In this review, we will be comparing RP-500M and Prime Bookshelf, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and SVS. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-500M and SVS Prime Bookshelf first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RP-500M and SVS Prime Bookshelf 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 SVS Prime Bookshelf 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 Prime Bookshelf are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Klipsch RP-500M |
SVS Prime Bookshelf |
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 features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz. On the other hand, the Prime Bookshelf features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2300Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-500M and Prime Bookshelf has exactly the same frequency range of 48-25k Hz.
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 Prime Bookshelf 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 Prime Bookshelf's is at 87 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500M a more sensitive speaker compared to SVS Prime Bookshelf, 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 Prime Bookshelf.
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 5-way post type posts and Prime Bookshelf has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-500M and Prime Bookshelf 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 SVS Prime Bookshelf'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 SVS Prime Bookshelf has external dimensions of 337.8 x 203.2 x 261.6mm ( 13.2 x 8.0 x 10.2inch) .
Klipsch RP-500M is 30.2mm narrower and 20.6mm less deeper than SVS Prime Bookshelf but it is also 5.2mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-500M and SVS Prime Bookshelf 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 SVS Prime Bookshelf is approximately 531.6cm2 / 82.4inch2. The RP-500M requires 22% less surface area than the Prime Bookshelf 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 SVS Prime Bookshelf weighs 7.03kg / 15.5lbs. This makes the Prime Bookshelf 30% heavier than the RP-500M.
Here is a comparison of how RP-500M and Prime Bookshelf'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 SVS Prime Bookshelf?
Here are the items that come with the Prime Bookshelf:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (pre-installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber bumpers Owners Manual SVS brochure Online Product Registration Card
Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
Base Surface Area |
416cm2 (173x241mm)
vs
531cm2 (203x261mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
579USD
vs
600USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Height |
337mm
vs
343mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M |
SVS Prime Bookshelf |
Brand |
Klipsch |
SVS |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
up to 75 watts |
25-150 watts |
Sensitivity |
93 dB |
87 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
48-25k Hz |
48-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
|
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Polypropylene |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Hard-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
1500Hz |
2300Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
343.0mm (13.5") |
337.8mm (13.3") |
Width |
173.0mm (6.8") |
203.2mm (8") |
Depth |
241.0mm (9.5") |
261.6mm (10.3") |
Weight |
5.40kg (11.9lbs) |
7.03kg (15.5lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
Black Ash,Piano Gloss Black |
Mounting Bracket |
Keyhole |
No |
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 |