In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Klipsch. Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the RP-404C II is a Center Channel speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-500M II and Klipsch RP-404C II first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
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 )
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 )
RP-500M II and RP-404C 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-500M II and Klipsch RP-404C 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-500M II |
Klipsch RP-404C II |
| Near-field |
Good |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
No way |
Poor |
(* 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-500M II and Klipsch RP-404C 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-500M II and RP-404C II are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-500M II |
Klipsch RP-404C II |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
4 x 4-inch
|
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. On the other hand, the RP-404C II features a 1" titanium Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 4 x 4" Cerametallic cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1900 Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-500M II has a frequency range of 50-25k Hz whereas RP-404C II has a frequency range of 87-25k 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 Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf 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-500M II and RP-404C II have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-500M II sensitivity is rated at 92 dB and the RP-404C II's is at 94 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
Bookshelf 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-500M 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-500M II features Binding post type posts and RP-404C II has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-500M II's Binding post terminals
Klipsch RP-404C 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-500M II's and Klipsch RP-404C II's external dimensions. 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) whereas 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) .
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-500M II and Klipsch RP-404C II in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-500M II and Klipsch RP-404C 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-500M II is approximately 472.5cm2 / 73.2inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-404C II is approximately 1133.8cm2 / 175.7inch2. The RP-500M II requires 58% less surface area than the RP-404C II which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-500M II?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-500M II:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 GrillesUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-404C II?
Here are the items that come with the RP-404C II:
Center channel loudspeakerGrilleUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
Woofer Size 
Base Surface Area 
Max Input Power 
Sensitivity 
Height