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Klipsch Reference RC-42 II

Center channel speaker

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  • Klipsch Reference RC-42 II

    Black ash finish

  • Klipsch Reference RC-42 II

    Back

  • Klipsch Reference RC-42 II

    Front

  • Klipsch Reference RC-42 II

    Front with grille off

  • Klipsch Reference RC-42 II

    Front with grille off

Item# 714RC42IIB offer details

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Klipsch

Your home theater's most important speaker

The center channel speaker is the workhorse in a home theater system. It has to reproduce clear dialogue and special effects that keep your eyes and ears glued to the movie action. A high-quality center speaker is a great investment for any surround sound setup. Try to choose one that's as closely matched as possible to your front right and left speakers, so that as sound moves across the front stage, it stays seamlessly realistic.

Our take on the Klipsch Reference RC-42 II

by Kristen Schaub

Reference Series performance in a small package
Despite its compact size, Klipsch's RC-42 II center channel speaker proudly carries on the Reference Series tradition. With its exceptional clarity and engaging soundstage, the RC-42 II reveals every word, every detail in your favorite movies. Use the included feet to tilt the RC-42 II up or down, so you can aim it precisely at your listening position.

Horn technology for "front row" sound
All Reference Series II speakers feature a redesigned version of Klipsch's famous horn-loaded tweeter. Because high-frequency sounds are more directional than bass frequencies, it's especially important to target them right toward your ears. Klipsch places their titanium tweeter inside a flared opening, known as a "horn," which disperses the highs evenly across your listening area in a 90°-wide, 60°-high pattern. With their Series II speakers, Klipsch has redesigned the shape and slope of their famous horn enclosure, so your movie soundtracks and music will sound more "open," with improved dynamics and efficiency. All in all, you can count on powerful, "front row" sound that's crystal-clear at all volume levels.

High-tech driver design
The RC-42 II also uses newly machined, light-yet-rigid Cerametallic woofers to produce smoother mids and tighter bass. The specially treated aluminum in the cones help to dampen unwanted vibrations and reduce distortion, while an integrated dustcap gives them a cleaner look and adds stability. And the rigid, braced cabinet comes in a handsome woodgrain vinyl finish.

Check out the rest of our Klipsch lineup to build a complete Reference Series II home theater system. And don't forget to add a Klipsch subwoofer for high-impact bass.

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Highlights:

  • frequency response 88-24,000 Hz (±3dB)
  • handles 25-75 watts
  • sensitivity 95 dB
  • 8-ohm impedance
  • Tractrix® horn with 1" titanium dome tweeter
  • dual 4" Cerametallic™ woofers
  • bass-reflex design via dual front-firing ports
  • video-shielded to prevent distortion with tube TVs
  • includes feet to tilt the speaker up or down towards your listening area
  • black ash woodgrain vinyl finish
  • 16"W x 5-3/8"H x 9-15/16"D
  • warranty: 5 years
  • Our 60-day money-back guarantee
 

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Features and Specs

Features and Specs
Enclosure
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Bass Reflex
Tweeter
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Tratrix Horn
Midrange size (inches)
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---
Woofer size (inches)
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4
Connector Type
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Binding post
Power Range
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25-75
Sensitivity
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95 dB
Impedance (Ohms)
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8
Frequency Response
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88-24k Hz
Height (inches)
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5-3/8
Width (inches)
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16
Depth (inches)
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9-5/16
Weight
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12.6 lbs
Parts Warranty
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5 Years
Labor Warranty
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5 Years

Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • Black center channel loudspeaker
  • Detachable magnetic grille
  • Rubber tipped bolt (with nut and washer attached)
  • 6 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owner's Manual

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Driver Technology
Enclosure Design
Connections
Mounting Options

Driver Technology

Highly-Efficient Design: The Klipsch RC-42 II utilizes a highly efficient design to produce more output using less power & energy for louder sound with less distortion. The RC-42 II is able to fill smaller rooms with outstanding, accurate, non-fatiguing sound that you can listen to for hours.

Tractrix Horn Tweeter: The RC-42 II features an exclusive Tractrix Horn which provides a more genuine, lifelike sound. In addition, behind each horn lies a 1.0-inch titanium tweeter with a linear travel suspension for open, natural, sound. The Tractrix Horn delivers a 90-degree wide by 60-degree high dispersion pattern for a broader sound-stage.

