Klipsch Reference IV RC-52 Center Channel Speaker – 500 Watts!

$265.00

Out of stock

Other center channels in stock now

This one has sold. Want first dibs on the next one?

We take these in regularly. Leave your name and email, and we’ll email you the moment one is listed, so you hear first. No cost, no obligation.

Email me when one is listed

How First Dibs works →

Whatever you end up with, it needs cable. Build a set to length →

Read the full listing and see all 3 photos ↓

Other center channels we have in stock now

3 in stock · $195.00–$345.00 · all ship

Custom-built Radique Audio speaker cables with gold-plated banana plug, spade, and pin connector terminations

Whatever you end up with, it needs cable.

We hand-build speaker cable to your exact length and terminate it however you like: banana, spade, pin or bare wire. Tell us the run and the ends, and it ships ready to plug in.

Build a set to length →
Description

Klipsch Reference IV RC-52 Center Channel Speaker – High Efficiency, 500 Watts Peak! Good Condition, Tested

Anchor your home theater with the dynamic clarity of the Klipsch RC-52 (Reference IV)—a center channel speaker designed to deliver dialogue with the same precision and power as Klipsch’s legendary floorstanders. Featuring proprietary Tractrix® Horn technology and dual Cerametallic™ woofers, the RC-52 ensures that every whisper and explosion is reproduced with effortless realism. Thoroughly tested and in good cosmetic condition (no grille included), this speaker is ready to become the voice of your cinema system.

Horn-Loaded Clarity & Power:
The heart of the RC-52 is its 1-inch Titanium Diaphragm Compression Driver mated to a 90° x 60° square Tractrix® Horn. This signature Klipsch technology controls directivity, beaming sound directly to the listening area to minimize room reflections while delivering exceptional detail and dynamic range. The result is dialogue that cuts through the mix with startling presence, ensuring you never miss a word.

Cerametallic™ Woofers & Tapered Array:
Flanking the horn are dual 5.25-inch Cerametallic™ cone woofers—lightweight yet rigid drivers that provide tight, musical bass response without distortion. Klipsch employs Tapered Array Technology in the crossover design, which eliminates acoustic interference (lobing) between the woofers. This ensures consistent sound quality across the entire listening area, so everyone on the couch hears the same clear, balanced audio.

Placement Flexibility:
The RC-52 features dual front-firing ports, allowing for greater flexibility in placement. Unlike rear-ported speakers that need breathing room, the RC-52 can be placed inside a cabinet or close to a wall without sacrificing bass performance or clarity.

Specifications:

Design: 2-Way Bass Reflex via Dual Front-Firing Ports

High Frequency Driver: 1″ (2.54cm) Titanium Diaphragm Compression Driver with 90°x60° Tractrix® Horn

Low Frequency Drivers: Dual 5.25″ (13.3cm) Cerametallic™ Cone Woofers

Power Handling: 125W RMS / 500W Peak

Impedance: 8Ω Compatible

Frequency Response: 67Hz – 23kHz (± 3dB)

Sensitivity: 96dB @ 2.83V / 1m

Crossover Frequencies: 1600Hz, 14000Hz

Terminals: Single Gold-Plated Binding Posts

Finish: Black Ash Woodgrain Vinyl

Dimensions: 521 x 166 x 266 mm (20.5″ W x 6.5″ H x 10.5″ D)

Weight: 10 kg (22.1 lbs)

Condition:
This speaker is in good cosmetic condition, showing some signs of use consistent with age. The Black Ash vinyl finish is generally clean.

Note: The front grille is not included.

Functionally Tested: All drivers (horn tweeter and both woofers) have been sweep-tested and verified to perform perfectly with no rubbing, buzzing, or distortion.

Summary:
The Klipsch RC-52 is a high-performance center channel that embodies the four pillars of Klipsch sound: high efficiency, low distortion, controlled directivity, and flat frequency response. With 96dB sensitivity, it is incredibly easy to drive, making it a perfect match for everything from modest AVRs to high-power separates. If you want dialogue that is crisp, articulate, and lifelike, the RC-52 delivers.

Purchase with Confidence

Includes Radique Audio “Bumper to Bumper” Warranty

Perpetual Trade-Back Policy—upgrade or swap with peace of mind

Klipsch Reference engineering—tested, good condition, ready to play. Klipsch Reference engineering—tested, good condition, ready to play.

We normally list this model at $295, but this one is priced at $265 due to the missing grille—though with those copper-coloured drivers on display, it almost feels like a feature rather than a flaw.

Additional information
Weight25.1 lbs
Dimensions14.5 × 24.5 × 10.5 in
About brand
Klipsch at Radique
We service Klipsch, too. Bring us your own Klipsch speakers and subwoofers for repair, servicing or restoration (speakers up to 80 lbs each), with a 90-day warranty on the work. See our Audio Service page

Klipsch began in Hope, Arkansas, in 1946, when Paul W. Klipsch started building his corner-horn Klipschorn, and its Heritage speakers are still built by hand in Hope. We carry Klipsch towers, centre channels, bookshelf speakers and subwoofers. We've had more than 160 Klipsch listings so far. Every used Klipsch here is inspected, tested and serviced as required, then photographed in-house and covered by our Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty and Perpetual Trade-Back Program. Don't see the model you want? Tell us on First Dibs and we'll email you when one arrives.

The Klipsch story, 1946 to today

Paul W. Klipsch was posted to Hope, Arkansas, in 1941 as an Army officer. He patented his corner-horn design in the mid-1940s and founded Klipsch in Hope in 1946; Klipsch says its first speaker was built by hand there that year, with the horn made in a tin shed. He hired his first employee in 1948.

The Heritage line. The Klipschorn of 1946 was followed by the Heresy (1957), designed as a centre speaker to sit between a pair of Klipschorns, the Cornwall (1959), the La Scala (1963) and the Forte (1985).

A new generation. Fred Klipsch bought the company from Paul Klipsch in 1989, and headquarters later moved to Indianapolis. Paul Klipsch died in 2002 at 98. The Reference Series arrived in 1999.

A Canadian connection. In 2006 Klipsch bought Audio Products International of Toronto, with its Energy and Mirage brands. Audiovox, later VOXX, bought Klipsch in 2011, and Gentex bought VOXX in 2025.

Which Klipsch is which?

Heritage: the Klipschorn, Heresy, Cornwall, La Scala and Forte, built to order by hand in Hope. Drivers change between generations, so identify the version.

KG series (mid-1980s to early 1990s): lower-priced horn-tweeter floorstanders such as the KG 4 (1985 to 1992) and KG 5.5.

Reference (1999 onward): horn-tweeter towers, bookshelf speakers and centres, from the RB-5 and RF-7 to the later RF, RB and RC models.

Synergy (late 1990s and 2000s): such as the KSF 8.5 and the SF-1.

Subwoofers: powered models such as the RPW-10.

Buying used Klipsch: what to check

Horn diaphragms. The compression drivers in older Klipsch speakers age; owners report tired midrange diaphragms on Heritage models and raspy tweeters on some KG pairs. Listen to each horn on its own at a moderate level.

Reference tweeters. A crackling tweeter can be a loose connection, and owners say these tweeters can fail if played very loud.

Crossovers and passive radiators. Many Heritage and KG owners recap their crossovers, and KG passive radiators can have cracked surrounds.

Modifications. Aftermarket diaphragms and crossovers are common upgrades on Heritage and KG models. Ask what has been changed.

Where it was made. Heritage models are built in Hope. Check the label before calling any other Klipsch "made in USA".

Everything we list is inspected, tested and serviced as required here, and comes with our warranty.