Short answer: the Klipsch RP-504C II. It ranks #35 of 98 center channel speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $499.99. The Emotiva Airmotiv XC2 ranks #77, rated 3.4/5, at $399, $100.99 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Klipsch RP-504C II is the better-sounding option. The largest Reference Premiere center puts four 5.25” Cerametallic woofers around a 1” titanium tweeter in a Tractrix horn, for a very high 96dB sensitivity. Watch for: On-axis response is the least even of the Klipsch centers (1.13dB average deviation), and directivity varies strongly with frequency (4.27dB directivity index deviation), so the tone changes for off-center seats and in reflective rooms.
The case for the Emotiva Airmotiv XC2: The larger Airmotiv center: a 25x32mm folded ribbon tweeter, a 5.25” woven cone midrange and two 6” long-throw woofers, rated at 45Hz to 27kHz (±3dB) and 89dB. The catch: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured centers; the rating is estimated from its predecessor’s measurements.
Buy the Klipsch RP-504C II. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $100.99 with the Emotiva Airmotiv XC2 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-504C II | Emotiva Airmotiv XC2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 each | $399 each |
| Ranked | #35 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers | #77 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers |
| Drivers | 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn, 4x 5.25” Cerametallic woofers | 25x32mm Airmotiv folded ribbon tweeter, 5.25” woven cone midrange, 2x 6” woven cone woofers |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) | 45Hz-27kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 96dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 89dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported (rear Tractrix ports) | - |
| Dimensions | 6.9”H x 32”W x 15.1”D (174 x 814 x 383 mm) | 8.5”H x 31.5”W x 10.2”D (216 x 800 x 260 mm) |
| Weight | 36.4 lbs (16.5 kg) | 37 lbs (16.8 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 71.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 43.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.58 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.83 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Klipsch RP-504C II compares with other leading options:
- KEF Q6 Meta vs Klipsch RP-504C II
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Klipsch RP-504C II
- Klipsch RP-504C II vs Polk Audio Reserve R400
- Klipsch RP-504C II vs Polk Audio Reserve R350
- Klipsch RP-504C II vs Dynaudio Emit 25C
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-504C II: $499.99 each Amazon eBay
Pros: The largest Reference Premiere center puts four 5.25” Cerametallic woofers around a 1” titanium tweeter in a Tractrix horn, for a very high 96dB sensitivity. Erin’s Audio Corner measured the deepest bass of the Klipsch centers here, 71.8Hz (-3dB) and about 43Hz (-10dB), and a preference score of 4.58 without a subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 71.8Hz (-3dB).
Cons: On-axis response is the least even of the Klipsch centers (1.13dB average deviation), and directivity varies strongly with frequency (4.27dB directivity index deviation), so the tone changes for off-center seats and in reflective rooms. It is 814mm wide and 383mm deep, so check shelf depth before buying.
Full Klipsch RP-504C II review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 43.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 71.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 6.9”H x 32”W x 15.1”D (174 x 814 x 383 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn, 4x 5.25” Cerametallic woofers |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 96dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.58 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.83 |
| Weight | 36.4 lbs (16.5 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported (rear Tractrix ports) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch RP-504C II vs Polk Audio Reserve R400
- Klipsch RP-504C II vs Klipsch RP-500C II
- Klipsch RP-504C II vs KEF Q6 Meta
- Klipsch RP-504C II vs Polk Audio Reserve R350
- Klipsch RP-504C II vs Dynaudio Emit 25C
- Klipsch RP-504C II vs DALI Sonik Cinema
- Klipsch RP-504C II vs Focal Theva Center
- Klipsch RP-504C II vs SVS Prime Center
Emotiva Airmotiv XC2: $399 each Estimated Emotiva eBay
Older model: the Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ (ranked lower, rated 2.9/5).
Pros: The larger Airmotiv center: a 25x32mm folded ribbon tweeter, a 5.25” woven cone midrange and two 6” long-throw woofers, rated at 45Hz to 27kHz (±3dB) and 89dB. It replaces the C2+ with a simpler single-midrange layout.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured centers; the rating is estimated from its predecessor’s measurements. Its predecessor measured poorly off axis, so the estimate is wide. The 4 ohm load suits a strong receiver; Emotiva recommends 100W or more. It is 800mm wide.
Full Emotiva Airmotiv XC2 review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 8.5”H x 31.5”W x 10.2”D (216 x 800 x 260 mm) |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 25x32mm Airmotiv folded ribbon tweeter, 5.25” woven cone midrange, 2x 6” woven cone woofers |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-27kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 89dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 37 lbs (16.8 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.