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Klipsch Reference R-52C Review
Klipsch Reference R-52C

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 100watts
  • 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
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Klipsch R-52C Review

Klipsch Reference R-52C is a 2-way Passive Acoustic Suspension 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" 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$.

What size of room is the Klipsch R-52C speaker good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use the Klipsch R-52C 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-52C 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
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-52C speaker?

Klipsch R-52C has a Frequency response range of 89-21k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of up to 100 watts. Here we have a comparison of how R-52C'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-52C
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Klipsch R-52C
Min
Average
Max


What are the Impedance and Sensitivity of the Klipsch R-52C? Is it an easy-to-drive speaker?

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
Max

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 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.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Klipsch R-52C:

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

Input Type

R-52C features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
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.

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
Max
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
  • 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
    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-52C
    What is the External Dimensions of Klipsch Reference R-52C
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Klipsch Reference R-52C
    is the Klipsch Reference R-52C an easy to drive speaker?



    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
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5.25-inch
    Woofer Compositioncopper spun IMG
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeTractrix horn
    Midrange SizeN/A-inch

    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)
    Weight3.18kg ( 7.00 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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