In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Klipsch. Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-404C 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-404C and Klipsch RP-500M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch RP-404C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix horn Tweeter
- 4 x 4" Cerametallic cone Woofer
- 59-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 97 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 125watts
- Weight:12.73kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 147.0" x 26-1/16" x 13-7/16"( 147.0 x 662.0 x 342.0mm )
Klipsch RP-500M Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 5.25" Cerametallic Woofer
- 48-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 93 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 75watts
- Weight:5.40kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 343.0" x 6.8" x 9.4"( 343.0 x 173.0 x 241.0mm )
RP-404C 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-404C 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-404C |
Klipsch RP-500M |
| 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 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.
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Drivers
Both RP-404C and RP-500M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-404C |
Klipsch RP-500M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
4 x 4-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
RP-404C features a 1" titanium Tractrix horn Tweeter and 4 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-404C has a frequency range of 59-25k 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-404C's min frequency of 59Hz.
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 and RP-500M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-404C sensitivity is rated at 97 dB and the RP-500M's is at 93 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-404C 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. 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 can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-500M has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the RP-404C.
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 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-404C's Binding post terminals
Klipsch RP-500M's Single binding posts terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-404C 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 Klipsch RP-404C's and Klipsch RP-500M's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-404C has external dimensions of 147.0 x 662.0 x 342.0mm ( 5-3/4 x 26-1/16 x 13-7/16inch) whereas Klipsch RP-500M has external dimensions of 343.0 x 173.0 x 241.0mm ( 13.5 x 6.8 x 9.4inch) .
Klipsch RP-500M is 489mm narrower and 101mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-404C 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-404C is approximately 2264.0cm2 / 350.9inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-500M is approximately 416.9cm2 / 64.6inch2. The RP-404C requires 443% 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-404C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-404C:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty 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
Max Input Power 
Sensitivity 
Number of Woofers 
Height 
Price per pair* 
Mounting Bracket 
Base Surface Area