Cerametallic Woofer: The dual 4.0-inch woofers of the RC-42 II center channel loudspeaker features Klipsch's distinctive, copper-colored Cerametallic material. Made with an anodized aluminum, this cone is strong and dent resistant. The anodizing process converts its inner and outer surfaces to ceramic. The outcome is a rigid cone with superb damping characteristics that will not flex or resonate at frequencies within the woofer's operating range The 4.0-inch woofers also employ a rubber surround for added durability.

Crossover Network: The Klipsch RC-42 II's crossover network is constructed using extremely high-quality components including top-of-the-line internal wiring, polyester film-type capacitors and an air-core inductor to ensure signal purity and proper driver integration. The speaker's enhanced crossover frequencies offer smoother on-axis and off-axis integration.

Enclosure Design

Bass Reflex Enclosure: The dual 4.0-inch Cerametallic cone woofers and 1-inch titanium diaphragm compression driver are mounted in a bass reflex enclosure which features two front-firing ports. The twin front-firing ports eliminate turbulence noise, while increased baffle ribbing around the horn mouth and woofers dramatically improves acoustics across the sonic range. The bass reflex enclosure features a MDF cabinet finished with a Black Ash wood-grain vinyl and an aluminum front baffle. The RC-42 II's rigid cabinet offers improved internal cross-bracing to minimize panel vibrations that can color sound.

Magnetic Grille: The center channel loudspeaker features a removable magnetic grille which easily snaps into place over its cast-aluminum front baffle. The speaker can be used with or without its grille in place.

Connections

Binding Posts: The Klipsch Reference Series RC-42 II is equipped with sturdy binding posts to ensure a secure connection to many types of cable and connectors. The binding post terminals will accept banana plugs (single only), pin-connectors, spade-connectors, and bare wire.

Mounting Options

Magnetically Shielded: The Klipsch RC-42 II center channel loudspeaker is magnetically shielded to prevent video interference.

Placement: The RC-42 II should be centered directly above or below your video screen. If necessary, you can place the speaker on an optional floor stand in front of and below the screen that elevates it to the correct height. Ideally, however, the speaker's front baffle should be flush with the front of the screen.

Rubber Feet: The center channel speaker comes with six self-adhesive rubber feet to secure the speaker in place and prevent any damage to your stand's or shelf's surface.

Note: The rubber feet add approximately 0.3125" to the height of each speaker.

Adjustable Angle: If the center speaker is well above or below the ear height of seated listeners, you can improve performance by angling the center channel slightly to compensate. Included with the speaker is an adjustable foot that you can screw into one of the two threaded inserts on the bottom of the cabinet. To tilt the speaker down, install the foot in the insert near the back of the cabinet; to tilt the speaker up, install the foot in the insert near the front of the cabinet.

 

Product Reviews

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Reviews for the Klipsch Reference RC-42 II

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5 out of 5

Klipsch Reference RC-42 II

Written By Mike 300, Virginia Beach on Saturday, March 09, 2013
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
I was originally going to order the 52 II but then I thought, "I'm chiefly using this for movies." So I went with the 42 II with the thought that I can always exchange it for the 52 II if I was not happy. I built a home theater room with an Epson 3020, Elite 92 inch screen, Denon 1909 (this receiver is powerful) and this Center Channel 42 II with some old Sony speakers and coupled with a powerful Polk PW-505 Sub-woofer. When I played King Kong (blueray) I was floored with the dialogue this center speaker was able to produce. I heard every detailed. I can hear the actors speak in the background clearly without straining to hear what they were saying. In conclusion, this speaker commands well. The dialogue is crisp. The 42 II seems like it can handle a lot of power not to mention it is handsome without the cover. So if you are looking for a center channel that can produce astounding vocals with clarity and without breaking the bank this is for you. (By the way I did hear the 62 II before and although it is much more powerful I think the 42 II still commands well)
Pros:
Dialogue is powerful and crisp.
Cons:
None
5 out of 5 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Klipsch RC-42 II

Written By Max, Jacksonville, FL on Sunday, February 03, 2013
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
The RC-42 is a relatively small center channel, but offers surprisingly good detail and depth. I have a larger discontinued Klipsch center in my primary theater room that offers everything someone could hope for. If you are expecting large sound from a center channel, do not stop at the RC-42. Klipsch technical reps suggested I go with the RC52 for my secondary needs, but size constraints forced me to the 42. I am happy with it and think it is a great deal and would recommend it to everyone. I have it paired with Legacy Klipsch speakers I bought 24 years ago, and am delighted every time I play my video games, or watch movies.
Pros:
Small size. Great Detail. Good Bass Extension. Quality Construction.
Cons:
Made in China
3 out of 3 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Great !

