In this review, we will be comparing RP-500M and Q150, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and KEF. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Klipsch RP-500M and KEF Q150 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how Klipsch RP-500M and KEF Q150 compares 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 and Q150 are 2-way speakers. RP-500M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz. On the other hand, Q150 features a 1" vented aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-500M has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz whereas Q150 has a frequency range of 51-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 51Hz, the Q150 can go slightly deeper then the RP-500M's min frequency of 48Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers under Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Impedance and Sensitivity
RP-500M and Q150 has the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-500M sensitivity is rated at 93 dB and Q150's is at 86 dB. This 7 dB difference makes Klipsch RP-500M a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF Q150, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
RP-500M has a power range of up to 75 watts RMS whereas Q150 has a power range of 10-100 watts.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
RP-500M features Post type posts and Q150 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-500M's Single binding posts terminals
KEF Q150's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-500M and Q150 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generlly need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
KEF Q150 Port
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's and KEF Q150's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-500M has external dimensions of 343.0 x 173.0 x 241.0mm ( 13.5 x 6.8 x 9.4inch) whereas KEF Q150 has external dimensions of 303.0 x 180.0 x 278.0mm ( 11.9 x 7.0 x 10.9inch) .
Klipsch RP-500M is 7mm narrower and 37mm less deeper than KEF Q150 but it is also 40mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-500M and KEF Q150 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-500M and KEF Q150 Size and External Dimensions
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 and KEF Q150 on a Media Console
