In this review, we will be comparing RP-500M and RP-500M II, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by Klipsch Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-500M and Klipsch RP-500M II first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RP-500M and Klipsch RP-500M 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch RP-500M and Klipsch RP-500M 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 and RP-500M II are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch RP-500M |
Klipsch RP-500M II |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-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-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.
Frequency Response
RP-500M has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz whereas RP-500M II has a frequency range of 50-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the RP-500M can go slightly deeper then 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 and RP-500M II 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-500M II's is at 92 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500M 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 and RP-500M II has the same power range of up to 75 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-500M features Binding post type posts and RP-500M II has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-500M's Single binding posts terminals
Klipsch RP-500M II's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-500M and RP-500M 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-500M's and Klipsch RP-500M II'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-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) .
Klipsch RP-500M II is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 2mm wider, 2mm taller and 29mm deeper than Klipsch RP-500M.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-500M and Klipsch RP-500M II in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-500M and Klipsch RP-500M 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 is approximately 416.9cm2 / 64.6inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-500M II is approximately 472.5cm2 / 73.2inch2. The RP-500M requires 12% less surface area than the RP-500M II 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 and Klipsch RP-500M II 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 weighs 5.40kg / 11.9lbs and the Klipsch RP-500M II weighs 6.00kg / 13.2lbs. This makes the RP-500M II 11% heavier than the RP-500M.
Here is a comparison of how RP-500M and RP-500M II'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?
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-500M II?
Here are the items that come with the RP-500M II:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 GrillesUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
92 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
343mm
vs
345mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
416cm2 (173x241mm)
vs
472cm2 (175x270mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
579USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
up to 75 watts |
up to 75 watts |
| Sensitivity |
93 dB |
92 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
48-25k Hz |
50-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Hybrid Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1500Hz |
1530 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
343.0mm (13.5") |
345.0mm (13.6") |
| Width |
173.0mm (6.8") |
175.0mm (6.9") |
| Depth |
241.0mm (9.5") |
270.0mm (10.6") |
| Weight |
5.40kg (11.9lbs) |
6.00kg (13.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
Walnut, Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
Keyhole |
|
| Recommended Stand Height |
28-30" |
24-28" |
| 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 |