Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Quite good output levels with low distortion and compression
- Sensitivity measures at about 87dB @ 2.83v/1m, which is nice
Product Considerations
- Elevated treble response rising to about +3dB above the average sensitivity levels above 2kHz
- Linearity takes a hit, in part, to the above-mentioned HF boost
- Poor directivity in the horizontal region with a narrowing response through the midrange
- Viewers/listeners sitting to the side of the speaker more than about ±10° are going to suffer from some speech intelligibility issues
Takeaway: The RP-500C II offers good output levels with low distortion and compression, making it a solid choice for clear sound. Its nice sensitivity helps deliver quality audio for your home theater.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
RP-500C II
reviews
[{"title":"Klipsch RP-500C II Center Channel Speaker Review","link":"https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/klipsch_500cii","source":"Erin's Audio Corner","datePublished":"2022"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Tweeter: 1" LTS (Linear Travel Suspension) Titanium Diaphragm
- Woofers: Dual 5.25" Cerametallic
- Horn Design: 90° x 90° silicone composite hybrid Tractrix
- Finishes: Ebony vinyl, Walnut vinyl
Description
Hear every word of the dialogue and lyrics with crystal-clear precision. A new, larger 90° x 90° silicone composite hybrid Tractrix® horn provides incredibly efficient transfer of high-frequency waves into the listening area to create a crisper, clearer sound.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Klipsch has a long-standing design philosophy centered around horn-loaded drivers, which contributes to their products' high sensitivity and wide dynamic range.
- The brand's products often feature a distinctive aesthetic blend of retro styling with modern, high-quality materials, making them a unique addition to any listening space.
- Klipsch speakers are celebrated for their ability to deliver high volume levels, and have very unique character that audiophiles with certain tastes can really appreciate.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Reference Series
- Position: Entry-level home audio speakers for general-purpose listening.
- Description: Uses proprietary Tractrix horn-loaded technology with aluminum tweeters for clear, detailed sound. Compared to the higher-end Reference Premiere series, it offers less refined materials and slightly lower sensitivity, making it a cost-effective choice for casual listeners or smaller spaces.
The Fives
- Position: Compact powered speakers for versatile applications in modern home setups.
- Description: Include integrated amplification and Bluetooth connectivity, making them an all-in-one solution for music, TV, and PC audio. While the Reference and Reference Premiere require separate components, The Fives provide plug-and-play convenience with premium audio performance.
Reference Premiere Series
- Position: Mid-range home theater and hi-fi speakers for enthusiasts seeking enhanced performance.
- Description: Featuring titanium tweeters and Cerametallic woofers, provides better sound resolution and reduced distortion than the standard Reference series. Includes Dolby Atmos-capable models, distinguishing it as a more immersive option for home theater setups.
Heritage Series
- Position: Premium, handcrafted speakers designed for audiophiles with a focus on vintage-inspired aesthetics.
- Description: Includes iconic models like the Klipschorn and Cornwall, offering exceptional efficiency and dynamic range through fully horn-loaded designs. Unlike the Reference Premiere, the Heritage series delivers a warmer, more natural sound signature.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
276
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
13
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
46
Founding Year
1946
Our take on the brand
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
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Our interview with the brand
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Used
Klipsch
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
Klipsch
RP-504C II
699
699
/
5
Reviews
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
Expand Details
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Product Strengths
- The RP-504C II is a solid center channel option, especially within a surround sound setup
- It is sonically better, more refined in the midrange and top end than previous generations, offering a balanced and open sound that can improve intelligibility
- The speaker provides good output levels with low distortion and compression, and is capable of handling power well
Product Considerations
- The RP-504C II has poor directivity in the horizontal region, which can lead to speech intelligibility issues for listeners sitting more than ±10° off-axis
- It has an elevated treble response, rising to about +3dB above average sensitivity levels above 2kHz, which may impact linearity
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs RP504C (Gen 1)—the Gen 2 has a different crossover point (650 and 1950 Hz vs 500 and 1500 Hz), refined mids and highs, and the Gen 1 has a gap that's more similar to the gap in the floor standings
- To Klipsch THX—RP-504C II sounds warmer and more natural
Takeaway: The Klipsch RP-504C II center channel speaker is a capable speaker that may increase the sonic intelligibility of a sound system. It could be a great choice for a home theater setup if clear dialogue and sound reproduction are priorities, and it has good output levels with low distortion and compression.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
Product Page
Product Page
Klipsch
RP-404C II
599
599
/
1
Reviews
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Sensitivity measures at about 94dB, which is nice
- Output levels are quite good with low distortion and compression when crossed with a subwoofer
Product Considerations
- Linearity of the speaker takes a hit, in part, to the HF boost
- Directivity in the horizontal region is poor with a narrowing response through the midrange
- Listeners sitting to the side of the speaker more than about ±15° are going to suffer from some speech intelligibility issues
- Elevated treble response rises to as much as +4dB above the average sensitivity levels above 8kHz
