Of all three, the Klipsch R-34C (see image) comes across as the most versatile of all. With its four woofers, it gives you a broader perspective.
If you’re looking for a center-channel speaker for your home theater system, then these three products from Klipsch are great options to look at.
In summary, all three speakers deliver high-quality sound, which is hard to beat in their price range. The Klipsch R-34C is the most versatile of all, with its petite size and four woofers giving you an additional striking look. The Klipsch R-52C, on the other hand, comes with more power. And the Klipsch R-25C has the lowest price that comes with comparable power but a different frequency spectrum.
While not rocket science, there are a few factors you should consider when choosing center-channel speakers for your entertainment at home.
The primary purpose these serve is to channel dialogue and vocals to the center of your home theater system.
So while the other speakers may be enough to give you good sound, the added clarity you get with one of these results is a more premium experience.
So here’s what you need to know about these three options to help you make your decision.
Sound Quality
Let me tell you something right off the bat.
Room acoustics, particularly room dimensions and speaker positioning, will have an immense effect on sound quality.
The impact of the combination of these two is actually so strong that in most cases, it doesn't even make sense to utter a single word on sound quality without speaking of them.
This is why I'd hiiiiiiighly recommend you to check out this simple, 2D, online speaker placement calculator.
It's GOOOOLLLDDDDD. I've had an Acoustics & Audio PhD build this tool specifically for this purpose:
Default values:
- Ceiling height: 106 inches or 8 feet 10 inches or 2.70 meters
- Most standard ceiling height
- Listener's height: 32 inches or 2 feet 8 inches or 0.80 meters
- Average height of a sitting person
Central heights of speakers (measured from the ground) and examples to them:
- Soundbars: 30 inches or 2 feet 6 inches or 0.75 meters
- 8", 10" or 12" Subwoofers: 8 inches or 0.20 meters
- 360 degree speakers: 32 inches or 2 feet 8 inches or 0.80 meters
- Horizontal speakers: 32 inches or 2 feet 8 inches or 0.80 meters
- Floor standing speakers: 20 inches or 1 feet 8 inches or 0.50 meters
- Bookshelf speakers: 32 inches or 2 feet 8 inches or 0.80 meters
- Center speakers: 32 inches or 2 feet 8 inches or 0.80 meters
Side note: This tool can and will return inaccurate results for small, portable Bluetooth speakers such as JBL's Go Series. It will, however, deliver just fine for more powerful, packed bluetooth speakers such as this one.
ASAP Science made a video on the loudest and quietest rooms in the world. A mind blowing example of the importance of acoustics (time adjusted video).
Other parameters such as the age/materials of the building, the furniture & carpets in place, etc can and will, of course, have an effect on room acoustics, too. But much less.
Also...
Did you know you could also virtually hear any speaker online?
Crutchfield had recently created a tool that virtually simulates the sounds of many different speakers; such as those of SVS, Klipsch, KEF and B&W. Nothing will, of course, beat hearing the speakers in reality. But I'd still recommend you to give it a shot.
While you're at it, blast my Hidden Electronic Gems list to test them:
Anyways...
Design and Build
Pros:
The Klipsch speaker systems look good. Really good. And if their trademark combination of black and copper is a look that works for your personal tastes and the decor of your room, we’re already looking at a no-brainer, as far as aesthetics are concerned.
Cons:
That being said, these boxes are obviously meant to be used with speakers from the same brand. Failing which the aesthetic symmetry will suffer. Not a deal-breaker, but worth noting.
Let’s have a look at the weight and dimensions of each:
Size:
- Klipsch R-25C: is 47.6 cm wide, 18.42 cm tall, and 18.42 cm deep.
- Klipsch R-52C: is 47.6 cm wide, 18.54 cm tall, and 19.3 cm deep.
- Klipsch R-34C: is 15.75 cm wide, 66.04 cm tall, and 13.21 cm deep.
Weight
- Klipsch R-25C: 14.8 lb (6.73 kg).
- Klipsch R-52C: This weighs 13.5 lb / (6.1 kg).
- Klipsch R-34C: The smallest of the three weighs in at 13lbs / (5.9 kg).
Material
The color on these woofers is not just a cosmetic gimmick. The spun-copper IMG (Injection Molded Graphite) cones on all three are lightweight, strong, and provide very efficient low-frequency responses. They prevent distortion and breakage at loud volumes too.
All speakers come with a removable magnetic grille. And the black textured body of the speakers is built with a scratch-resistant and solid MDF.
Check out Klipsch Certified Factory Refurbished. These audio products have been tested, inspected, and approved for sale by a Klipsch quality assurance professional. They passed the same strict performance standards as our brand-new products and carry little or no blemishes or imperfections.
Sound
All speakers come with a removable magnetic grille. And the black textured body of the speakers is built with are scratch-resistant and solid MDF.
This might be a good time to revisit some intel on what center speakers are. In contrast to dual-unit speakers, these are each one single unit. And even though probably functional stand-alone, are built to stress primarily on the mids and basses. They are designed assuming that the listener will connect additional speakers for the complete frequency spectrum for ultimate listening pleasure.
The closed-back design of all three models is especially helpful since they prevent uncontrolled bass rumble, giving you increased flexibility in their placement. Most living rooms are not acoustically treated, and these speakers are made with that in mind.
Of all three, the Klipsch R-34C comes across as the most versatile of all. With its four woofers, it gives you a broader perspective.
Klipsch R-34C Specs:
- Power Range: up to 100W
- Impedance: 8 Ohms
- Frequency Response: 82 Hz to 21 kHz
The sound is clear, transparent, and especially noticeable when listening to dialogues. Overall delivery of sound for music is loud, clear, and transparent.
The Klipsch R-52C, on the other hand, comes with more power.
Klipsch R-52C Specs:
- Power Range: 100W RMS 400W Peak
- Impedance: 8 Ohms
- Frequency Response: 89 Hz to 21 kHz
And finally, let’s have a look at the Klipsch R-25C, which comes with comparable power but a different frequency spectrum.
Klipsch R-25C Specs:
- Power Range: (Continuous / Peak) 100W/400W
- Impedance: 8 Ohms Compatible
- Frequency Response: 82 Hz to 24 kHz +/- 3 dB
Connectivity
And this is where Klipsch raises the bar. The WiSA technology they incorporate is a bit of a game-changer.
The Wireless Speaker and Audio Association is a trade body comprised of consumer audio products and manufacturing brands who have collaborated for wireless, high-definition, multi-channel audio.
The results are audio systems designed for expansive sound experience providing excellent performance with wireless technology.
Price
The R-25C (see image) is 47.6 cm wide, 18.42 cm tall, and 18.42 cm deep.
- Klipsch R-34C: $499
- Klipsch R-52C: $349
- Klipsch R-25C: $139
(Prices are subject to change. Please check with your dealer for details).
Verdict
In conclusion, here’s how the Klipsch R-34C, R-52C, and R-25C stack up against each other :
- Design: Tie. However, the Klipsch R-34C’s petite size and four woofers do give it an additionally striking look.
- Size and weight: The Klipsch R-34C wins.
- Connectivity: Tie. Klipsch wins!
- Sound: Tie. Depending on your needs and the size of your room, each offers the same standards of quality.
- Price: Winner: Klipsch R-25C. It’s the lowest.