In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by Klipsch. Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400C is a Center Channel speaker whereas the RP-500M is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-400C and Klipsch RP-500M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Klipsch RP-400C | Klipsch RP-500M |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Tractrix horn | 1" Tractrix Horn |
|---|
| Woofer | 2 x 4" Cerametallic cone | 5.25" Cerametallic |
|---|
| Frequency response | 65-25k Hz | 48-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 95 dB | 93 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | up to 75 watts | up to 75 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 6.36kg / 14lbs | 5.40kg / 11.9lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 5-3/4" x 16-1/16" x 9-1/2"
147.0 x 408.0 x 242.0mm | 13.5" x 6.8" x 9.4"
343.0 x 173.0 x 241.0mm |
|---|
RP-400C and RP-500M are members of Klipsch's Reference Premiere (RP) series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Klipsch Reference Premiere (RP) Series
History
What size room are the Klipsch RP-400C 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Klipsch RP-400C |
Klipsch RP-500M |
| Near-field |
Good |
Good |
| Small Room |
Good |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
No way |
No way |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
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Drivers
Both RP-400C and RP-500M are 2-way speakers.
Klipsch RP-400CKlipsch RP-500M
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-400C |
Klipsch RP-500M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 4-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
RP-400C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 4" Cerametallic cone 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
RP-400C has a frequency range of 65-25k Hz whereas RP-500M has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the RP-500M can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-400C's min frequency of 65Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
RP-400C and RP-500M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-400C sensitivity is rated at 95 dB and the RP-500M's is at 93 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-400C a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch RP-500M, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
RP-400C and RP-500M have the same power range of up to 75 watts.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier — change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
RP-400C 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.
Klipsch RP-400C's Binding post terminals
Klipsch RP-500M's Single binding posts terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-400C 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
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Klipsch RP-400C's and Klipsch RP-500M's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-400C has external dimensions of 147.0 x 408.0 x 242.0mm (5-3/4 x 16-1/16 x 9-1/2inch) whereas Klipsch RP-500M has external dimensions of 343.0 x 173.0 x 241.0mm (13.5 x 6.8 x 9.4inch).
Klipsch RP-500M is 235mm narrower and 1mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-400C but it is also 196mm taller.
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 Klipsch RP-400C is approximately 987.4cm2 / 153.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-500M is approximately 416.9cm2 / 64.6inch2. The RP-400C requires 137% more surface area than the RP-500M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-400C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-400C:
- Center channel loudspeaker
- Grille (installed)
- 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- Tilt rod (attached nut)
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
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