Overview

The Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-504C II represents the company’s latest iteration of their center channel speaker design, incorporating four 5.25-inch Cerametallic woofers and a redesigned 90° × 90° silicone composite hybrid Tractrix horn with Linear Travel Suspension titanium diaphragm tweeter. As the 2022 Home Theater Review Editor’s Choice Award recipient, this speaker continues Klipsch’s 80-year tradition of horn-loaded designs established by founder Paul W. Klipsch. The RP-504C II features updated magnetic removable grilles, advanced cabinet bracing, and audiophile-grade binding posts for modern home theater applications.

Scientific Validity

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Third-party measurements from Erin’s Audio Corner using ANSI/CTA-2034-A standards reveal standard-level performance for speakers. Frequency response of 50Hz-25,000 Hz with ±3dB deviation meets the standard specification for speakers, while the elevated treble response (+3dB above 2kHz) indicates frequency response coloration [1]. Harmonic distortion measurements show “mostly below 1% THD” at both 86dB and 96dB output levels, performing at the boundary between problematic and transparent levels. Sensitivity measures 89 dB @ 2.83V/1m, adequate for typical home theater use. Dynamic range compression testing shows minimal output changes at higher volumes. Overall performance sits between problematic and transparent levels, meeting standard expectations for center channel speakers in this category.

Technology Level

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Klipsch demonstrates substantial technological sophistication with proprietary patent technology including the Tractrix horn design (US Patent 7686129B2) and Cerametallic woofer materials engineering. The company maintains full in-house design ownership, continuing Paul W. Klipsch’s original horn technology concepts dating back to patents from 1943-1951. Over 80 years of accumulated horn technology expertise creates significant competitive advantages requiring considerable time for competitors to replicate. The Linear Travel Suspension tweeter technology and silicone composite horn materials represent ongoing refinement of core acoustic principles. However, the purely analog passive design lacks modern digital integration, software enhancement, or advanced computational features that characterize cutting-edge audio technology development.

Cost-Performance

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At 750 USD, market analysis identifies the SVS Prime Center at 399 USD as the cheapest product offering equivalent-or-better user-facing functions and measured performance. Equipped with equivalent center channel functionality, the SVS Prime Center provides 48Hz-25kHz (±3dB) frequency response and measured THD performance comparable to the RP-504C II [2]. While the SVS exhibits 3dB lower sensitivity (86 dB vs 89 dB), requiring double amplifier power for equivalent output levels, this difference is not significantly insufficient for intended home theater use with modern amplifiers. Cost-performance calculation: 399 USD ÷ 750 USD = 0.53. Budget alternatives like the JBL Studio 235C, Polk CS10, and Dayton C40 demonstrate significantly inferior frequency response ranges and specifications. Higher-priced alternatives such as the JBL HDI-4500 (1,900+ USD) offer equivalent-or-better performance but at substantially higher cost.

Reliability & Support

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Klipsch provides exceptional support infrastructure with a 5-year warranty significantly exceeding the industry average of 2 years, covering defects in materials and workmanship with full repair or replacement service [3]. The passive speaker design inherently offers high reliability through simple construction with minimal moving parts and robust cabinet bracing. Global manufacturer support includes multiple contact methods and professional repair services. Factory refurbished options maintain full warranty coverage. The company’s established presence since 1946 demonstrates long-term stability and consistent product support track record. Return and shipping costs remain purchaser responsibility, but comprehensive warranty coverage and manufacturer-direct support infrastructure ensure reliable long-term ownership experience.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Klipsch exemplifies scientifically rational design philosophy rooted in physics-based principles established by founder Paul W. Klipsch, recipient of the Audio Engineering Society Silver Medal for contributions to speaker design and distortion measurement [4]. The four fundamental principles (high efficiency/low distortion, controlled directivity, wide dynamic range, controlled frequency response) demonstrate measurement-focused development with clear scientific basis. Horn technology provides demonstrable efficiency benefits reducing amplifier power requirements while achieving controlled acoustic directivity. Costs directly contribute to functional performance improvements through proprietary materials engineering and precision manufacturing. The RP-504C II represents measured improvement over the original RP-504C with updated components delivering enhanced specifications. Each design element serves specific acoustic purposes supporting measurable performance objectives rather than subjective marketing claims.

Advice

For home theater enthusiasts seeking a dedicated center channel speaker with horn technology benefits, the RP-504C II offers compelling value at current market pricing. The 89dB sensitivity provides efficient amplifier utilization, while the 5-year warranty ensures long-term protection. However, potential buyers should consider the elevated treble response characteristics, which may require room correction or careful system matching to achieve neutral tonal balance. Those prioritizing absolute frequency response accuracy may prefer alternatives with flatter response curves, though at significantly higher cost points. The speaker suits users who appreciate Klipsch’s house sound signature and require efficient center channel performance for dialogue reproduction in larger rooms.

References

[1] Erin’s Audio Corner - Klipsch RP-504C II Measurements, https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/klipsch_504cii/, Accessed 2025-11-12, Klippel Near-Field Scanner, tweeter reference plane, ANSI/CTA-2034-A standard

[2] Erin’s Audio Corner - SVS Prime Center Measurements, https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/svs_prime_center_channel/, Accessed 2025-11-12, Klippel Near-Field Scanner, tweeter reference plane, ANSI/CTA-2034-A standard

[3] Klipsch Warranty Policy for Passive Speakers, https://www.klipsch.com/warranty-passive-speakers, Accessed 2025-11-12

[4] Klipsch Founder Biography and Milestones, https://www.klipsch.com/founder, https://www.klipsch.com/klipsch-milestones, Accessed 2025-11-12

(2025.11.18)