ELAC ELEGANT vs Klipsch R-3800-C
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Choosing between the ELAC ELEGANT 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.
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Looking at overall performance dimensions: The ELAC ELEGANT scores higher in value, room fit. The Klipsch R-3800-C leads in audio quality, volume/SPL, form factor.
For speaker performance, the Klipsch R-3800-C is more sensitive at 95 dB vs 87 dB, and impedances of 4Ω vs 8Ω. 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. Lower impedance draws more current from your receiver. A 4-ohm speaker needs a receiver rated for that load, or you risk thermal shutdown during loud passages.
These two Speaker (L/R) options trade wins across different dimensions. The right choice depends on which specs matter most for your room and listening preferences — review the detailed table below to decide.
For most home theaters, the Klipsch R-3800-C is the stronger choice — it leads in 3 of 5 scored dimensions. The ELAC ELEGANT makes more sense if you prioritize the 2 dimensions where it leads.
Performance Overview
Scores based on specs and category benchmarks (0–100 scale)
ELAC ELEGANT
Klipsch R-3800-C
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | N/A | N/A |
| Driver Config | 2-way bass reflex | 2-way |
| Sensitivity | 87dB | 95dB |
| Impedance | 4Ω | 8Ω |
| Freq Response Low | 42Hz | 48Hz |
| Freq Response High | 50000Hz | 20000Hz |
| Crossover | 3200Hz | 2600Hz |
| Bi-Amp Capable | No | No |
| Rec. Power Min | 150W | — |
| Rec. Power Max | — | — |
| Mounting Type | bookshelf | 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
- Freq Response High: ELAC ELEGANT at 50000Hz vs Klipsch R-3800-C at 20000Hz
- Impedance: ELAC ELEGANT at 4Ω vs Klipsch R-3800-C at 8Ω. Lower impedance draws more current from your receiver. A 4-ohm speaker needs a receiver rated for that load, or you risk thermal shutdown during loud passages.
- Crossover: ELAC ELEGANT at 3200Hz vs Klipsch R-3800-C at 2600Hz
- Freq Response Low: ELAC ELEGANT at 42Hz 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 ELEGANT at 87dB 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 ELEGANT 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
Choose Klipsch R-3800-C if you want:
- + better sensitivity — higher sensitivity means your receiver works less hard, leaving more headroom for dynamic peaks in movie soundtracks
See Where These Rank
Check our editorial rankings to see how ELAC ELEGANT 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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