In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Klipsch. Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-404C II is a Center Channel speaker whereas the RP-500M II is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-404C II and Klipsch RP-500M II first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch RP-404C II Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 4 x 4" Cerametallic cone Woofer
- 87-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 94 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 125watts
- Weight:9.20kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 147.0" x 26-7/8" x 6-1/2"( 147.0 x 683.0 x 166.0mm )
Klipsch RP-500M II Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hybrid Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer
- 50-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 92 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 75watts
- Weight:6.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 345.0" x 6-7/8" x 10-5/8"( 345.0 x 175.0 x 270.0mm )
RP-404C II and RP-500M II are members of Klipsch's Reference Premiere (RP) II series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Klipsch Reference Premiere (RP) II Series
History
What size room are the Klipsch RP-404C II and Klipsch RP-500M II 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-404C II |
Klipsch RP-500M II |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Good |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
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.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch RP-404C II and Klipsch RP-500M II compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both RP-404C II and RP-500M II are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-404C II |
Klipsch RP-500M II |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 4-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
RP-404C II features a 1" titanium Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 4 x 4" Cerametallic cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1900 Hz. On the other hand, the RP-500M II features a 1" titanium Hybrid Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1530 Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-404C II has a frequency range of 87-25k Hz whereas RP-500M II has a frequency range of 50-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the RP-500M II can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-404C II's min frequency of 87Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
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
RP-404C II and RP-500M II have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-404C II sensitivity is rated at 94 dB and the RP-500M II's is at 92 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-404C II a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch RP-500M II, 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. 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.
RP-404C II can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-500M II has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the RP-404C II.
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
RP-404C II features Binding post type posts and RP-500M II has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-404C II's Binding post terminals
Klipsch RP-500M II's Binding post terminals
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 Klipsch RP-404C II's and Klipsch RP-500M II's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-404C II has external dimensions of 147.0 x 683.0 x 166.0mm ( 5-3/4 x 26-7/8 x 6-1/2inch) whereas Klipsch RP-500M II has external dimensions of 345.0 x 175.0 x 270.0mm ( 13-9/16 x 6-7/8 x 10-5/8inch) .
Klipsch RP-404C II is 198mm shorter and 104mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-500M II but it is also 508mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-404C II and Klipsch RP-500M II in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-404C II and Klipsch RP-500M II Size and External Dimensions
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-404C II is approximately 1133.8cm2 / 175.7inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-500M II is approximately 472.5cm2 / 73.2inch2. The RP-404C II requires 140% more surface area than the RP-500M II which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-404C II?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-404C II:
Center channel loudspeakerGrilleUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-500M II?
Here are the items that come with the RP-500M II:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 GrillesUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information