In this review, we will be comparing RP-500M II and ES20, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-500M II and Polk ES20 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RP-500M II and Polk ES20 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-500M II and Polk ES20 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 ES20 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-500M II |
Polk ES20 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-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 ES20 features a 1" Terylene Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Mica-reinforced polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-500M II has a frequency range of 50-25k Hz whereas ES20 has a frequency range of 41-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 41Hz, the ES20 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-500M II's min frequency of 50Hz.
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 ES20 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 ES20's is at 86 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500M II a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk ES20, 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 ES20.
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 5-Way post type posts and ES20 has a 5-Way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-500M II's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-500M II and ES20 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-500M II's and Polk ES20'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 Polk ES20 has external dimensions of 375.0 x 218.0 x 351.0mm ( 14-3/4 x 8-9/16 x 13-13/16inch) .
Polk ES20 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 43mm wider, 30mm taller and 81mm deeper than Klipsch RP-500M II.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-500M II and Polk ES20 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-500M II and Polk ES20 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 Polk ES20 is approximately 765.2cm2 / 118.6inch2. The RP-500M II requires 38% less surface area than the ES20 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of Klipsch RP-500M II and Polk ES20 on a Media Console
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-500M II weighs 6.00kg / 13.2lbs and the Polk ES20 weighs 7.73kg / 17lbs. This makes the ES20 29% heavier than the RP-500M II.
Here is a comparison of how RP-500M II and ES20's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
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 Polk ES20?
Here are the items that come with the ES20:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grille (attached)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
 Sensitivity |
92 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Height |
345mm
vs
375mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
472cm2 (175x270mm)
vs
765cm2 (218x351mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
41 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Polk Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
up to 75 watts |
20-125 watts |
| Sensitivity |
92 dB |
86 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
50-25k Hz |
41-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
Mica-reinforced polypropylene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Butyl rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hybrid Tractrix Horn |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1530 Hz |
2500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
345.0mm (13.6") |
375.0mm (14.8") |
| Width |
175.0mm (6.9") |
218.0mm (8.6") |
| Depth |
270.0mm (10.6") |
351.0mm (13.8") |
| Weight |
6.00kg (13.2lbs) |
7.73kg (17lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF, Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Black,White,Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
22-26" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |