Short answer: the Klipsch RP-500C II. It ranks #32 of 98 center channel speakers by sound quality, rated 3.9/5, at $329.99; the PSB Alpha C10 ranks #82, rated 3.4/5, and costs $499, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Klipsch RP-500C II is the better-sounding 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. Watch for: 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.
What the PSB Alpha C10 does well: 0.75-inch anodized aluminum dome tweeter with custom waveguide paired with dual 5.25-inch textured polypropylene woofers. The catch: Standard horizontal 2-way MTM crossover creates dialogue notches for listeners seated far off-axis.
Buy the Klipsch RP-500C II. It is rated higher for sound quality than the PSB Alpha C10 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-500C II | PSB Alpha C10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $329.99 each | $499.00 |
| Ranked | #32 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers | #82 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers |
| Drivers | 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn, 2x 5.25” Cerametallic woofers | 0.75” (19mm) anodized aluminum dome tweeter, 2 x 5.25” polypropylene woofers |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-25kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) |
| Sensitivity | 94dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 89dB in room, 87dB anechoic (2.83V/1m) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) | 8 ohms nominal (4 ohms minimum) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported (rear Tractrix port) | - |
| Dimensions | 6.9”H x 19.3”W x 10.6”D (174 x 491 x 269 mm) | 6.7”H x 17.7”W x 9.4”D (170 x 450 x 238 mm) |
| Weight | 18.3 lbs (8.3 kg) | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 54.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.53 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.28 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Klipsch RP-500C II:
- 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 Polk Audio XT30
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Emotiva Airmotiv XC1
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.
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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 XT30
- 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
- See all 10 comparisons
PSB Alpha C10: $499.00 Estimated Amazon eBay
Pros: 0.75-inch anodized aluminum dome tweeter with custom waveguide paired with dual 5.25-inch textured polypropylene woofers. Offers reliable voice-matched tonal balance for Alpha P3/P5 setups.
Cons: Standard horizontal 2-way MTM crossover creates dialogue notches for listeners seated far off-axis. Rating estimated from Alpha series measurements.
Full PSB Alpha C10 review and specifications →
| DIY Kit | No |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.7”H x 17.7”W x 9.4”D (170 x 450 x 238 mm) |
| Drivers | 0.75” (19mm) anodized aluminum dome tweeter, 2 x 5.25” polypropylene woofers |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (4 ohms minimum) |
| Sensitivity | 89dB in room, 87dB anechoic (2.83V/1m) |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons