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 SVS Prime Center ranks #69, rated 3.4/5, at $449, $50.99 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Klipsch RP-504C II is the more accurate choice. 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. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.58 against 3.34 for the SVS Prime Center. 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.
The case for the SVS Prime Center: A three-way center with a 3.5” midrange between the 1” aluminum tweeter and two 5.25” woofers, which avoids the side-to-side cancellation of two-way centers: Erin’s Audio Corner measured the widest horizontal coverage of any center here, about ±75 degrees. Watch for: On-axis response is uneven (1.29dB average deviation), and the preference score is 3.34 without a subwoofer and 6.0 with one.
Buy the Klipsch RP-504C II. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $50.99 with the SVS Prime Center does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-504C II | SVS Prime Center | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 each | $449.00 each |
| Ranked | #35 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers | #69 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers |
| Drivers | 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn, 4x 5.25” Cerametallic woofers | 1” aluminum dome tweeter, 3.5” midrange, 2x 5.25” woofers |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) | 48Hz-25kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 96dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) | 8 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) | 7.7”H x 18.6”W x 9.2”D (196 x 472 x 234 mm) |
| Weight | 36.4 lbs (16.5 kg) | 20.3 lbs (9.2 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 71.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 71.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 43.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | about 48.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.58 | 3.34 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.83 | 6.00 |
| 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 Focal Theva Center
- Klipsch RP-504C II vs Emotiva Airmotiv XC2
SVS Prime Center: $449.00 each Amazon eBay
Pros: A three-way center with a 3.5” midrange between the 1” aluminum tweeter and two 5.25” woofers, which avoids the side-to-side cancellation of two-way centers: Erin’s Audio Corner measured the widest horizontal coverage of any center here, about ±75 degrees. Bass reaches 71.8Hz (-3dB) and about 48Hz (-10dB). Measured bass extension of 71.8Hz (-3dB).
Cons: On-axis response is uneven (1.29dB average deviation), and the preference score is 3.34 without a subwoofer and 6.0 with one. Sensitivity is a modest 86dB.
Full SVS Prime Center review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 48.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 71.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 7.7”H x 18.6”W x 9.2”D (196 x 472 x 234 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” aluminum dome tweeter, 3.5” midrange, 2x 5.25” woofers |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz-25kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.34 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.00 |
| Weight | 20.3 lbs (9.2 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- SVS Prime Center vs Q Acoustics 3090c
- SVS Prime Center vs ELAC Debut 3.0 DC63
- SVS Prime Center vs PSB Alpha C10
- SVS Prime Center vs ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UCR52
- SVS Prime Center vs Aperion Audio Novus N5C
- SVS Prime Center vs Arendal Sound 1961 Center
- SVS Prime Center vs Klipsch RP-500C II
- SVS Prime Center vs KEF Q6 Meta
- See all 10 comparisons