Overview

The Klipsch R-30C is a slim centre channel speaker from the Klipsch Reference series, pairing a 1-inch aluminum tweeter on a 90° x 90° Tractrix horn with four 3.5-inch spun-copper woofers. At just 5 inches tall and 6.8 inches deep, it fits above or below a flat-panel TV without taking over the console. It's the dialogue speaker for a Klipsch Reference home theatre, giving voices more clarity and presence than TV speakers can manage.

The 1-inch Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) aluminum tweeter uses a Kapton suspension to minimize distortion, and the square Tractrix horn controls directivity over a wide range of frequencies for a more accurate soundstage. The four Thermoformed Crystalline Polymer (TCP) woofers use steeply angled, ribbed cones for smoother response and less cone breakup. A tapered array crossover improves dispersion and midrange definition, which matters most for dialogue. Klipsch rates the R-30C at 78 Hz to 21 kHz (±3 dB) with 96 dB in-room sensitivity.

Forward-firing Tractrix ports add bass reinforcement from the front of the cabinet. The reinforced ¾-inch MDF enclosure uses an all-new bracing design to reduce vibration and colouration, finished in scratch-resistant black textured wood grain vinyl. Hidden fasteners, an edge-to-edge horn and a low-profile magnetic grille keep the look clean, and gold-plated binding posts handle the connection.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

Because the ports fire forward rather than out the back, the R-30C is easier to place on a shelf or close to a wall than a rear-ported centre. Try to keep the horn as close to seated ear height as your TV setup allows, and point it toward the main seat; a centre that sits far below or above your ears can make voices sound thinner. With 96 dB sensitivity, it keeps up easily with Klipsch Reference towers or bookshelf speakers on a typical receiver.

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Why the Klipsch R-30C Stands Out

Buyer's Guide

Who It's For

• Klipsch Reference Systems: Want a matching centre channel.
• Flat-Panel TV Owners: Want a slim centre that fits under the screen.
• Dialogue-Focused Viewers: Want clearer voices than TV speakers give.

How It Compares

The Reference Premiere RP-500C II steps up to dual 5.25" Cerametallic woofers and a titanium tweeter, rated at 56 Hz to 25 kHz with 94 dB sensitivity, in a 6.87"-tall, 19.34"-wide, 10.58"-deep cabinet. The R-30C uses four 3.5" TCP woofers in a slimmer 5"-tall, 6.8"-deep cabinet, rated at 78 Hz to 21 kHz with 96 dB sensitivity. Choose the R-30C to match Klipsch Reference speakers or for tight spaces, and the RP-500C II for deeper bass in a Reference Premiere system.