In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Klipsch. Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II is a Center Channel speaker whereas the RP-600M II is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-500C II and Klipsch RP-600M II first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch RP-500C II Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer
- 60-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 96 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:8.20kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 177.0" x 19-7/16" x 10-9/16"( 177.0 x 494.0 x 269.0mm )
Klipsch RP-600M II Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hybrid Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 6.5" Cerametallic cone Woofer
- 44-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 94.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:8.20kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 402.0" x 8" x 13-1/16"( 402.0 x 204.0 x 332.0mm )
RP-500C II and RP-600M 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-500C II and Klipsch RP-600M 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-500C II |
Klipsch RP-600M II |
| Near-field |
Average |
Average |
| Small Room |
Good |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
Bad |
(* 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-500C II and Klipsch RP-600M II 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 RP-500C II and RP-600M II are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-500C II |
Klipsch RP-600M II |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
RP-500C II features a 1" titanium Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1630 Hz. On the other hand, the RP-600M II features a 1" titanium Hybrid Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Cerametallic cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500 Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-500C II has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz whereas RP-600M II has a frequency range of 44-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 44Hz, the RP-600M II can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-500C II's min frequency of 60Hz.
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-500C II and RP-600M II have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-500C II sensitivity is rated at 96 dB and the RP-600M II's is at 94.5 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500C II a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch RP-600M 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-500C II and RP-600M II has the same power range of up to 100 watts.
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-600M II features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-500C II has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-600M II's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-500C II and RP-600M II 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-500C II's and Klipsch RP-600M II's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-500C II has external dimensions of 177.0 x 494.0 x 269.0mm ( 6-15/16 x 19-7/16 x 10-9/16inch) whereas Klipsch RP-600M II has external dimensions of 402.0 x 204.0 x 332.0mm ( 15-13/16 x 8 x 13-1/16inch) .
Klipsch RP-500C II is 225mm shorter and 63mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-600M II but it is also 290mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-500C II and Klipsch RP-600M II in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-500C II and Klipsch RP-600M 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-500C II is approximately 1328.9cm2 / 206.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-600M II is approximately 677.3cm2 / 105.0inch2. The RP-500C II requires 96% more surface area than the RP-600M II which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-500C II?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-500C II:
Center channel loudspeakerGrilleTilt rod (attached nut)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-600M II?
Here are the items that come with the RP-600M II:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles4 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
Sensitivity 
Number of Woofers 
Height 
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring 
Base Surface Area 
Price per pair*