Top-tier center-channel performance from Klipsch

Klipsch's Reference Premiere speaker line was one of my frequent go-tos. The company has revamped the line for 2022 and brought lots of new driver improvements to the table. The RP-504C II is the flagship center channel speaker in the new RP lineup, this time featuring an updated tweeter and better driver motors. 

Refined horn and updated tweeter

The center channel speaker is the most important speaker in a home theater system. It handles two crucial parts of a movie's soundtrack: dialogue and center channel effects (like explosions). Klipsch made some tweaks to the speaker's tweeter for better home theater performance than ever.

The 1" LTS (Linear Travel Suspension) tweeter features a vented housing to reduce standing waves that can compromise sound quality. The hallmark Tractrix® horn it's housed in has a widened mouth for better soundstaging and directivity. The horn also sports a soft silicone face and a unique phase plug to keep the highs smooth and non-fatiguing. 

Punchy drivers for maximum impact

There are two 5-1/4" Ceremetallic woofers flanking both sides of the central tweeter. Those larger woofers provide sound effects like explosions ample punch. Metallic woofers aren't anything new for Klipsch speakers, but the company has made significant improvements to the motor structures behind the cones.

Each woofer uses a 70% larger voice coil for greater control, speed, and accuracy. The woofers also have new aluminum shorting rings that help reduce distortion and let the drivers handle a bit more power. 

A ported cabinet for deeper bass

The 504C II's cabinet has a rear-firing Tractrix port that helps deepen the speaker's bass response. The port's horn shape promotes more efficient airflow in and out of the cabinet, minimizing port noise and low-frequency distortion.

Where and how you place your center channel speaker is important. Since this speaker uses a ported cabinet, you don't want to place it up against a wall or the back of your entertainment center. Instead, I recommend giving the speaker some "breathing room" by pulling it away from your wall. The speaker's bass response will thank you.