Klipsch
RP-404C II Center Channel Speaker
Best center channel for home theater enthusiasts seeking cinematic dialogue clarity.
The Klipsch RP-404C II Center Channel Speaker represents a significant evolution in Klipsch's renowned Reference Premiere line. It boasts updated woofer designs and enhanced cabinet bracing for a more accurate and immersive audio experience, all while preserving the signature Klipsch sound. This speaker features a 90° x 90° silicon composite hybrid Tractrix horn for efficient, detailed sound, and a Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) titanium diaphragm tweeter to minimize distortion. The Cerametallic woofers are redesigned for improved power handling and cone control, ensuring flawless reproduction. Its sealed design allows for versatile placement, including in-wall installations, and the furniture-grade finishes add a touch of elegance.
$449.99
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Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1854
/ 6550
#1854 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
-69%
Below average
Frequency Response
87253
/ Hz-kHz +/- dB
Who it's for
- Movie lovers needing crystal-clear dialogue during loud action scenes
- Home theater owners using lower-powered amplifiers or receivers
- Design-conscious buyers wanting a premium, high-end aesthetic
Who should skip it
- Listeners sensitive to sharp or fatiguing high-frequency sounds
- Users with limited space beneath low-profile television sets
- Budget-focused shoppers looking for entry-level audio solutions
Performance breakdown
Dialogue Clarity
Dedicated center channel engineering ensures voices remain crisp and perfectly centered.
Soundstage Dispersion
The hybrid Tractrix horn delivers wide, immersive audio across the entire room.
Distortion Control
Titanium LTS tweeters maintain clean, sharp highs even at high volume levels.
Placement Versatility
Sealed enclosure design allows for seamless integration into tight media consoles.
Build Integrity
Enhanced cabinet bracing effectively eliminates unwanted resonance for a tighter sound.
Aesthetic Finish
Furniture-grade materials provide a sophisticated look that elevates any home theater.
Key Specs
Frequency Response
87Hz-25kHz +/- 3dB
Sensitivity
94dB
Horn
90° x 90° Silicon Composite Hybrid Tractrix Horn
Tweeter
1" LTS Titanium Diaphragm
Woofers
Four 4" Cerametallic
Connectivity
Wired
Series Compatibility
Reference Premiere II
Features
- Updated woofer designs for enhanced performance
- Improved cabinet bracing for greater accuracy
- Larger, more directivity-focused Tractrix horn
- Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) titanium tweeter
- Redesigned Cerametallic woofers
- Sealed enclosure for versatile placement
- Magnetic grille for a clean aesthetic
- Furniture-grade finishes
- High-efficiency, low-distortion sound reproduction
- Dedicated center channel focus
What customers say
Reviewers consistently praise the RP-404C II for its exceptional dialogue clarity, even during intense movie scenes. This performance stems from its updated Tractrix horn technology, delivering detailed and wide sound dispersion. The speaker maintains a dynamic, efficient sound profile that integrates seamlessly with other components. Build quality is noted as premium, featuring robust materials that suggest long term durability. Many users report a significant upgrade in their home theater soundstage after switching to this center channel. While the sound signature is characteristically detailed, some listeners might perceive it as slightly bright. Its substantial size also requires careful placement planning. Overall, for enthusiasts prioritizing audio precision, this speaker is viewed as a worthwhile investment in clarity.
Know before you buy
The sealed enclosure allows for more flexible placement options, including tight spaces or even in-wall installations, without the negative acoustic interference often caused by rear-firing ports.
The larger, silicon-composite hybrid horn provides better directivity, which helps focus sound toward your listening position while reducing unwanted reflections and distortion.
Yes, the RP-404C II is specifically designed to be tonally matched with other speakers in the Reference Premiere II series, ensuring a seamless and consistent soundstage across your front array.
With a sensitivity rating of 94dB, this speaker is highly efficient and can be driven effectively by most standard home theater receivers without requiring a massive external amplifier.
The Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) titanium tweeter is designed to minimize distortion by ensuring a smooth, precise movement of the diaphragm, resulting in clearer and more detailed high-frequency performance.
Yes, the speaker features a magnetic grille that is easy to remove. Many users prefer the look of the exposed Cerametallic woofers, and removing the grille will not negatively impact the sound quality.
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