Klipsch R-52C Review (Excellent Center Channel Speaker)
Klipsch R-52C Review (Excellent Center Channel Speaker)
The Klipsch R-52C delivers excellent sound quality through its horn-loaded tweeter, acoustic suspension, and dual woofers. As a passive center speaker that’s part of the Klipsch Reference series, it has a wide frequency response, high sensitivity, low impedance, and moderate power handling – making it awesome for home theater systems.
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I’ve said this time and time again, but a quality center channel speaker can be the difference between a mediocre home theater experience and a great one.
Being that it can be responsible for up to 80 percent of the dialogue, its importance can’t be emphasized enough.
That’s why in this Klipsch R-52C review, we’ll take a look at a center speaker that’s definitely worth consideration.
Features
1 inch aluminum LTS tweeter
Klipsch’s 1 inch Linear Travel Suspension aluminum tweeter (LTS) has the benefit of being able to produce a clearer audio.
By using a light and rigid material called Kapton, it allows the tweeter to provide clearer sound quality without having to work nearly as hard.
Klipsch’s Unique Audio Tech
Using Klipsch’s unique 90×90°Tractrix Horn Technology, the R-52C’s sound is aimed at the listener, while simultaneously reducing artificial reverb caused by indirect sound waves reflected off objects in the room.
The result of its Tractrix Horn Technology is incredible clarity.
Dual 5.25 inch Spun Copper IMG Woofers
The included dual 5.25 inch, Injection Molded Graphite Woofers have the unique advantage of being both light and durable; allowing for a deeper sound with minimal distortion.
Refined MDF Wood Cabinet
With a high quality MDF wood cabinet, extraneous vibrations are reduced for a more accurate sound.
Closed Back Design
The R-52C’s closed back design gives you the freedom to place it wherever without the worry of a suboptimal sound
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How To Set It Up
Setting up the Klipsch R-52C is relatively easy and is done like any other center speaker.
Do keep in mind you’ll also need speaker wire since it doesn’t actually come with it. I personally use this one.
But to set it up, all you have to do is cut the speaker wire to the length you need, then strip it using either a wire stripper or a pair of scissors.
Then you can either insert part of the exposed wire through the keyhole in the back by unscrewing the binding post, or connect the wire to a banana plug and simply plug it in to the speaker.
The other side of the wire would go into the receiver.
Here’s some more context for how to do that if curious.
https://easyhometheater.net/how-to-set-up-a-home-theater#wire
Thoughts On The Sound Quality Of The Klipsch R-52C Center Channel Speaker
So let’s cut to the chase on what actually matters, how does the Klipsch R-52C actually sound?
It sounds immaculate in my opinion, so much so that it’s quickly become one of my favorite center speakers.
The mid tones are full bodied with a treble that’s pristine and articulate.
The best way to sum up how they sound would be sparkly.
This is a speaker for the people out there that find it annoying when there’s a loud scene in a movie and have trouble discerning the dialogue from the sound effects.
It does a great job at allowing you to hear the characters’ voices, while remaining cohesive with the sound effects from your other speakers.
One thing I noticed that had a big affect on the experience is the quality of the material that’s viewed with it.
Being that it’s a high quality speaker, if there’s a movie that’s not mixed correctly, it tends to augment the imperfections from what I noticed.
However when viewing content that is created the right way (which is a majority of newer content), the experience is downright incredible.
Voices came through with striking realism, with highs that sparkle, and soothingly deep lows that you’d expect from a quality center speaker.
Not to mention this speaker has a really high sensitivity so you won’t even need that powerful of a receiver to run it.
It also pairs great with the Klipsch R-41M bookshelf speaker that I also reviewed.
So as not to ramble on, in short, the Klipsch R-52C is an incredible center speaker that should definitely be on your radar if you’re looking for something that not only looks great, but performs even better.
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Appearance
If you’ve ever owned or seen a Klipsch speaker before, then you know the one thing you can expect is an impeccable build quality, and the R-52C is no different.
As part of the Klipsch Reference Series, it’s certainly a beautiful center speaker.
With an all black reinforced MDF wood construction, cabinet vibration is reduced, resulting in a clearer sound.
The wood itself is dark & textured, and looks really premium even up close.
The removable grille also gives the speaker a subdued look with a metallic Klipsch logo on the bottom.
However the one thing you have to love about Klipsch speakers is their versatility when it comes to aesthetics.
When the magnetic grille is removed, its look is completely transformed, revealing 2 beautiful spun copper drivers with what Klipsch calls it’s Tractrix horn (responsible for the treble) placed between the 2 of them.
The words Klipsch Reference is also printed on the bottom, and is a nice little touch.
What makes it look even more beautiful in my opinion, are the gold facets dotted around the drivers that accent it.
It’s a small detail, but it adds flair for sure.
Overall, It’s hard to describe just how nice this speaker looks in person.
But if you want something that can both make a statement in your living room, or blend in without calling attention to itself, this would definitely be a great option.
Likes
- Beautiful appearance
- Great clarity
- Well rounded mid bass
- High sensitivity for lower powered receivers
- Removable magnetic grille
Dislikes
- Not the smallest thing in the world
- Mixed usage on older content
Final Thoughts
That about wraps up this Klipsch R-52C review.
In summation, it’s a center speaker that provides the unparalleled clarity that Klipsch is typically known for, while effortlessly pulling the soundstage together in a notable way.
It’s a massive step up from TV/smaller speakers and certainly manages to impress.
Highly recommend this one.
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Specs
The specs are as follows:
Box Contents
Center Speaker
Manual
Inputs and Connectivity
5 way binding posts
Power
400 watts power handling
Sensitivity
95 dB at 2.83V/1m
Dimensions
Dual 5.25 inch woofers
1 inch aluminum tweeter
90×90° square Tractrix Horn
7.62 x 18.75 x 7.3 inch cabinet
13.5 pounds
Hey everyone it’s nice to meet you. I’m Jay, writer & founder of the site Easy Home Theater. I’ve been with the hobby of home entertainment for many years now. I decided to create this site to be a helpful resource, and share everything that I’ve learned from personal experience with you. I also happen to be a huge gamer, lover of all things tech related, and a major fitness buff (love weightlifting)
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