Short answer: the Polk Audio XT35. It ranks #14 of 98 center channel speakers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $279. The Klipsch Reference R-50C ranks #66, rated 3.5/5, at $249.99, $29.01 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Polk Audio XT35 is the better-sounding choice. A slim center only 106mm tall, built to sit under a TV, with a 1” Terylene dome tweeter between four 3” woofers. The tradeoff: Small woofers limit bass to 85Hz (-3dB) and about 59Hz (-10dB), so it really needs a subwoofer with a crossover around 100Hz.
Why pick the Klipsch Reference R-50C: Dual 5.25-inch spun-copper TCP woofers with 1-inch LTS aluminum tweeter in larger 90x90 Tractrix horn in a sealed cabinet. The catch: Horn directivity and 2-way horizontal geometry create off-axis coverage narrowing.
Buy the Polk Audio XT35. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $29.01 saving on the Klipsch Reference R-50C is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Polk Audio XT35 | Klipsch Reference R-50C | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $279.00 each | $249.99 |
| Ranked | #14 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers | #66 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers |
| Drivers | 1” Terylene dome tweeter, 4x 3” bi-laminate paper woofers | 1” LTS aluminum tweeter in 90° x 90° Tractrix horn, 2 x 5.25” TCP woofers |
| Frequency Response | 84Hz-26kHz (manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (manufacturer specified) | 96dB in room, 93dB anechoic (2.83V/1m) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) | 8 ohms compatible |
| Dimensions | 4.2”H x 24.4”W x 5.6”D (106 x 620 x 141 mm) | 7”H x 18.7”W x 8.2”D (178 x 476 x 208 mm) |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) | 13.9 lbs (6.3 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 59.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.43 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.34 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | sealed |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Polk Audio XT35 compares with other leading options:
- Polk Audio XT35 vs Klipsch RP-500C II
- Polk Audio XT35 vs Polk Audio Reserve R350
- Polk Audio XT35 vs Polk Audio XT30
- Polk Audio XT35 vs Aperion Audio Novus N5C
- Polk Audio XT35 vs Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci
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
Polk Audio XT35: $279.00 each Amazon eBay
Pros: A slim center only 106mm tall, built to sit under a TV, with a 1” Terylene dome tweeter between four 3” woofers. Erin’s Audio Corner measured very low on-axis deviation (0.19, among the flattest of any center here) and a listening window within 2.2dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, for a preference score of 4.43 that reaches 7.34 with an ideal subwoofer. That is a remarkable result at $279. Measured bass extension of 85.0Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Small woofers limit bass to 85Hz (-3dB) and about 59Hz (-10dB), so it really needs a subwoofer with a crossover around 100Hz. Its predicted in-room response is less smooth (0.57) than the top centers here, so reflections color the sound more in a lively room.
Full Polk Audio XT35 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 59.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 4.2”H x 24.4”W x 5.6”D (106 x 620 x 141 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” Terylene dome tweeter, 4x 3” bi-laminate paper woofers |
| Frequency Response | 84Hz-26kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.43 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.34 |
| Weight | 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Polk Audio XT35 vs Klipsch RP-500C II
- Polk Audio XT35 vs Polk Audio Reserve R350
- Polk Audio XT35 vs Polk Audio XT30
- Polk Audio XT35 vs Aperion Audio Novus N5C
- Polk Audio XT35 vs Wharfedale Diamond 12.Ci
- Polk Audio XT35 vs Polk Audio Reserve R300
- Polk Audio XT35 vs Paradigm Monitor SE 2000C
- Polk Audio XT35 vs Polk Audio Signature Elite ES30
- See all 12 comparisons
Klipsch Reference R-50C: $249.99 Estimated Amazon eBay
Pros: Dual 5.25-inch spun-copper TCP woofers with 1-inch LTS aluminum tweeter in larger 90x90 Tractrix horn in a sealed cabinet. High 96dB sensitivity delivers effortless dialogue dynamics even with modest AV receivers.
Cons: Horn directivity and 2-way horizontal geometry create off-axis coverage narrowing. Rating estimated based on measured Reference R-50M performance.
Full Klipsch Reference R-50C review and specifications →
| DIY Kit | No |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7”H x 18.7”W x 8.2”D (178 x 476 x 208 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” LTS aluminum tweeter in 90° x 90° Tractrix horn, 2 x 5.25” TCP woofers |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms compatible |
| Sensitivity | 96dB in room, 93dB anechoic (2.83V/1m) |
| Weight | 13.9 lbs (6.3 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