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Klipsch RP-600M vs Klipsch RP-500M Comparison

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Klipsch RP-600M

Passive Bookshelf | 45-25k Hz

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M
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Klipsch RP-500M

Passive Bookshelf | 48-25k Hz

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M
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Klipsch RP-600M Klipsch RP-600M
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Klipsch RP-500M Klipsch RP-500M
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Klipsch RP-600M
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Klipsch RP-500M
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Klipsch RP-600M vs Klipsch RP-500M Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing RP-600M and RP-500M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by Klipsch

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Klipsch RP-600M and Klipsch RP-500M first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Klipsch RP-600M Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 6.5" Cerametallic Woofer
  • 45-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 96 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:up to 100watts
  • Weight:7.30kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 399.0" x 7.9" x 11.8"( 399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm )

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 )

RP-600M and RP-500M 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
Model Body Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Klipsch RP-500M
Bookshelf 48-25k Hz 93 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Klipsch RP-400M
  
Bookshelf 52-25k Hz 93 dB8Ω 1 x 4"
Klipsch RP-600M
Bookshelf 45-25k Hz 96 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Klipsch RP-6000F
  
Floor-standing 34-25k Hz 97 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Klipsch RP-280F
  
Floor-standing 32-25k Hz 98 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
Klipsch RP-8000F
  
Floor-standing 32-25k Hz 98 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
Klipsch RP-160M
  
Bookshelf 45-25k Hz 95 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Klipsch RP-5000F
  
Floor-standing 35-25k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Klipsch RP-8060FA
  
Floor-standing 32-25k Hz 98 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
Klipsch RP-450C
  
Center Channel 58-25k Hz 97 dB8Ω 4 x 5.25"

What size room are the Klipsch RP-600M and Klipsch RP-500M 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-600M Klipsch RP-500M
Near-field Average Good
Small Room Good Good
Mid-size Room Average Average
Large Room Poor Poor
Very Large Room Bad No way

(* 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-600M and Klipsch RP-500M compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Drivers

Both RP-600M and RP-500M are 2-way speakers.

Driver Klipsch RP-600M Klipsch RP-500M
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 6.5-inch 1 x 5.25-inch

RP-600M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz. On the other hand, the RP-500M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.

Frequency Response

RP-600M has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz whereas RP-500M has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the RP-600M can go slightly deeper then 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

RP-600M
RP-500M
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Klipsch RP-600M
Klipsch RP-500M
Min
Average
Max

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-600M and RP-500M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-600M sensitivity is rated at 96 dB and the RP-500M's is at 93 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-600M a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch RP-500M, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

RP-600M
RP-500M
Min
Average
Max

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-600M can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-500M has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the RP-600M.

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-600M features Dual binding posts/bi-wire/bi-amp 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-600M Terminals
Klipsch RP-600M's Dual binding posts/bi-wire/bi-amp terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring

Klipsch RP-500MSingle binding posts Terminals
Klipsch RP-500M's Single binding posts terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Both RP-600M and RP-500M 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.

Klipsch RP-600M  Port
Klipsch RP-600M Tractrix horn-shaped 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-600M's and Klipsch RP-500M's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-600M has external dimensions of 399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm ( 15.7 x 7.9 x 11.8inch) whereas Klipsch RP-500M has external dimensions of 343.0 x 173.0 x 241.0mm ( 13.5 x 6.8 x 9.4inch) .

Klipsch RP-600M is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 29mm wider, 56mm taller and 60mm deeper than Klipsch RP-500M.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-600M and Klipsch RP-500M in scale.

Klipsch RP-600M vs Klipsch RP-500M Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-600M and Klipsch RP-500M 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-600M is approximately 608.0cm2 / 94.2inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-500M is approximately 416.9cm2 / 64.6inch2. The RP-600M requires 46% more surface area than the RP-500M which gives it a small disadvantage 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:

Klipsch RP-600M vs Klipsch RP-500M Size Comparison on a Media Console
Size Comparison image of Klipsch RP-600M and Klipsch RP-500M 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-600M weighs 7.30kg / 16.1lbs and the Klipsch RP-500M weighs 5.40kg / 11.9lbs. This makes the RP-600M 35% heavier than the RP-500M.

Here is a comparison of how RP-600M and RP-500M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch RP-600M
Klipsch RP-500M
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-600M?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-600M:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles (installed)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • 4 Terminal jumpers (installed)
  • User Manual
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information
  • What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-500M?

    Here are the items that come with the RP-500M:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles (installed)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • User Manual
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information

  • Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M over Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M
    Max Input Power 100 watts vs 75 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Sensitivity 96 dB vs 93 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Woofer Size 6.5 inches vs 5.25 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 45 Hz vs 48 Hz Generates deeper bass
    Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring Yes vs No Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections
    Price per pair* 369USD vs 579USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

    Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M over Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M

    Mounting Bracket Yes vs No Allows mounting on walls
    Height 343mm vs 399mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 416cm2 vs 608cm2 Takes less floor space
    Klipsch RP-600M vs Klipsch RP-500M Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M
    Brand Klipsch Klipsch
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range up to 100 watts up to 75 watts
    Sensitivity 96 dB 93 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Frequency Response 45-25k Hz 48-25k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 6.5" 5.25"
    Woofer Composition Cerametallic Cerametallic
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type Tractrix Horn Tractrix Horn
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency 1500Hz 1500Hz
    Firing Direction rear rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 399.0mm (15.7") 343.0mm (13.5")
    Width 202.0mm (8") 173.0mm (6.8")
    Depth 301.0mm (11.9") 241.0mm (9.5")
    Weight 7.30kg (16.1lbs) 5.40kg (11.9lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Wood-grain vinyl MDF/Wood-grain vinyl
    Available Colors Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black
    Mounting Bracket No Keyhole
    Recommended Stand Height 22-26" 28-30"
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs Yes No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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