Klipsch R-52C
Score: 68/100
Sonos Ray
Score: 66/100Rankings
The Klipsch R-52C is a sealed-box two-way center channel speaker that excels in dialogue clarity and efficiency thanks to its 95 dB sensitivity and Tractrix horn. Its robust construction and magnetic grille add convenience, though bass extension is modest and the unit is relatively heavy.
The Sonos Ray is a compact 2.0 soundbar that delivers clear dialogue and balanced music, integrating smoothly with the Sonos ecosystem via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and AirPlay 2. Its small footprint and easy setup suit small rooms, but the lack of HDMI, Dolby Atmos, and deep bass limit home-theater capabilities.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
100 wattsbest | — | |
95 dBbest | — | |
89 Hzbest | — | |
21,000 Hzbest | — | |
— | 2best | |
| ↓ lower better | 6.12 kg | 1.95 kgbest |
6 yearsbest | 1 years |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Physical Specs(1) | ||
Weight (kg) | 6.12 kg | 1.95 kg |
Warranty & Support(1) | ||
Warranty Period (years) | 6 years | 1 years |
Design & Build(1) | ||
Finish | Black textured wood grain vinyl | Matte |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the R-52C for its outstanding dialogue intelligibility, high efficiency and the precision of its Tractrix horn, noting that the sealed cabinet yields tight bass control. They also point out that while the speaker excels in clarity and dynamics, its bass extension is modest and the design lacks bi-wiring capability.
Everyday users consistently praise the R-52C for crystal-clear dialogue, balanced overall sound and solid construction, often highlighting the easy-to-use magnetic grille and placement flexibility. Common complaints revolve around the speaker's larger footprint, limited low-frequency depth and the absence of bi-wiring options, with a few noting a slightly bright treble.
Professional reviewers commend the Ray for its compact footprint, clear and balanced sound, and effortless integration into the Sonos ecosystem, noting it as a solid upgrade over built-in TV speakers. However, they criticize the absence of HDMI, Dolby Atmos, and deep bass.
Everyday users appreciate the Ray's noticeable improvement over TV speakers, easy app-based setup, and sleek look, especially when paired with existing Sonos gear. Common complaints focus on the missing HDMI connection, weak bass that often requires a separate Sub, and the lack of built-in voice assistants or Bluetooth for direct phone playback.
“The dialog is so clear now, just what I wanted.”
“Can't go wrong with Klipsch! Sounds amazing!”
“thick, heavy, well-built cabinet”
