Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Center Channel speaker by Klipsch. It was released in 2022. 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. Klipsch RP-500C II has an MSRP of 499$.
Room Size Suitability
The size of the room where you plan to use the Klipsch RP-500C II 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 replaced the older Klipsch RP-500C with this model and later RP-500C II was replaced with Klipsch RP-5203C. Follow the links to compare these speakers in detail: Compare Klipsch RP-500C II vs Klipsch RP-500C
Compare Klipsch RP-500C II vs Klipsch RP-5203C
Klipsch RP-500C II Lifestyle
Klipsch's Reference Premiere (RP) II Series of Loudspeakers
RP-500C II is a member of Klipsch's Reference Premiere (RP) II series of Passive speakers. Reference Premiere II is the latest generation of Klipsch's RP line, with redesigned horns and drivers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.
See all 10 Klipsch Reference Premiere (RP) II models compared »
Klipsch Reference Premiere (RP) II Series Speakers
Klipsch Reference Premiere (RP) II Series Speakers
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Frequency Response of the Klipsch RP-500C II Speaker
Klipsch RP-500C II has a Frequency response range of 60-25k Hz and Power Range of up to 100 watts.
Here we have a comparison of how RP-500C II's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Klipsch RP-500C II's titanium Tractrix Horn Tweeter
Crossover frequency of the Klipsch RP-500C II?
The crossover frequency of the RP-500C II is set to 1630 Hz. 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-500C II'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 II is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.
Sensitivity
96dB of the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes RP-500C II 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 II will be a good choice. Work out how loud the Klipsch RP-500C II plays in your room →
What amplifier does the Klipsch RP-500C II need?
At normal listening levels in a medium room, about
1.9–60 W
per channel into 8 ohms.
Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.
Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $500, or every amplifier we cover.
Input Type
RP-500C II features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →
Klipsch RP-500C II External Dimensions and Weight
Klipsch RP-500C II has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 6-15/16 x 19-7/16 x 10-9/16inch (177.0 x 494.0 x 269.0mm ).
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 II is approximately 1328.9cm2 / 206.0inch2.
To get a better perspective on the real life size of Klipsch RP-500C II, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).
Klipsch RP-500C II Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc
Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →
WeightThe Klipsch RP-500C II weighs 8.20kg / 18lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how RP-500C II's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $500
How does the Klipsch RP-500C II compare to the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-404C II?
One of the natural alternative to the Klipsch RP-500C II is the RP-404C II which is located one step higher in Klipsch's Passive Center Channel selection.
Here is a scaled size comparison of these two speakers to give you an idea how their external dimensions compare:
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-500C II and Klipsch RP-404C II Size and External Dimensions
Check the Detailed Comparison of Klipsch RP-500C II vs RP-404C II for more details.
Cabinet type and Materials
Klipsch RP-500C II 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.
Klipsch RP-500C II - Side View
Speaker Feet
Klipsch RP-500C II comes with Cork pads 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 II 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 II is available in Walnut and Black.
Does the Klipsch RP-500C II come with a Grille?
RP-500C II 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 II is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.
Klipsch RP-500C II with Grille
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-500C II?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-500C II:
- Center channel loudspeaker
- Grille
- Tilt rod (attached nut)
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II.
User's Manual
For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Klipsch RP-500C II
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Klipsch RP-500C II
Warranty
5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.