In this review, we will be comparing GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor and RP-500M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from GoldenEar and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor and Klipsch RP-500M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor and Klipsch RP-500M speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor and Klipsch RP-500M compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor and RP-500M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor |
Klipsch RP-500M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 7-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor features a " Folded Ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 7" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-500M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.
Frequency Response
GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor has a frequency range of 38-35k Hz whereas RP-500M has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 38Hz, the GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-500M's min frequency of 48Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor and RP-500M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the RP-500M's is at 93 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500M a more sensitive speaker compared to GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-500M has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 175 watts less than the GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor features Single binding posts type posts and RP-500M has a Single binding posts type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor's 5-way post terminals
Klipsch RP-500M's Single binding posts terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor and RP-500M have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor's and Klipsch RP-500M's external dimensions. GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor has external dimensions of 356.0 x 229.0 x 281.0mm ( 14 x 9 x 11-1/16inch) whereas Klipsch RP-500M has external dimensions of 343.0 x 173.0 x 241.0mm ( 13.5 x 6.8 x 9.4inch) .
GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 56mm wider, 13mm taller and 40mm deeper than Klipsch RP-500M.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor is approximately 643.5cm2 / 99.7inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-500M is approximately 416.9cm2 / 64.6inch2. The GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor requires 54% more surface area than the RP-500M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor weighs 6.82kg / 15lbs and the Klipsch RP-500M weighs 5.40kg / 11.9lbs. This makes the GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor 26% heavier than the RP-500M.
Here is a comparison of how GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor and RP-500M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor
What's in the Box of GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of GoldenEar Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor:
Bookshelf loudspeaker
Key-hole hanger
2 Screws
Owner's Manual
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-500M?
Here are the items that come with the RP-500M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet User Manual Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
 Max Input Power |
250 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
7 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
38 Hz
vs
48 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
two 8-inch side-mounted
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Height |
343mm
vs
356mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
416cm2 (173x241mm)
vs
643cm2 (229x281mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
GoldenEar Aon 3 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M |
| Brand |
GoldenEar |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
10-250 watts |
up to 75 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
93 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
38-35k Hz |
48-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
7" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Cerametallic |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Folded Ribbon |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
356.0mm (14") |
343.0mm (13.5") |
| Width |
229.0mm (9") |
173.0mm (6.8") |
| Depth |
281.0mm (11.1") |
241.0mm (9.5") |
| Weight |
6.82kg (15lbs) |
5.40kg (11.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Acoustic Suspension |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Lacquer |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
Yes |
Keyhole |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
28-30" |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |