Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-160M is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Klipsch. It was released in 2015. It features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Cerametallic Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz and a sensitivity of 95 dB.
Room Size Suitability
The size of the room where you plan to use the Klipsch RP-160M is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:
| Listening Environment* |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Average |
| Small Room | Good |
| Mid-size Room | Average |
| Large Room | Poor |
| Very Large Room | Bad |
(* 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.)
Klipsch later replaced RP-160M with RP-600M. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these speakers:
Compare Klipsch RP-160M vs Klipsch RP-600M
Klipsch's Reference Premiere (RP) Series of Loudspeakers
RP-160M is a member of Klipsch's Reference Premiere (RP) series of Passive speakers. Reference Premiere (RP) is Klipsch's step-up range, with hybrid Tractrix horns and larger spun-copper woofers than the Reference line. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.
See all 10 Klipsch Reference Premiere (RP) models compared »
Klipsch Reference Premiere (RP) Series Speakers
Klipsch Reference Premiere (RP) Series Speakers
**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequency Response of the Klipsch RP-160M Speaker
Klipsch RP-160M has a Frequency response range of 45-25k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of up to 100 watts. With a minimum frequency of 45 Hz, RP-160M delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.
Here we have a comparison of how RP-160M's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Klipsch RP-160M?
Crossover frequency of the Klipsch RP-160M?
The Crossover frequency of the RP-160M is set to 1500Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Klipsch RP-160M's nominal impedance level is
8 ohms and has a sensitivity of
95 dB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-160M is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.
Sensitivity
95dB of the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-160M is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes RP-160M an easy to drive from Sensitivity perspective. If you are planning to power your speaker with a Tube amp which are generally very low power, the Klipsch RP-160M will be a good choice. Work out how loud the Klipsch RP-160M plays in your room →
What amplifier does the Klipsch RP-160M need?
At normal listening levels in a medium room, about
2.4–60 W
per channel into 8 ohms.
Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.
Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $300, or every amplifier we cover.
Input Type
RP-160M has Dual binding posts type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can enhance the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by using separate speaker wires for the low and high-frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping, on the other hand, involves using separate amplifiers for the high and low-frequency drivers, potentially resulting in a greater dynamic range and reduced distortion.
Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →
Klipsch RP-160M Back View
Klipsch RP-160M's Dual binding posts terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Klipsch RP-160M External Dimensions and Weight
Klipsch RP-160M has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 16.6 x 8.8 x 12.8inch (424.0 x 224.0 x 327.0mm ).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of Klipsch RP-160M is approximately 732.5cm2 / 113.5inch2.
To get a better perspective on the real life size of Klipsch RP-160M, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).
Klipsch RP-160M Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc
Here we place the Klipsch RP-160M virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.
Klipsch RP-160M Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable
Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove → · Work out where they should sit in the room →
WeightThe Klipsch RP-160M weighs 9.03kg / 19.9lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how RP-160M's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Cabinet type and Materials
Klipsch RP-160M has a
Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Wood-grain vinyl finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.
Port Position
Klipsch RP-160M is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.
Available colors
Klipsch RP-160M is available in Ebony and Cherry.
Wall Mounting
RP-160M doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.
Does the Klipsch RP-160M come with a Grille?
RP-160M comes with magnetic grilles in black color choices. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the RP-160M is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.
Klipsch RP-160M with Grille
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-160M?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-160M:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Detachable magnetic grilles
- User Manual
- Warranty Information
- Important Safety Instructions
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-160M.
- Speaker Cable and Connectors
- Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
- Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
- Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.
User's Manual
For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-160M, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Klipsch RP-160M
Official Brochure
Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-160M speaker:
Official Brochure for Klipsch RP-160M
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-160M speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Klipsch RP-160M
Warranty
5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.