Short answer: the Klipsch RP-500C II for better sound quality, the Polk Audio XT30 for the lower price. The Klipsch RP-500C II ranks #32 of 98 center channel speakers, rated 3.9/5, at $329.99. The Polk Audio XT30 ranks #49, rated 3.6/5, at $139, $190.99 cheaper.
The Klipsch RP-500C II is the more accurate pick. A 1” titanium tweeter in Klipsch’s Tractrix horn between two 5.25” Cerametallic woofers, with a very high 94dB sensitivity, so even a modest receiver drives it to loud levels. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.53 against 3.89 for the Polk Audio XT30. The catch: On-axis response is uneven (1.09dB average deviation), and the horn’s directivity changes more across frequency than any other center here (4.34dB directivity index deviation), so tone shifts between the direct sound and room reflections.
Why pick the Polk Audio XT30: One of the least expensive centers here at $139, with a 1” Terylene dome tweeter between two 5.25” woofers and 89dB sensitivity. Watch for: The listening window spans 3.0dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and the predicted in-room response is not very smooth (0.51), so it sounds less even off axis and in reflective rooms.
Buy the Klipsch RP-500C II if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Polk Audio XT30 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-500C II | Polk Audio XT30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $329.99 each | $139.00 each |
| Ranked | #32 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers | #49 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers |
| Drivers | 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn, 2x 5.25” Cerametallic woofers | 1” Terylene dome tweeter, 2x 5.25” bi-laminate paper woofers |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-25kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) | 77Hz-26kHz -3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 94dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 89dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported (rear Tractrix port) | ported (rear) |
| Dimensions | 6.9”H x 19.3”W x 10.6”D (174 x 491 x 269 mm) | 6.5”H x 19”W x 8.1”D (166 x 483 x 207 mm) |
| Weight | 18.3 lbs (8.3 kg) | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 77.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 54.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | about 50.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.53 | 3.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.28 | 6.50 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Klipsch RP-500C II compares with other leading options:
- Polk Audio XT35 vs Klipsch RP-500C II
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Klipsch RP-504C II
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Klipsch RP-404C II
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Emotiva Airmotiv XC1
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Paradigm Monitor SE 2000C
Prices on this page were last checked October 5, 2026 at 10:21 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Klipsch RP-500C II: $329.99 each Amazon eBay
Pros: A 1” titanium tweeter in Klipsch’s Tractrix horn between two 5.25” Cerametallic woofers, with a very high 94dB sensitivity, so even a modest receiver drives it to loud levels. Erin’s Audio Corner measured a listening window within 2.6dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and a preference score of 4.53 that reaches 7.28 with an ideal subwoofer, a strong result at $330. Measured bass extension of 82.0Hz (-3dB).
Cons: On-axis response is uneven (1.09dB average deviation), and the horn’s directivity changes more across frequency than any other center here (4.34dB directivity index deviation), so tone shifts between the direct sound and room reflections. Bass rolls off at 82Hz (-3dB) and about 54Hz (-10dB).
Full Klipsch RP-500C II review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 54.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 6.9”H x 19.3”W x 10.6”D (174 x 491 x 269 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn, 2x 5.25” Cerametallic woofers |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-25kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 94dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.53 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.28 |
| Weight | 18.3 lbs (8.3 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported (rear Tractrix port) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Klipsch RP-504C II
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Klipsch RP-404C II
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Polk Audio XT35
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Emotiva Airmotiv XC1
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Paradigm Monitor SE 2000C
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Klipsch Reference R-50C
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs SVS Prime Center
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Triangle Borea BRC01
- See all 10 comparisons
Polk Audio XT30: $139.00 each Amazon eBay
Pros: One of the least expensive centers here at $139, with a 1” Terylene dome tweeter between two 5.25” woofers and 89dB sensitivity. Erin’s Audio Corner measured a flat on-axis response (0.26 average deviation) and deeper bass than the slimmer XT35, reaching 77.6Hz (-3dB) and about 51Hz (-10dB). Measured bass extension of 77.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The listening window spans 3.0dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and the predicted in-room response is not very smooth (0.51), so it sounds less even off axis and in reflective rooms. The preference score without a subwoofer is 3.89.
Full Polk Audio XT30 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 50.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 6.5”H x 19”W x 8.1”D (166 x 483 x 207 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” Terylene dome tweeter, 2x 5.25” bi-laminate paper woofers |
| Frequency Response | 77Hz-26kHz -3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 89dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.50 |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported (rear) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons