Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by Klipsch. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 1" Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz and a sensitivity of 96 dB.
Room Size Suitability
The size of the room where you plan to use the Klipsch RP-500C 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-500C with RP-500C II. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these speakers:
Compare Klipsch RP-500C vs Klipsch RP-500C II
Klipsch's Reference Premiere (RP) Series of Loudspeakers
RP-500C is a member of Klipsch's Reference Premiere (RP) series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.
Klipsch Reference Premiere (RP) Series Speakers
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Frequency Response of the Klipsch RP-500C Speaker
Klipsch RP-500C has a Frequency response range of 60-25k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of up to 100 watts.
Here we have a comparison of how RP-500C's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Impedance and Sensitivity
Klipsch RP-500C's nominal impedance level is
8 ohms and has a sensitivity of
96 dB.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.
Sensitivity
96dB of the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes RP-500C 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-500C will be a good choice.
Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Klipsch RP-500C:
Input Type
RP-500C features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Klipsch RP-500C Back View
Klipsch RP-500C External Dimensions and Weight
Klipsch RP-500C has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 6-7/8 x 18-9/16 x 10inch (175.0 x 472.0 x 254.0mm ).
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-500C is approximately 1198.9cm2 / 185.8inch2.
WeightThe Klipsch RP-500C weighs 8.18kg / 18lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how RP-500C's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Cabinet type and Materials
Klipsch RP-500C 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.
Speaker Feet
Klipsch RP-500C comes with
4 Self-adhesive rubber feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on. It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.
Port Position
Klipsch RP-500C 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-500C is available in Walnut and Black.
Does the Klipsch RP-500C come with a Grille?
RP-500C 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-500C is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.
Klipsch RP-500C with Grille
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-500C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-500C:
Center channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetTilt rod (attached nut)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C.
Warranty
5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.