In this review, we will be comparing Motion MP10 and RP-500M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from MartinLogan and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of MartinLogan Motion MP10 and Klipsch RP-500M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the MartinLogan Motion MP10 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the MartinLogan Motion MP10 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.
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Drivers
Both Motion MP10 and RP-500M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
MartinLogan Motion MP10 |
Klipsch RP-500M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.0 x 1.4-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Motion MP10 features a 1.0 x 1.4" Folded Motion Ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 5.5" Woven Fiberglass Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2100Hz. 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
Motion MP10 has a frequency range of 81-25k Hz whereas RP-500M has a frequency range of 48-25k 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 Motion MP10's min frequency of 81Hz.
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
Motion MP10 is a 5 ohms speaker compared to the RP-500M which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Motion MP10 sensitivity is rated at 92 dB and the RP-500M's is rated at 93 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500M a more sensitive speaker compared to MartinLogan Motion MP10, 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.
Motion MP10 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-500M has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 125 watts less than the Motion MP10.
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
Motion MP10 features Single binding posts type posts and RP-500M has a Single binding posts type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
MartinLogan Motion MP10's Custom 5-way binding posts terminals
Klipsch RP-500M's Single binding posts terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Motion MP10 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.
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 MartinLogan Motion MP10's and Klipsch RP-500M's external dimensions. MartinLogan Motion MP10 has external dimensions of 356 x 203 x 127mm ( 14inch x 8inch x 5inch ) 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-500M is 30mm narrower and 13mm shorter than MartinLogan Motion MP10 but it is also 114mm deeper.
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 MartinLogan Motion MP10 is approximately 257.8cm2 / 40.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-500M is approximately 416.9cm2 / 64.6inch2. The Motion MP10 requires 38% less surface area than the RP-500M which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 MartinLogan Motion MP10 weighs 4.40kg / 9.7lbs and the Klipsch RP-500M weighs 5.40kg / 11.9lbs. This makes the RP-500M 23% heavier than the Motion MP10.
Here is a comparison of how Motion MP10 and RP-500M'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 come with the RP-500M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet User Manual Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
5.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Base Surface Area |
257cm2 (203x127mm)
vs
416cm2 (173x241mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
92 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
5 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Low Frequency Response |
48 Hz
vs
81 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
343mm
vs
356mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
579USD
vs
998USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
MartinLogan Motion® MP10 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M |
| Brand |
MartinLogan |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-200 watts |
up to 75 watts |
| Sensitivity |
92 dB |
93 dB |
| Impedance |
5 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
81-25k Hz |
48-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Woven Fiberglass |
Cerametallic |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.0 x 1.4" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Folded Motion Ribbon |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2100Hz |
1500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
| Suggested Break-in Period |
Allow 72 hours of break-in |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
356.0mm (14") |
343.0mm (13.5") |
| Width |
203.0mm (8") |
173.0mm (6.8") |
| Depth |
127.0mm (5") |
241.0mm (9.5") |
| Weight |
4.40kg (9.7lbs) |
5.40kg (11.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black, Walnut, and Satin White |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
Yes |
Keyhole |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
28-30" |
| 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 |