ELAC ARF51 vs Klipsch R-3800-C
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Choosing between the ELAC ARF51 and Klipsch R-3800-C? Both compete in the Speaker (L/R) segment. Here’s how they compare across the specs that matter most for your home theater.
Pricing for both models is currently unavailable. Check the retailer links below for current deals.
Looking at overall performance dimensions: The ELAC ARF51 scores higher in value. The Klipsch R-3800-C leads in audio quality, volume/SPL, form factor, room fit.
Speaker performance depends on room acoustics, placement, and amplifier pairing. The specs below provide a starting point, but audition both in your space when possible.
The Klipsch R-3800-C holds an advantage across more performance dimensions, but the ELAC ARF51 may still be the better pick depending on which specs matter most to your setup. See the detailed comparison table below for the full breakdown.
For most home theaters, the Klipsch R-3800-C is the stronger choice — it leads in 4 of 5 scored dimensions. The ELAC ARF51 makes more sense if you prioritize the 1 dimension where it leads.
Performance Overview
Scores based on specs and category benchmarks (0–100 scale)
ELAC ARF51
Klipsch R-3800-C
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | N/A | N/A |
| Driver Config | 3-way | 2-way |
| Sensitivity | — | 95dB |
| Impedance | — | 8Ω |
| Freq Response Low | 43Hz | 48Hz |
| Freq Response High | 28000Hz | 20000Hz |
| Crossover | 2200Hz | 2600Hz |
| Bi-Amp Capable | No | No |
| Rec. Power Min | — | — |
| Rec. Power Max | — | — |
| Mounting Type | tower | tower |
| Mounting Depth | — | 4.5" |
| Cutout Diameter | — | 11" |
| Cutout Width | — | — |
| Cutout Height | — | — |
| Wall Thickness Min | — | — |
| Wall Thickness Max | — | — |
| Back Box Included | No | No |
| Back Box Required | No | No |
| Mounting Mechanism | — | — |
| Installation Type | — | — |
| Stud Spacing | — | — |
| Paintable Grille | No | No |
| Magnetic Grille | No | No |
| Grille Shape | — | — |
| Connector Type | — | — |
| Wire Gauge Max | — | 12AWG |
| Angle Adjustable | No | No |
| Pivot Angle | — | — |
| Treble Attenuation Switch | No | No |
| LCR Capable | No | No |
| Coaxial | No | No |
| IP Rating | — | — |
| Moisture Resistant | No | No |
| UV Resistant | No | No |
| Salt Spray Rated | No | No |
| Enclosure Material | — | — |
| Grille Material | — | — |
| Bracket Type | — | — |
| Bracket Included | No | No |
| Dual Voice Coil (SDI) | No | No |
Key Differences
- Driver Config: ELAC ARF51 at 3-way vs Klipsch R-3800-C at 2-way. 3-way speakers use dedicated drivers for bass, midrange, and treble, reducing crossover interference. Coaxial designs (KEF Uni-Q) mount the tweeter inside the woofer for better time-alignment.
- Freq Response High: ELAC ARF51 at 28000Hz vs Klipsch R-3800-C at 20000Hz
- Crossover: ELAC ARF51 at 2200Hz vs Klipsch R-3800-C at 2600Hz
- Freq Response Low: ELAC ARF51 at 43Hz vs Klipsch R-3800-C at 48Hz. Determines how much bass a speaker handles on its own versus relying on a subwoofer for low-end support.
- Sensitivity: ELAC ARF51 at — vs Klipsch R-3800-C at 95dB. Higher sensitivity means your receiver works less hard, leaving more headroom for dynamic peaks in movie soundtracks. A speaker rated 3 dB higher in sensitivity needs half the amplifier power to reach the same volume.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose ELAC ARF51 if you want:
- + better freq response low — determines how much bass a speaker handles on its own versus relying on a subwoofer for low-end support
See Where These Rank
Check our editorial rankings to see how ELAC ARF51 and Klipsch R-3800-C compare to the rest of the field.
Best Speaker (L/R) RankingsRelated Calculators
Specifications sourced from manufacturer datasheets and verified against retailer listings. Prices updated hourly from authorized retailers. Scoring uses our open methodology — products are never ranked, promoted, or suppressed based on affiliate commission rates.
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