Klipsch Reference Wireless RW-34C Center Channel Speaker Review

Have we ever wished our home theater sounded as powerful and lifelike as a real cinema, but without cables running all over the room?

Table of Contents

What Is the Klipsch Reference Wireless RW-34C Center Channel Speaker?

This center channel speaker is part of Klipsch’s Reference Wireless line and is built to be the heart of a wireless surround system. It is designed to connect through WiSA technology to compatible devices, giving us home theater sound without the usual wiring mess.

With a low-profile, black finish and classic Klipsch horn-loaded tweeter design, the RW-34C aims to bring dialogue clarity and cinematic impact right to the middle of our setup.

Key Features at a Glance

Before we talk about performance and daily use, it helps to see the main specs and features laid out clearly. Looking at the essentials side by side can make it easier for us to decide whether this center channel fits our needs.

Feature	Description
Product Name	Klipsch Reference Wireless RW-34C Center Channel Speaker (Black)
Speaker Type	Wireless center channel speaker (for home theater)
Wireless Technology	WiSA (Wireless Speaker and Audio) compliant
Compatible Devices	WiSA-compatible LG OLED & NanoCell TVs, Windows 10 PCs, Mac OS 10 devices, Xbox One (with Axiim)
Required Transmitter	Axiim WiSA-certified transmitter (for most setups)
Design	Low-profile center channel with Klipsch Tractrix horn tweeter
Marketing Pillars	“True Entertainment,” “True Wireless,” “True Simplicity,” “True Home”
Intended Use	Home theater center channel for 2.0, 3.1, 5.1 wireless systems
Primary Strengths	Detailed dialogue, dynamic impact, wireless connectivity, clean setup

We can already see that the RW-34C is purpose-built for a modern living room or dedicated theater, especially where we want great sound without running speaker wire.

Design and Build Quality

The way a center channel is built matters a lot for both aesthetics and sound. Since it often sits right under our TV, it needs to look good and perform well at the same time.

A Low-Profile, Home-Theater-Friendly Design

The RW-34C is designed to sit neatly under our TV or on a media console. Its low profile keeps it from blocking the bottom of our screen, which can be a problem with bulkier center speakers.

The black finish is understated and blends easily with most décor. It feels like something we can set up and then almost forget visually, allowing our eyes to stay focused on the picture while our ears enjoy the sound.

Classic Klipsch Aesthetic

Klipsch has a recognizable design language, and this speaker fits right into that family. The horn-loaded tweeter and copper-colored woofers (behind the grille) are part of the brand’s identity.

Even though the grille can hide those signature elements, we still get a sense of owning a serious piece of audio gear. It feels solid and purposeful rather than flashy or gimmicky.

Wireless Connectivity and WiSA Technology

The wireless element is the main reason many of us consider this speaker, so understanding how it connects is crucial. WiSA is different from Bluetooth, and that difference is important.

What WiSA Does for Us

WiSA (Wireless Speaker and Audio) is a standard meant for high-quality, low-latency wireless home theater sound. Instead of compressing audio like typical Bluetooth, WiSA can send uncompressed, multichannel sound with very low delay.

This means our movies and shows stay in sync, and the audio quality does not suffer from the kind of compression that often affects casual wireless speakers. In daily use, that translates to clearer, more consistent sound that feels attached to the screen.

Compatible Devices and Setup Paths

The RW-34C connects wirelessly to devices that support WiSA, but we need a compatible source or transmitter. Compatibility is a big part of whether this product fits our setup, so we should think it through:

WiSA-compatible LG OLED and NanoCell TVs
If we own one of these TVs with WiSA built in, we can pair the RW-34C (and other Reference Wireless speakers) directly. This can give us a sleek, TV-centered system without an AV receiver.
Windows 10 and Mac OS 10 devices
With a WiSA transmitter—like one from Axiim—we can use a PC or Mac as the hub for movies, games, and music. This can be a neat option if our media library lives on a computer or we stream a lot from there.
Xbox One with Axiim WiSA-certified transmitter
Gamers can connect through an Axiim transmitter to enjoy surround sound from the console. The low latency of WiSA is especially valuable for gaming because we want the sound to track the action precisely.

In most cases, we will need an Axiim WiSA-certified transmitter unless our TV already includes WiSA. That’s a key point to remember in terms of both budget and setup planning.

True Wireless vs. Traditional Wired Systems

Klipsch positions this speaker and the Reference Wireless family as a true alternative to soundbars and wired AV receiver setups. It helps to understand where it fits in that landscape.

Why Not Just Use a Soundbar?

Soundbars are easy, but they usually pack all channels into one enclosure. Even when they add wireless subwoofers or rear speakers, they often rely on more compressed, trickier processing to simulate a full surround experience.

