In this review, we will be comparing RP-5000F and RP-280F, two Passive Floor-standing speakers by Klipsch Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-5000F and Klipsch RP-280F first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
RP-5000F and RP-280F 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-5000F and Klipsch RP-280F 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 Klipsch RP-5000F and Klipsch RP-280F 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-5000F and RP-280F are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-5000F |
Klipsch RP-280F |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 8-inch
|
RP-5000F features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-280F features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 8" Cerametallic Woofer .
Frequency Response
RP-5000F has a frequency range of 35-25k Hz whereas RP-280F has a frequency range of 32-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 32Hz, the RP-280F can go slightly deeper then the RP-5000F's min frequency of 35Hz.
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 Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing 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-5000F and RP-280F have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-5000F sensitivity is rated at 96 dB and the RP-280F's is at 98 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-280F a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch RP-5000F, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing 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-5000F can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-5000F has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS , 25 watts less than the RP-280F.
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
Both RP-5000F and RP-280F features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-280F's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-5000F and RP-280F 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-5000F's and Klipsch RP-280F's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-5000F has external dimensions of 920.0 x 207.0 x 364.0mm ( 36-3/16 x 8-1/8 x 14-5/16inch) whereas Klipsch RP-280F has external dimensions of 1094.0 x 269.0 x 442.0mm ( 43-1/16 x 10-9/16 x 17-3/8inch) .
Klipsch RP-280F is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 62mm wider, 174mm taller and 78mm deeper than Klipsch RP-5000F.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-5000F and Klipsch RP-280F in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-5000F and Klipsch RP-280F 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-5000F is approximately 753.5cm2 / 116.8inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-280F is approximately 1189.0cm2 / 184.3inch2. The RP-5000F requires 37% less surface area than the RP-280F which gives it a small advantage 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 Klipsch RP-5000F weighs 16.36kg / 36lbs and the Klipsch RP-280F weighs 28.41kg / 62.5lbs. This makes the RP-280F 74% heavier than the RP-5000F.
Here is a comparison of how RP-5000F and RP-280F's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-5000F?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-5000F:
Floorstanding loudspeakerStabilizer feet (installed)Grille (installed)2 Terminal jumpers (installed)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-280F?
Here are the items that come with the RP-280F:
Floorstanding loudspeaker (Ebony)Speaker baseDetachable magnetic grilleFour 1-inch #6 Wood screws4 Spike feet6 Rubber feetUser ManualWarranty InformationImportant Safety Instructions
 Height |
920mm
vs
1094mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
753cm2 (207x364mm)
vs
1189cm2 (269x442mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1038USD
vs
1198USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
125 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
98 dB
vs
96 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
32 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-5000F |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-280F |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
up to 125 watts |
up to 150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
96 dB |
98 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
35-25k Hz |
32-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Cerametallic |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
920.0mm (36.2") |
1094.0mm (43.1") |
| Width |
207.0mm (8.1") |
269.0mm (10.6") |
| Depth |
364.0mm (14.3") |
442.0mm (17.4") |
| Weight |
16.36kg (36lbs) |
28.41kg (62.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Walnut, Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |