Klipsch R-50C Center Channel Speaker

The Klipsch R-50C center channel speaker is a Reference Series model designed to reproduce dialogue in films, music, and games. It combines a 90° × 90° Tractrix horn, a 1-inch aluminum tweeter, and 5.25-inch TCP woofers. Its low-profile MDF cabinet is designed for placement near a flat-screen television.

Wider directivity control

The updated Tractrix horn has larger outer dimensions. This design controls directivity across a wider frequency range and helps create a more precisely defined soundstage.

Its 90° horizontal and vertical dispersion is useful when dialogue is heard from more than one seating position. The speaker should still be aimed toward the main listening position so that the horn axis is better aligned with the listener’s ear level.

Drivers designed for dialogue

The 1-inch Linear Travel Suspension aluminum tweeter uses a Kapton suspension. The LTS design is intended to reduce distortion while preserving fine high-frequency detail.

The cones of the 5.25-inch Spun-Copper TCP woofers are made from thermoformed crystalline polymer. Their steeper cone angle helps produce a smoother response, greater accuracy, and clearer sound.

An internal tapered-array crossover improves dispersion between the woofers and tweeter. This arrangement provides clearer midrange definition, where the most important parts of dialogue are reproduced.

Cabinet design and screen placement

The low-profile cabinet is made from reinforced 19 mm MDF. Its more rigid construction reduces cabinet vibration that could color voices and impair reproduction accuracy.

Hidden fasteners and a low-profile magnetic grille give the front a clean, unified appearance. The grille can be removed without exposing visible mounting hardware.

Place the speaker as close as possible to the horizontal center of the screen, either above or below it. Do not position the front of the cabinet deep inside a shelf. Moving it closer to the furniture’s front edge helps reduce early sound reflections from the shelf surface.

If the speaker is below ear level, tilt it slightly toward the main listening position. Make sure the television frame or other objects do not obstruct the front horn or drivers.

Connection and initial setup

The center-channel signal must be handled by a home cinema AV receiver. Connect the speaker to the receiver’s amplified center-channel output, usually marked CENTER.

Enable the center channel in the AV receiver’s menu and begin with the system’s automatic calibration. Afterwards, compare voice levels with the left and right speakers from the main listening position.

Dialogue should sound clear without becoming detached from the rest of the soundstage. If voices are overly prominent, do not raise the center-channel level merely for dramatic effect.

Let the AV receiver’s calibration system establish the initial bass crossover. The internal tapered-array crossover is not a user control; it is factory configured to distribute frequencies between the R-50C drivers.

Technical specifications

FAQ

Can this speaker replace an entire home cinema speaker system?

No. It reproduces the center channel and is primarily responsible for dialogue. A separate surround soundstage also requires left and right speakers, together with the effect channels selected for the system.

Can it be connected to a standard stereo amplifier?

A stereo amplifier normally has no separate center channel. To use the R-50C as intended, you need an AV system with an amplified center-channel output.

Where should the center speaker be placed?

Place it as close as possible to the horizontal center of the screen. Aim the front toward the main listening position and avoid placing the cabinet deep inside a shelf.

How should I set the center-channel volume?

Start with the AV receiver’s automatic calibration. Then listen from the main seating position and confirm that voices are clear and move naturally between the front channels.

Does the internal crossover need manual adjustment?

No. The internal crossover distributes the signal between the built-in drivers. The AV receiver is used to adjust the system crossover, channel levels, and distances.

Can the magnetic grille be removed?

Yes. The low-profile grille is held in place magnetically, so no visible grille fasteners are needed on the front of the cabinet.