The RW-34C, by contrast, is a dedicated center channel in a modular wireless ecosystem. Instead of one bar doing everything, we can add separate speakers for left, right, surrounds, and subwoofer. This means:

Better channel separation
More precise imaging
Greater upgrade flexibility over time

In other words, we get a system that behaves more like a traditional home theater setup, but with far fewer wires.

How It Compares to a Wired AV Receiver System

Traditional wired systems give us maximum flexibility and often great value, but they require:

Running speaker wire around the room
A dedicated AV receiver
More complicated setup and cable management

With the RW-34C and its wireless siblings, we trade some of that complexity for convenience. The wireless connection reduces cabling, and we can often control everything through the TV or a single app, depending on our transmitter or TV.

For many of us who want big, clear sound but do not want racks of gear and bundles of wire, this trade-off can feel worthwhile.

Sound Quality: “True Entertainment” in Daily Use

Klipsch emphasizes “True Entertainment” with this speaker, and the center channel is arguably the most important piece for that promise. It handles the majority of dialogue, many effects, and much of the “focus” of a movie soundtrack.

Dialogue Clarity and Vocal Presence

When we watch movies and shows, the center channel is where voices live. The RW-34C aims to produce those voices with clarity and detail, helping us follow every line.

Klipsch is known for a forward, dynamic sound, and that kind of tuning usually benefits dialogue. In practical terms, we can expect:

Clear speech even at lower volumes
Good intelligibility in busy scenes
Less need to constantly turn the volume up and down

This helps us enjoy content more comfortably, especially if we watch a lot of TV series or dialogue-heavy films.

Dynamic Impact for Movies and TV

Beyond voices, the RW-34C contributes to the punch and excitement of soundtracks. Explosions, musical scores, and environmental sounds are all partially anchored by the center speaker.

With Klipsch’s horn-loaded technology, we should feel that characteristic energy and immediacy. The speaker is engineered to handle dynamic swings from quiet whispers to loud action without sounding strained, as long as it is part of a properly set up system.

Tuning and Tonal Character

We can think of the RW-34C’s tonal balance as leaning toward clarity and impact rather than being soft or laid-back. That is consistent with most Klipsch designs and is typically welcome in home theater contexts.

If we pair this center with matching Reference Wireless fronts and surrounds, we can expect a cohesive and seamless soundstage, since the speakers are voiced to work together.

Home Theater Performance and Use Cases

This center channel is not meant to be used alone. It truly shines as part of a system, whether we start small or build out fully. The nice thing is, the system can grow with us.

Starting with a Simple Two-Channel or 3.0 Setup

Klipsch mentions that we can “start with a stereo two-channel system and grow to a complete 5.1 home theater system.” That means we could begin with:

Left and right Reference Wireless speakers
Then add the RW-34C center channel as our next upgrade

Or, if we already have left and right speakers, we could make the RW-34C our first step toward a fuller surround setup. Adding the center tends to make one of the biggest audible differences for movie watching, because dialogue becomes more focused and anchored.

Growing to a 5.1 Wireless Home Theater

The RW-34C is engineered to sit at the center of a 5.1 Reference Wireless system. With compatible WiSA speakers for the other channels, we can build:

Front left and right Reference Wireless speakers
RW-34C center
Wireless surrounds
Wireless subwoofer

This modular approach lets us invest in stages instead of all at once. It also keeps the layout flexible. If we rearrange our room or move house, we do not need to re-run long speaker cables; we just relocate the speakers and re-run the wireless setup.

Ideal Content Types

In daily life, this speaker is best used for:

Movies and streaming series with rich soundtracks
Sports broadcasts, where commentary clarity matters
Concert films and live performances
Games, especially when paired with a WiSA setup from an Xbox One or PC

We can play music through it too, but a center channel truly makes the most sense when it is part of a multi-speaker configuration handling multichannel content.

“True Simplicity”: Setup and Everyday Use

Simplicity is one of the key marketing pillars for this product, and many of us buy wireless gear specifically to avoid complexity. Let’s walk through what setup typically looks like.

Basic Setup Steps

While exact steps will vary depending on our TV or WiSA transmitter, the general process usually includes:

Position the RW-34C
Place it centered beneath (or above) our TV, angled slightly toward ear level if possible.
Connect Power
This is still an active speaker, so we plug it into a power outlet. There is no speaker wire to run back to a receiver.
Pair with the WiSA Hub or TV
- If our TV has WiSA: we use its wireless speaker setup menu to detect and pair the RW-34C.
- If we are using an Axiim transmitter: we connect the transmitter to our TV, PC, Mac, or Xbox One, then use the transmitter’s app or interface to pair the speaker.
Assign the Channel
Within the WiSA or transmitter interface, we tell the system that this speaker is the center channel.
Run Level and Distance Adjustments
The app or TV menu usually lets us set levels (volume per speaker) and sometimes distances, so the sound reaches our ears in a coherent way.

