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 Focal Theva Center ranks #64, rated 3.5/5, and costs $649, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
Why pick the Klipsch RP-504C II: 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. The catch: 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.
What the Focal Theva Center does well: Dual 6.5-inch Slatefiber woofers and 1-inch TNF inverted aluminum/magnesium dome tweeter. The catch: Horizontal 2-way MTM layout introduces acoustic lobing outside the primary viewing position.
Buy the Klipsch RP-504C II. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Focal Theva Center and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-504C II | Focal Theva Center | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 each | $649.00 |
| Ranked | #35 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers | #64 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers |
| Drivers | 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn, 4x 5.25” Cerametallic woofers | 1” (25mm) TNF Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter, 2 x 6.5” (165mm) Slatefiber woofers |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) | 59Hz - 28kHz (±3dB) |
| Sensitivity | 96dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 91dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) | 8 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported (rear Tractrix ports) | - |
| Dimensions | 6.9”H x 32”W x 15.1”D (174 x 814 x 383 mm) | 8.3”H x 20.9”W x 10.2”D (212 x 530 x 260 mm) |
| Weight | 36.4 lbs (16.5 kg) | 22 lbs (10.0 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 | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Klipsch RP-504C II:
- 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 SVS Prime Center
- Klipsch RP-504C II vs Emotiva Airmotiv XC2
Focal Theva Center: $649.00 Estimated Amazon eBay
Pros: Dual 6.5-inch Slatefiber woofers and 1-inch TNF inverted aluminum/magnesium dome tweeter. High 91dB sensitivity and dynamic midbass authority reaching 59Hz (±3dB).
Cons: Horizontal 2-way MTM layout introduces acoustic lobing outside the primary viewing position. Impedance dips to 3.8 ohms minimum. Rating estimated based on Theva series testing.
Full Focal Theva Center review and specifications →
| DIY Kit | No |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.3”H x 20.9”W x 10.2”D (212 x 530 x 260 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” (25mm) TNF Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter, 2 x 6.5” (165mm) Slatefiber woofers |
| Frequency Response | 59Hz - 28kHz (±3dB) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum) |
| Sensitivity | 91dB (2.83V/1m) |
| Weight | 22 lbs (10.0 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