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Reference Premiere (RP) series, the 'II' version of the RP series generally has a more toned down treble
Takeaway: The Klipsch RP-404C II center channel speaker has nice sensitivity and good output levels with low distortion when used with a subwoofer. Consider this speaker if you are sitting directly in front of it and want clear output levels.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
Product Page
Product Page
Focal
Theva Center
649
649
/
8
Reviews
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Sweet and smooth sound profile
- Excellent detail for the price
- Great balance and fluidity across registers
- Impressive dynamics and a wide, dimensional stereo imaging, as it can deliver a stunning soundstage
- Overall balanced tonality
- The tweeter is made from quality materials with great care
- Elegant, minimalist design that seamlessly integrates into any audio setup, with a sleek aesthetic and multiple color options
Product Considerations
- Does not feel as substantial as some other speakers in their price class
- Laid-back sound occasionally obscures some definition
- Deep bass may require a subwoofer
- The tweeter is exposed and needs to be handled with care
- Some reviewers would prefer a solid painted color rather than an imitation wood vinyl veneer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Offers a lot of what makes the Vestia No. 1 great while saving money, but the Vestia No. 1 has more sparkling detail and pristine treble extension
- More compact and easier to place, though the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 looks more premium
- The L100 presented a more precise center image for vocals and dialog, but the Theva's more laid-back sound profile made them a better listen in most cases
- Stepped in pretty seamlessly for KEF LSX 2.1, which includes SVS's 3000 Micro subwoofer, showing impressive sonic skills, though they don't offer the same thunderous bass
- The rear-ported design is a change from the previous entry-level line, Chora, where the port was front-mounted
Takeaway: The Focal Theva No.1 is a well-rounded bookshelf speaker that offers excellent audio performance and detail for its price, with a sleek design that fits into any space. It's a great option for those looking for a hifi experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Product Page
Product Page
ADAM Audio
A44H
699
699
/
5
Reviews
With a 19-inch width, the horizontally oriented A44H can sit on a standard rack shelf or be mounted above or below a display. The completely new design also enables the A44H to serve as a center speaker in immersive and 3D speaker configurations. Dual 4-inch long-throw woofers and the X-ART tweeter deliver a wide frequency range, while onboard DSP-based tuning capabilities enable you to tweak the sound easily.
ADAM Audio is renowned for its innovative ART tweeters, which enhance the Air Motion Transformer concept by moving air four times faster than their folds for high-definition sound. Their monitors, especially the S Series, are favored by sound engineers for their accurate and transparent sound, advanced engineering, and reduced distortion, while the T Series offers affordable, high-performance studio monitors.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Compact, comfortable, and easy to place, with a lower profile.
- Delivers a powerful, dynamic, and precise sound that delivers an enjoyable experience.
- A rotatable tweeter allows for both horizontal and vertical placement, providing flexibility in different setups.
- On-board DSP-based room correction options, and integration with Sonarworks SoundID Reference for refined tuning.
- A wide sweet spot that is immersive and enjoyable to listen to.
Product Considerations
- The bass response may not be as present or suitable for music production with many sub-bass frequencies.
- The dial for input level adjustment is not stepped, which may make precise matching more difficult.
- Some reviewers suggest a sub may be needed depending on the material being worked with, to supplement the 4-inch woofers.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the ADAM Audio A7X model, the A44H offers a similar response curve.
Takeaway: The A44H monitors offer a unique form factor, versatile placement options, and a detailed sound, making them a great option for smaller spaces or immersive setups. The built-in DSP and integration with Sonarworks provide extensive room correction and customization capabilities.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ADAM Audio is renowned for its innovative ART tweeters, which enhance the Air Motion Transformer concept by moving air four times faster than their folds for high-definition sound. Their monitors, especially the S Series, are favored by sound engineers for their accurate and transparent sound, advanced engineering, and reduced distortion, while the T Series offers affordable, high-performance studio monitors.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Klipsch
R-50C
329
/
Released
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Crisp and detailed audio delivers an immersive experience
- Midrange frequencies are well-represented, so voices come through clearly
- High sensitivity rating of 95 dB means the speaker can get quite loud without needing too much power
- Sleek and modern design is also durable
Product Considerations
- Bass might not be deep enough for those who crave extra punch
- The finish can be a fingerprint magnet
- No built-in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
- Some users have pointed out that the included remote feels a bit flimsy
Takeaway: The Klipsch R-50C is a speaker that delivers clear and dynamic audio, perfect for elevating any home theater setup. Its sleek design and solid build make it a stylish and durable choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Klipsch is renowned for its pioneering use of horn-loaded technology in speakers, which enhances efficiency and reduces distortion through their signature Tractrix Horn design. The brand's distinctive "Klipsch sound" is characterized by a bright, dynamic audio profile that some find exhilarating.
Product Page
Product Page
Focal
Vestia
489
/
Released
2023
Vestia Center is the central loudspeaker in the range. During its development, particular attention was paid to ensuring that its timbre complemented that of the other Vestia speakers. It is the perfect complement to a home theater system, providing coherent design and sound.