After that, the system should remember the speaker and reconnect automatically when powered on.

Living with It Day to Day

Once everything is configured, everyday use is straightforward:

Turn on our TV or source
Power the speakers and transmitter (often automatic or via standby)
Control volume through the TV or app

Because the center is wireless, we do not have a tangle of cables around our entertainment unit. We might only see power cords, which are much easier to route neatly.

A Closer Look at Compatibility and Requirements

To avoid surprises after we buy, we should be clear on what we do and do not need in order to run this speaker properly.

What We Need to Use It

Power outlet for the speaker
The RW-34C is an active wireless speaker, so it needs power.
A WiSA-compatible source or transmitter
- A WiSA-ready LG OLED or NanoCell TV
- Or a Windows 10 / Mac OS 10 device with a WiSA transmitter
- Or an Xbox One with an Axiim WiSA-certified transmitter
Other Reference Wireless speakers for full surround (optional, but recommended)
While we can technically run the center with just left/right speakers or even alone for some configurations, the product makes the most sense in a multi-speaker WiSA system.

What We Do Not Need

Traditional AV receiver
WiSA acts as the wireless receiver and routing hub, so we do not require a big box of electronics traditionally used for surround sound.
Speaker wires running from a receiver to the center
The only cable going to the RW-34C is power.

This structure is what allows the system to offer “True Simplicity” in comparison to classic wired setups.

Strengths and Weaknesses: Honest Perspective

Every product has trade-offs. It is helpful to think openly about where the RW-34C shines and where we might need to make compromises.

Where This Speaker Shines

Center Channel Clarity
The main job of a center channel is to make voices intelligible, and Klipsch’s tuning and horn technology are well-suited to that task.
Wireless Convenience
We get a proper center speaker without having to run speaker wire from an AV receiver. That is especially valuable in rooms where running cable is difficult or unsightly.
Scalable System Design
We can start small and add speakers as our budget and needs grow. The RW-34C fits seamlessly into a Reference Wireless 5.1 layout.
Better Than Typical Soundbars
As a dedicated center within a multi-speaker WiSA arrangement, it can outperform many soundbars in imaging, separation, and overall immersion.
Clean Aesthetic
The low-profile design and single power cable make it visually unobtrusive, which matters if we care about the look of our living room.

Potential Limitations

Requires WiSA Ecosystem
We cannot simply plug this into any TV with an optical cable. We either need WiSA built into our TV or an external WiSA transmitter.
Additional Cost for the Hub
If our TV is not WiSA-ready, the Axiim transmitter or a similar device is an extra purchase we must factor in.
Best in a Full System
While we can technically use it in partial setups, it really comes into its own when paired with matching Reference Wireless speakers. That means we might eventually invest in multiple components.
Not a Portable Bluetooth Speaker
This product is meant to stay in our home theater; it is not a multi-purpose portable wireless speaker for casual use around the house.

Knowing these points ahead of time helps us decide whether the RW-34C fits our plans without any disappointments later.

Comparing to Other Solutions in Our Home

To understand whether this center is right for us, it can be useful to think about what we are using right now and what we want to improve.

Upgrading from TV Speakers

If we currently rely on our TV’s built-in speakers, the RW-34C—especially as part of a Reference Wireless system—can be a huge step up. We are likely to notice:

Much clearer dialogue
Far wider soundstage
More impactful effects and music

However, we also need to recognize that the center alone is not the whole system. To really transform our experience, we will probably want at least front left and right speakers and a subwoofer in addition.

Moving Beyond a Basic Soundbar

If we already use a soundbar but feel that movies still sound a bit flat or congested, the RW-34C in a WiSA 5.1 system can bring:

Discrete, well-separated channels
A more cinematic sense of envelopment
Better scalability and flexibility

We do trade the one-piece simplicity of a soundbar for multiple speakers, but we still avoid the cable burden of a traditional AV setup.

Replacing or Avoiding a Wired Receiver System

If we do not want to buy and manage a separate AV receiver but still want proper surround sound, the RW-34C and its Reference Wireless companions give us a middle path. We get:

Real multichannel sound
Fewer wires than a conventional system
Simpler control through our TV or WiSA hub

This can be very attractive if we are trying to balance performance and ease of use.

Practical Placement Tips for Better Sound

We can get more from the RW-34C by placing it thoughtfully. Even though Wireless simplifies connections, placement still affects performance.

Height and Angle

Ideally, we want the tweeter of the center channel to be near our ear level when seated. Since center speakers usually sit below the TV, we can angle the RW-34C slightly upward so that the sound fires more directly toward our ears.

