In this review, we will be comparing RP-500M and Reva 1, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-500M and Wharfedale Reva 1 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RP-500M and Wharfedale Reva 1 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 Wharfedale Reva 1 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 Reva 1 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Klipsch RP-500M |
Wharfedale Reva 1 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 4.5-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 Reva 1 features a 1" woven textile Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Woven Glass Fiber Woofer .
Frequency Response
RP-500M has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz whereas Reva 1 has a frequency range of 52-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the RP-500M can go slightly deeper then the Reva 1's min frequency of 52Hz.
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 Reva 1 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 Reva 1's is at 86 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500M a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale Reva 1, 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 75 watts RMS from the amp the whereas Reva 1 has a max power handling value of 60 watts RMS, 15 watts less than the RP-500M.
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
Reva 1 features 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.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
RP-500M has a rear firing port whereas Reva 1 has a bottom firing ports. Wharfedale Reva 1's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Klipsch RP-500M with its rear-firing 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 Wharfedale Reva 1'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 Wharfedale Reva 1 has external dimensions of 318.0 x 174.0 x 285.0mm ( 12-1/2 x 6-13/16 x 11-3/16inch) .
Klipsch RP-500M is 1mm narrower and 44mm less deeper than Wharfedale Reva 1 but it is also 25mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-500M and Wharfedale Reva 1 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 Wharfedale Reva 1 is approximately 495.9cm2 / 76.9inch2. The RP-500M requires 16% less surface area than the Reva 1 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 Wharfedale Reva 1 weighs 5.64kg / 12.4lbs. This makes the Reva 1 4% heavier than the RP-500M.
Here is a comparison of how RP-500M and Reva 1'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 Wharfedale Reva 1?
Here are the items that come with the Reva 1:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (pre-installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper bars (pre-installed)Pair of white glovesUser-feets Manual
Max Input Power |
75 watts
vs
60 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
52 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
Base Surface Area |
416cm2 (173x241mm)
vs
495cm2 (174x285mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Height |
318mm
vs
343mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M |
Wharfedale Reva 1 |
Brand |
Klipsch |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
up to 75 watts |
20-60 watts |
Sensitivity |
93 dB |
86 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
48-25k Hz |
52-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
4.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Woven Glass Fiber |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
1500Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
rear |
bottom |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
343.0mm (13.5") |
318.0mm (12.5") |
Width |
173.0mm (6.8") |
174.0mm (6.9") |
Depth |
241.0mm (9.5") |
285.0mm (11.2") |
Weight |
5.40kg (11.9lbs) |
5.64kg (12.4lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Wood composite laminate |
Available Colors |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
Walnut |
Mounting Bracket |
Keyhole |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
28-30" |
28-30" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |