In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Klipsch. Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the RP-280F is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-500M and Klipsch RP-280F first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch RP-500M Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 5.25" Cerametallic Woofer
- 48-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 93 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 75watts
- Weight:5.40kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 343.0" x 6.8" x 9.4"( 343.0 x 173.0 x 241.0mm )
Klipsch RP-280F Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 2 x 8" Cerametallic Woofer
- 32-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 98 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 150watts
- Weight:28.41kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1094.0" x 10-9/16" x 17-3/8"( 1094.0 x 269.0 x 442.0mm )
RP-500M 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-500M 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Klipsch RP-500M |
Klipsch RP-280F |
| Near-field |
Good |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Good |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Good |
| 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 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-500M and RP-280F are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-500M |
Klipsch RP-280F |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
2 x 8-inch
|
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, the RP-280F features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 8" Cerametallic Woofer .
Frequency Response
RP-500M has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz whereas RP-280F has a frequency range of 32-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 32Hz, the RP-280F can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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 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 and RP-280F have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-500M sensitivity is rated at 93 dB and the RP-280F's is at 98 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-280F a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch RP-500M, 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 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-500M has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS , 75 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
RP-280F features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-500M has a Single binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-500M's Single binding posts terminals
Klipsch RP-280F's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-500M 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-500M's and Klipsch RP-280F'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 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 96mm wider, 751mm taller and 201mm deeper than Klipsch RP-500M.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-500M and Klipsch RP-280F in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-500M 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-500M is approximately 416.9cm2 / 64.6inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-280F is approximately 1189.0cm2 / 184.3inch2. The RP-500M requires 65% less surface area than the RP-280F which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-500M?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-500M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet User Manual Important Safety Instructions Warranty 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
Mounting Bracket 
Height 
Base Surface Area 
Price per pair* 
Max Input Power 
Sensitivity 
Woofer Size 
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring