If you are building a Klipsch Reference home theater system and looking for the all-important center channel speaker, you’ve come to the right place. The center channel is conceivably the foundation of any surround sound setup. It handles the majority of dialogues in movies, and it is almost impossible to hear what is being said without one.
Klipsch is a trustworthy brand for center channel speakers, as is evident in the Reference Premiere series. The series is composed of speakers with outstanding sound quality and realistic detail. In addition, their speakers offer a perfect balance between price and quality while letting you hear what you have been missing.
It is no secret that the Klipsch RP-250C is one of the easiest center channel speakers to use, especially for beginners. It is a good choice for small to medium-sized rooms and most reviewers are of the opinion that it should be priced more for what it sounds.
On the other hand, the Klipsch RP-500C is designed to provide an exceptional high-end response. It is an all-around speaker with all the functionalities you need to build your dream home theater system. However, it is one of the most expensive center channel speakers on the market.
Here is our review.
Klipsch RP-500C vs RP-250C General Specifications
| Product Title | Klipsch RP-250C | Klipsch RP-500C |
| Woofer size | Dual 5.25″ | Dual 5.25″ |
| Power Handling | RMS: 125 W Peak: 500 W | RMS: 100 W Peak: 400 W |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Frequency Response ± 3dB | 60 Hz to 25 kHz | 60 Hz to 25 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB @ 2.83 V / 3.3′ (1 m) | 96 dB |
| Tweeter | 1″ Titanium LTS tweeter | 1″ Titanium Tweeter |
Klipsch RP 250C Center Channel Speaker Review
The Klipsch RP 250C is a non-powered (passive) center channel speaker, designed to reproduce crystal clear audio. The speaker delivers a lifelike and cinema-quality sound to elevate your listening experience, whether you’re watching a blockbuster movie or blasting your favorite music. Compared to the RP-500C, this model offers better power handling. However, the difference is negligible, and it does not result in noticeable audio change.
Key Features
Sturdy woofer construction
This Klipsch speaker is equipped with rigid but lightweight dual Cerametallic 5.25″ woofers that make it one of the most durable speakers you’ll find. The durable construction also makes it ideal for different placement options. The woofer incorporates compressed molded rubber surround to improve durability and provide natural and cleanest sound possible.
High-performance 1″ tweeter
The Klipsch RP 250C uses a 1″ Titanium tweeter that is designed to handle high volume levels than its soft-dome counterparts. The diaphragm of the tweeter feature Klipsch proprietary Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) technology that helps deliver a detailed performance with minimized distortion.
What’s more, this technology utilizes rigid and extremely lightweight materials to improve efficiency and provide high resolution and detail.
Improved Tractrix horn
Like most Klipsch speakers, the RP 250C utilizes a 90×90 Hybrid Tractrix horn with a uniquely designed circular throat and square mouth. This structure helps to improve the frequency response and enhance sound imaging at all volume levels.
The speaker is also fitted with Klipsch’s new Tractrix port that allows for sufficient airflow from the cabinet resulting in dynamic low-frequency response.
Stunning MDF construction
The selling point of most Klipsch’s speakers is their sturdy MDF wood cabinet that allows sound to resonate accurately throughout the system. The goal of this construction is to achieve a great-sounding speaker with solid frequency response. And as if that’s not enough, its polymer veneer baffle finish allows you to incorporate the speaker into your décor in a design that saves you money.
What we like
- It compliments most Klipsch fronts and rears perfectly
- The removable grille is not only strong but also elegant
- The speaker is Dolby Atmos ready
- Compact size to allow for placement in tight spaces
- Aesthetically pleasing
What we don’t like
- Some distortion when the volume is pushed to the extreme
- A subwoofer is needed to optimize bass notes
Klipsch RP 500C Center Channel Speaker Review
If you’re looking for an immersive surround sound experience, the Klipsch RP 500C is another model that should be at the top of your list. It is a newer model of the RP 250C, which translates to better performance. In terms of sound quality, the RP 500C outperforms the RP 250C, hence the big difference in price. You’ll appreciate its compact design that lets you place the speaker on a small tabletop or even a bookshelf.
Key Features
Klipsch’s signature Cerametallic woofers
Ceremetallic woofers that deliver extremely clear lower frequencies. The speaker features two lightweight 5.25″ woofers that provide a punchy bass response and exceptionally accurate midrange to make your movies come to life.
In addition, this center channel speaker is designed to handle up to 400W peak power (100W RMS) when paired with an amplifier of your choice.
Vented tweeter design
Much like the RP 250C, the tweeter is housed in a vented suspension found in most if not all Klipsch’s speakers. This unique design helps to minimize standing waves that lead to undesired harmonics, especially in the high-end frequencies. When combined with the Tractrix horn around the tweeter, the tweeter provides a wider sweet spot and a faster conversion of sound in the listening area.
Rear Tractrix ports
The RP 500C’s ports utilize Tractrix geometry instead of traditional round ports found in most speakers. These uniquely designed ports allow for faster and smoother movement of air in and out of the cabinet with reduced port noise. They also help to reduce internal air turbulence for a more impactful bass and minimized low-frequency distortion. However, you may want to pull the speaker away from the walls to provide enough room for air circulation.
Premium materials and details
The Klipsch RP 500C boasts of furniture-grade materials that ensure that it will look presentable in any living or entertainment room. It also sports a scratch-free finishing which includes a combination of satin-painted baffles and an ebony vinyl coating. Other details include the cast aluminum feet, laser ingrained logo, and copper trim rings to give the speaker a modern look.
What we like
- The bass is highly responsive no matter the volume level
- Modern speaker design
- Clean and balanced sound output
- Unrivaled ease of use
- Scratch-free finishes
What we don’t like
- You’ll still need a powerful subwoofer to enjoy that extra bass
- It is way expensive considering that the RP-250C is equally good
Klipsch RP-250C vs RP-500C—Our Verdict
Klipsch excels in producing high-performance center channels speakers that let you level up your home theater system. What makes them rank among the best center channel speakers is their impeccable sound quality.
Klipsch RP-250C and RP-500C come with sizeable woofers that ensure accurate sound reproduction. The build quality of both speakers is top-notch, so it comes down to personal preferences.
Although the RP-250C is a budget unit, it can to push a considerable amount of power, so you can expect it to withstand heavy-duty use and last all day long. Best part yet, it is capable of filling a large space with powerful sound, plus it is made to blend with most interiors.
On the contrary, the RP-500C strikes a perfect balance between bass and high frequencies to take your listening experience a notch higher. Apart from its elegant design, this center channel speaker is user-friendly and incorporates the latest technology to boost efficiency.
Overall, both speakers have what it takes to reproduce lifelike vocals, and we highly recommend any of the two models to anyone looking to enjoy great movies and music.