Written By DaveB, Wyoming on Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Perfect size and sound!
Pros:
Great in every way!
Cons:
None
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

great

Written By chris, pa on Friday, December 07, 2012
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
These speakers are great! I have them paired with the klipsch reference 6.1 bookshelf speakers and they absolutely destroy the yamaha and dayton audio speakers I had. Sound great for home theater and music.
Pros:
High detail, doesn't need much power to get loud.
Cons:
none
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

outstanding center speaker

Written By George, Simpsonville, SC on Tuesday, May 01, 2012
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Great speaker at a great price
Pros:
Big, clear sound with balanced dynamics from a compact box
Cons:
None I can find.
4 out of 4 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Great Addition!

Written By Bob, Carbondale, IL on Monday, February 13, 2012
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
This is a perfect addition to my Klipsch system w/sub & RF 42 towers & Denon AVR 1910....alll from Crutchfield and a superb Sony Blue-ray. Videos are fantastic! Crutchfield service and knowledge rocks!
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Klipsch Reference RC-42 11

Written By James R. Helms, Kannapolis, NC on Monday, January 30, 2012
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Real Please with this Center Channel Speaker.Replace a klh I had for about ten years.The Klipsch Speaker is so much better. Thanks Crutchfield for having the Klipsch Brand Speakers.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

The little speaker that could

Written By JT, Northern NJ on Friday, January 20, 2012
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Purchaced this center channel speaker to match my Klipsch RB61II that I have for my front Left and Right channels and it sounds great. Size was an issue in my cabnet and this fit perfectly without compromising on sound quality. I highly recommend this speaker.
Pros:
quality sound and build
Cons:
None at this time
3 out of 3 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Klipsch RC-42 II

Written By Barry, Brookville, OH on Thursday, January 19, 2012
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
I wanted a center channel speaker for my television entertainment unit to complement the Klipsch RB-51 speakers I had previously brought about a year ago. I had limited shelf space width and could not find a center channel speaker under 19 inches. The RC-42 was perfect.
Pros:
Sound quality is excellent and the color and style is the same as the RB-51 speakers I already had. The entire set-up provides me with outstanding televison sound.
Cons:
None
2 out of 2 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Morte great sound

Written By Brenda's husband, Southside, Va. on Monday, March 07, 2011
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
This CC speaker replaced an older JBL.
Having three horn tweeters across the front really sounds super!
Continue to be amazed by these Klipsch products!

11 out of 12 people found this helpful
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1-10 of 10

Accessories

Add accessories for the Klipsch Reference RC-42 II

You'll need wire to connect your center channel speaker to your amp or receiver.Cut your speaker wire to the exact length you need with a spool of bulk speaker wire. No wire is included with this speaker. See all categories & accessories

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AudioQuest G2 Speaker Cable 16-gauge cable, connectors optional (30 feet, Gray)
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Monster XPHP™ MKII Speaker cable with clear jacket (100 feet)
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Monster XP® Speaker cable with clear jacket, connectors optional (100 feet)
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Monster XP Navajo White Speaker cable, connectors optional (30 feet)
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Monster XP Mini Twist-on Pin Connectors 4 pair, 16-gauge (4 pair)
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Original Monster Cable With gold pin connectors (15-foot pair)
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Monster Cable SuperFlat™ Mini Decor-friendly speaker cable with gold pin connectors (50-foot spool)
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AudioQuest Type 4 Speaker cables with pre-attached banana connectors (10-foot pair)
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AudioQuest Type 4 Single center speaker cable with pre-attached banana connectors (10 feet)
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AudioQuest CV-4 Speaker cables with pre-attached banana plugs (10-foot pair)
 
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Center Stage Bracket CSB-1210-BLK Large speaker shelf for flat-panel TVs
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Sanus NFC18 Single 18" center channel speaker stand (Black)
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Pinpoint AM15 Center channel speaker wall mount
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Rated 5-stars by consumers

For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the Klipsch Reference RC-42 II, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/S-ItLZI1L93va/p_714RC42IIB/Klipsch-Reference-RC-42-II.html ).

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  • Black ash finish

    Klipsch Reference RC-42 II
  • Back

    Klipsch Reference RC-42 II
  • Front

    Klipsch Reference RC-42 II
  • Front with grille off

    Klipsch Reference RC-42 II
  • Front with grille off

    Klipsch Reference RC-42 II