If we place it in a media cabinet, we should avoid pushing it too far back behind doors or deep shelves, as that can muffle high frequencies and reduce clarity.

Distance and Alignment

We should try to:

Center the speaker horizontally with our TV
Keep the front edge of the speaker nearly flush with the front of the shelf, rather than recessed
Ensure it is not blocked by decorative objects or the TV’s stand

When we run the WiSA or hub’s calibration or setup tool, we can input approximate distances from our main listening position. That helps the system time-align the audio better.

Everyday Scenarios: How It Feels to Use

Thinking about real-world use can help us picture whether this product fits into our lives.

Movie Night with the Family

When we sit down to watch a new release or a favorite classic, the RW-34C’s job is to keep everyone engaged by making the story easy to follow. It should help voices cut through background music and effects, so we are not straining to hear important lines.

Family members who usually complain about not understanding dialogue are often the ones who appreciate a well-tuned center channel the most.

Binge-Watching Shows

For long viewing sessions, a clear, non-fatiguing center channel can make a big difference. If the speaker is doing its job, we can settle in for hours without the urge to constantly adjust the volume.

Streaming series with complex storylines benefit from that extra clarity, especially if we watch a lot of content late at night at moderate listening levels.

Gaming Sessions

If we connect through a WiSA system from an Xbox One or a PC, positional cues become more precise, especially when the RW-34C is working in tandem with matching front and surround speakers.

Characters’ voices and main in-game events anchored to the center help us stay oriented in the action. The low-latency nature of WiSA means the sound should stay in sync with fast-moving visuals.

Longevity and Upgrade Path

When we buy a center channel like this, we are also planning for how our system can evolve. The Reference Wireless family and WiSA ecosystem give us some future-proofing.

Growing the System Over Time

We might start with:

A WiSA-compatible TV and two Reference Wireless speakers

Then add:

The RW-34C center channel for better dialogue
Surround speakers for more immersion
A subwoofer for deeper bass

Because everything connects wirelessly through WiSA, adding each new component is more about pairing and assigning channels than about running new cables or buying a new receiver.

Staying Flexible with Different Sources

If we change TVs later, we are not locked into a single brand’s audio system. As long as we keep a WiSA transmitter in our chain, we can move the RW-34C and the rest of the system to a new display or even a new room.

We can also repurpose the system with a PC or Mac as a central hub if our viewing habits change toward more computer-based streaming.

Quick Summary of Pros and Cons

To help us weigh our decision, let’s summarize the main advantages and drawbacks in one place.

Pros	Cons
Clear, dynamic center channel performance	Requires WiSA-compatible TV or external transmitter
Wireless connectivity reduces cable clutter	Additional cost for Axiim or similar WiSA hub in many setups
Integrates into scalable 2.0 to 5.1 systems	Best value realized only when used with other WiSA speakers
Outperforms many soundbars in separation and impact	Not a plug-and-play option for non-WiSA TVs
Low-profile, clean design	Stationary, not a general-purpose portable speaker

This balance of strengths and limitations helps us decide if the RW-34C aligns with our current and future home theater plans.

Who This Speaker Is Best For

We can now paint a clearer picture of the ideal owner for the Klipsch Reference Wireless RW-34C.

Ideal Users

We already own or plan to own a WiSA-compatible LG OLED or NanoCell TV, or we are comfortable adding an Axiim WiSA transmitter.
We care a lot about dialogue clarity and want voices to sound detailed and present.
We want a wireless home theater that avoids the complexity and cabling of a traditional AV receiver system.
We like the idea of building our system over time, starting with a basic setup and growing to a full 5.1 configuration.
We are unsatisfied with plain TV speakers or basic soundbars and want a more cinematic feel in our living room or media room.

Less Ideal Users

We do not want to deal with any additional hub or transmitter, and our TV is not WiSA-ready.
We just need a simple, all-in-one soundbar solution with no desire to expand later.
We are looking for portable speakers we can move from room to room.

If we see ourselves in that first group, the RW-34C can play a strong role in shaping our home theater experience.

Final Thoughts on the Klipsch Reference Wireless RW-34C

This center channel is built to be more than just another speaker; it is meant to be the backbone of a modern, wireless home theater. With “True Entertainment,” “True Wireless,” “True Simplicity,” and “True Home” as its guiding themes, it aims to give us:

Clear, dynamic sound that does justice to movies, shows, games, and more
A cleaner, less cluttered living space thanks to wireless connectivity
A path to grow from a basic system to a full 5.1 home theater

If we have, or are ready to adopt, the WiSA ecosystem, the Klipsch Reference Wireless RW-34C Center Channel Speaker in black offers a compelling mix of performance, convenience, and upgrade flexibility that goes significantly beyond what most soundbars can deliver.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.