how loud the Klipsch R-52C plays in your room →

What amplifier does the Klipsch R-52C need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 2.4–60 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-52C features Binding post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Klipsch R-52C Back View
Klipsch R-52C Back View

Klipsch R-52C External Dimensions and Weight

Klipsch R-52C has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 7-1/16 x 18-13/16 x 7-11/16inch (180.0 x 478.0 x 196.0mm ).

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-52C is approximately 936.9cm2 / 145.2inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Klipsch R-52C, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Klipsch R-52C Real Life Body Size Comparison
Klipsch R-52C Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The Klipsch R-52C weighs 3.18kg / 7lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how R-52C's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Klipsch R-52C
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $500
Klipsch R-52C
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Klipsch R-52C has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet and a wood grain vinyl finish. Acoustic Suspension loudspeakers aka Sealed speakers have no openings such as ports or slots.. They can be designed smaller, the bass is more accurate and tighter compared to ported designs but doesn't go as low on the lower end in general.

Speaker Feet

Klipsch R-52C comes with 4 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-52C is available in Black.

Does the Klipsch R-52C come with a Grille?

R-52C 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-52C is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

Klipsch R-52C  with Grille
Klipsch R-52C with Grille

What's in the Box of Klipsch R-52C?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-52C:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • Grille (installed)
  • 4 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-52C.

  • 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-52C Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Klipsch R-50C
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 90-21k Hz
Klipsch R-34C
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 82-21k Hz
Klipsch Reference R-25C
Compare
2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 82-24K Hz
Klipsch R-30C
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 78-21k Hz
Polk XT30
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
Klipsch RP-504C II
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 50-25k Hz
Klipsch RP-500C II
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 60-25k Hz
Sony SS-CS8
Compare
2-way 86 dB 6 ohms 55-25k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Klipsch Reference R-52C

What amplifier do you need for the Klipsch R-52C?

Klipsch rates the Klipsch R-52C 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-52C easy to drive?

The Klipsch R-52C has a sensitivity of 95 dB. That is high: it goes loud on modest power, so it suits low-powered amplifiers, including valve/tube designs.

Does the Klipsch R-52C need a subwoofer?

The Klipsch R-52C reaches down to 89Hz (full range 89-21k 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-52C use?

The Klipsch R-52C is a 2-way design using a 1" Tractrix horn tweeter and 2 x 5.25" copper spun IMG woofers.

Is the Klipsch R-52C sealed or ported?

The Klipsch R-52C uses a Sealed enclosure. A sealed box trades some output for tighter, more even bass and is the more forgiving choice close to a wall.

Can the Klipsch R-52C be wall mounted?

The Klipsch R-52C 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-52C come with grilles?

Yes. The Klipsch R-52C comes with removable grilles (black).

How big and heavy is the Klipsch R-52C?

The Klipsch R-52C weighs 3.18kg / 7lbs each and measures 7-1/16 x 18-13/16 x 7-11/16inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Klipsch R-52C cost?

The Klipsch R-52C has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $349 per pair.


Klipsch R-52C Detailed Specifications

General
BrandKlipsch
Full Model NameKlipsch Reference R-52C
Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
Power Rangeup to 100 watts
Sensitivity95 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response89-21k Hz
Release Date2018
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.25-inch
Woofer Compositioncopper spun IMG
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeTractrix horn

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height180.0mm ( 7-1/16-inch)
Width478.0mm ( 18-13/16-inch)
Depth196.0mm ( 7-11/16-inch)
Height180.0mm ( 7-1/16-inch)
Weight3.18 kg (7 lbs)
EnclosureAcoustic Suspension
Finishwood grain vinyl
Available ColorsBlack
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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