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good tonal balance and neutral sound, with small departures from full neutrality
- Wide soundstage and precise imaging
- Exceptional dynamic range for its size, packing a punch
- Stylish and tasteful design that complements interior decor
- Clear articulation and detailed account of vocals and instruments
Product Considerations
- Low-frequency extension isn't as deep as other similarly priced towers, bass extension is not terribly low for a floor-standing speaker of its pricing
- Best with a subwoofer for action films and those who want bass at and below 40Hz
- The center speaker is less optimal for those situated off-center, with a noticeable dip in frequency response around 2kHz in some rooms
- The on-axis measurements show a slight dip from 5kHz up to 10kHz, which makes the speaker a bit soft on sibilants
- They do not give a lot of deep bass output
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins 705 S3s: Vestia N°3s have better bass extension
- Vs Philharmonic BMR Tower: BMR Tower digs deeper in bass, but is larger and less efficient
- Vs Arendal 1723 S Tower: 1723 S Tower has more low-frequency extension, but sacrifices some efficiency compared to the Vestia
- Vs KEF R5 Meta: Trade-offs exist in bass extension, size, and efficiency
- Vs Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3: Trade-offs exist in bass extension, size, and efficiency
- Vs Polk Legend L600: Trade-offs exist in bass extension, size, and efficiency
Takeaway: The Vestia No.3 offers excellent sound quality and stylish design, making it a good option for those who want clear sound and a pleasing aesthetic. Adding a subwoofer can enhance the bass for a fuller listening experience, especially for home theater use.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
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Product Page
NHT
Ms Center
374
/
Released
NHT (Now Hear This) is known for its acoustic suspension speaker design that avoids ports or holes, delivering low distortion and accurate sound while making speaker placement easier in various room settings. The brand's speakers use premium aluminum drivers and unique design features like Focused Image Geometry, which reduces side-wall reflections and concentrates sound in the listening area.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Compact, space-saving design with a modern look and good build quality and finish
- The MS Tower has a built-in height speaker for Dolby Atmos/DTS:X setups
- Well-balanced sonic performance for both music and home theater applications
- Excellently timbre-matched front mains and center package
- The speakers fill even relatively large rooms with sufficient sonic energy
Product Considerations
- The MS Tower in-room bass response only reached down to around 50 Hz, suggesting a subwoofer is necessary for full bass extension
- The MS Center might not portray depth as adeptly as more expensive center channels
- The MS Tower speakers might not possess the last word in transparency
Takeaway: The NHT MS speakers offer a compact design with good sound for both music and movies, especially for those wanting an easy Dolby Atmos setup. They provide good value and a balanced sonic experience without taking up too much space.
Video review
Our take on the brand
NHT (Now Hear This) is known for its acoustic suspension speaker design that avoids ports or holes, delivering low distortion and accurate sound while making speaker placement easier in various room settings. The brand's speakers use premium aluminum drivers and unique design features like Focused Image Geometry, which reduces side-wall reflections and concentrates sound in the listening area.
Product Page
Product Page
Polk
255C-RT
199
/
Released
Experience high quality designs with superior sound when choosing 255c-RT Vanishing RT Series Two-Way In-Wall Center Channel Speaker speakers.
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Designed to be minimally invasive and slip easily and undetected into any environment
- Polk has minimized the thickness, making it easy to install in most homes
- Build quality is good and the weight has been kept nice and low
- When set up correctly, it projects well and directly forward and has a slight lean to a warmer tone, but nonetheless has great clarity
Product Considerations
- Installing in-wall speakers is not easy, and professional installation is recommended
- Requires a separate amplifier and a way to connect sound to it
- Installation is not recommended if there is no space behind drywall or on solid surfaces like concrete or stone
- Polk's logo on the grill might be a minor aesthetic issue for some who want it to be inconspicuous
- Sound is not really relevant when evaluating the speaker on its own, as it's designed to be used as part of a full system
Takeaway: The Polk Audio 255c-RT is a great addition to a home theatre sound system, especially when paired with other speakers from the Polk Audio RT line. It has good build quality, and its unobtrusive design makes it a solid choice for creating a multi-directional audio experience for watching movies.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Polk’s been a major player in the audio world since the ’70s, though they don’t always get the same attention from hi-fi reviewers as some other brands. But they know their niche—mass-market, entry-level products that perform way better than you’d expect for the price. Their R200 model, for example, gets called one of the best under $1,000. If you’re looking for solid performance without spending a fortune, Polk’s stuff is hard to beat.
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Dali
Fazon Mikro Vokal
252
/
Released
The DALI FAZON MIKRO VOKAL is an ultra compact centre speaker featuring our signature wood fibre cone and soft dome tweeter module. The high-gloss aluminium cabinet fits perfectly in any living room, delivering true Hi-Fi in a very small package.
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Lively and informative sound
- Speakers integrate well with a subwoofer, creating a seamless coherence
- Opulent and robust design with a high-gloss lacquered aluminum cabinet
- Well-made with quality materials
Product Considerations
- Lacks some solidity
- Smallish soundstage
- Dynamics could be better
Takeaway: The Dali Fazon Mikro Vokal is a stylish and well-made speaker suitable for smaller rooms that offers lively sound and integrates well with a subwoofer. It's a reasonable option to consider if you want both style and sound in a compact form.
Video review
Our take on the brand
DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
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