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Wharfedale Elysian 2 vs Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M
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Wharfedale Elysian 2

Passive Bookshelf | 35-22k Hz

Wharfedale Elysian 2
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Klipsch RP-500M

Passive Bookshelf | 48-25k Hz

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M
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Wharfedale Elysian 2 vs Klipsch RP-500M Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Elysian 2 and RP-500M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Wharfedale and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Wharfedale Elysian 2 and Klipsch RP-500M first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Wharfedale Elysian 2 Key Specs

  • 27x90mm" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter
  • 6" Midrange
  • 8.5" Coated Fiberglass Woofer
  • 35-22k Hz Frequency Response
  • 89 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range:25-250watts
  • Weight:30.50kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 700.0" x 13.1" x 18.1"( 700.0 x 334.0 x 462.0mm )

Klipsch RP-500M Key Specs

  • 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 )

In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how Wharfedale Elysian 2 and Klipsch RP-500M compares 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

One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Elysian 2 is a 3-way design whereas RP-500M is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker. Elysian 2 features a 27x90mm" AMT (Ribbon) Tweeter , a 6" Midrange and 1 x 8.5" Coated Fiberglass Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 360Hz and 2900Hz. On the other hand, RP-500M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.

Frequency Response

Elysian 2 has a frequency range of 35-22k Hz whereas RP-500M has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 35Hz, the Elysian 2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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 under Bookshelf class in our database.

Low Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Wharfedale Elysian 2
Klipsch RP-500M
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Wharfedale Elysian 2
Klipsch RP-500M
Min
Average
Max

Impedance and Sensitivity

Elysian 2 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to RP-500M which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Elysian 2 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and RP-500M's is at 93 dB. This 4 dB difference makes Klipsch RP-500M a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale Elysian 2, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

Wharfedale Elysian 2
Klipsch RP-500M
Min
Average
Max

Power Range

Elysian 2 has a power range of 25-250 watts RMS whereas RP-500M has a power range of up to 75 watts.

Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring

Elysian 2 features Post posts which makes bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-500M has a Single binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

Wharfedale Elysian 2 Terminals
Wharfedale Elysian 2's Post 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

Elysian 2 has a bottom firing port whereas RP-500M has a rear firing ports. Wharfedale Elysian 2'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 Wharfedale Elysian 2's and Klipsch RP-500M's external dimensions. Wharfedale Elysian 2 has external dimensions of 700.0 x 334.0 x 462.0mm ( 27.5 x 13.1 x 18.1inch) whereas Klipsch RP-500M has external dimensions of 343.0 x 173.0 x 241.0mm ( 13.5 x 6.8 x 9.4inch) .

Wharfedale Elysian 2 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 161mm wider, 357mm taller and 221mm deeper than Klipsch RP-500M.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale Elysian 2 and Klipsch RP-500M in scale.

Wharfedale Elysian 2 vs Klipsch RP-500M Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Wharfedale Elysian 2 and Klipsch RP-500M Size and External Dimensions


Reasons to choose Wharfedale Elysian 2 over Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M
Max Input Power 250 watts vs 75 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
Driver Setup 3-way vs 2-way Have a dedicated mid-range driver
Woofer Size 8.5 inches vs 5.25 inches Larger woofer
Low Frequency Response 35 Hz vs 48 Hz Generates deeper bass
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring Yes vs No Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections
Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M over Wharfedale Elysian 2
Sensitivity 93 dB vs 89 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
Nominal Impedance 8 ohms vs 4 ohms Less selective with amplifiers
High Frequency Response 25k Hz vs 22k Hz Generates higher frequency
Mounting Bracket Yes vs No Allows mounting on walls
Height 343mm vs 700mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
Width 173mm vs 334mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
Depth 241mm vs 462mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
Price per pair* 579USD vs 6996USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

Wharfedale Elysian 2 vs Klipsch RP-500M Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Wharfedale Elysian 2 Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M
Brand Wharfedale Klipsch
Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
Power Range 25-250 watts up to 75 watts
Sensitivity 89 dB 93 dB
Impedance 4 ohms 8 ohms
Frequency Response 35-22k Hz 48-25k Hz
Drivers
Woofer Quantity 1 1
Woofer Size 8.5" 5.25"
Woofer Composition Coated Fiberglass Cerametallic
Woofer Surround Material Foamed Rubber Rubber
Tweeter Size 27x90mm" 1"
Tweeter Type AMT (Ribbon) Tractrix Horn
Aimable Tweeter No No
Midrange Driver 6" No
Crossover Frequency 360Hz and 2900Hz 1500Hz
Firing Direction bottom rear
Physical Specs
Height 700.0mm (27.6") 343.0mm (13.5")
Width 334.0mm (13.1") 173.0mm (6.8")
Depth 462.0mm (18.2") 241.0mm (9.5")
Weight 30.50kg (67.1lbs) 5.40kg (11.9lbs)
Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
Finish MDF/Wood-veneer MDF/Wood-grain vinyl
Available Colors Walnut Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black
Mounting Bracket No Keyhole
Recommended Stand Height 16-22" 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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