In this review, we will be comparing RP-500M and RTi A1, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-500M and Polk RTi A1 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RP-500M and Polk RTi A1 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 Polk RTi A1 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 RTi A1 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Klipsch RP-500M |
Polk RTi A1 |
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 RTi A1 features a 1" silk polymer composite Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polymer composite Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1900Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-500M has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz whereas RTi A1 has a frequency range of 60-26k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the RP-500M can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RTi A1's min frequency of 60Hz.
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 RTi A1 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 RTi A1's is at 89 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500M a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk RTi A1, 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 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-500M has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the RTi A1.
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
RTi A1 features Pair of Dual 5-way Binding Posts - Gold-Plated posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-500M has a Single binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
RP-500M has a rear firing port whereas RTi A1 has a back and front firing ports.
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 Polk RTi A1'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 Polk RTi A1 has external dimensions of 304.8 x 187.5 x 292.1mm ( 12.0 x 7.3 x 11.5inch) .
Klipsch RP-500M is 14.5mm narrower and 51.1mm less deeper than Polk RTi A1 but it is also 38.2mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-500M and Polk RTi A1 in scale.
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 Polk RTi A1 is approximately 547.7cm2 / 84.9inch2. The RP-500M requires 24% less surface area than the RTi A1 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:
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 Polk RTi A1 weighs 5.44kg / 12lbs. This makes the RTi A1 1% heavier than the RP-500M.
Here is a comparison of how RP-500M and RTi A1'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 Polk RTi A1?
Here are the items that come with the RTi A1:
2 Cherry bookshelf speakers 2 Self-tapping screws 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owner's Manual Template Online registration sheet Polk Audio product brochure
Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
60 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Base Surface Area |
416cm2 (173x241mm)
vs
547cm2 (187x292mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Max Input Power |
125 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
High Frequency Response |
26k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Height |
304mm
vs
343mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Price per pair* |
382USD
vs
579USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M |
Polk Audio RTi A1 |
Brand |
Klipsch |
Polk Audio |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
up to 75 watts |
20-125 watts |
Sensitivity |
93 dB |
89 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
48-25k Hz |
60-26k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Polymer composite |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Butyl rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
1500Hz |
1900Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
back and front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
343.0mm (13.5") |
304.8mm (12") |
Width |
173.0mm (6.8") |
187.5mm (7.4") |
Depth |
241.0mm (9.5") |
292.1mm (11.5") |
Weight |
5.40kg (11.9lbs) |
5.44kg (12lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Real wood veneer |
Available Colors |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
Black, Cherry |
Mounting Bracket |
Keyhole |
Keyhole |
Recommended Stand Height |
28-30" |
28-36" |
Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |