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Klipsch RP-500C II Review
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II

Main Features

  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer
  • 60-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 96 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: up to 100watts
  • Weight:18.00 lbs / 8.20 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 6-15/16"x19-7/16"x10-9/16" / 177.0 x 494.0 x 269.0mm
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Klipsch RP-500C II Review
Klipsch RP-500C II Klipsch RP-500C II
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Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II 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. 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-fieldAverage
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomBad

(* 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 RP-500C with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare Klipsch RP-500C II vs Klipsch RP-500C
Klipsch RP-500C II  Lifestyle
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. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Klipsch Reference Premiere (RP) II Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Klipsch RP-8000F II
Compare
32-25k Hz 98 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
Klipsch RP-600M II
Compare
44-25k Hz 94.5 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Klipsch RP-504C II
Compare
50-25k Hz 96 dB8Ω 4 x 5.25"
Klipsch RP-500M II
Compare
50-25k Hz 92 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Klipsch RP-8060FA II
Compare
35-25k Hz 98 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
Klipsch RP-6000F II
Compare
38-25k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Klipsch RP-404C II
Compare
87-25k Hz 94 dB8Ω 4 x 4"
Klipsch RP-5000F II
Compare
35-25k Hz 95 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Klipsch RP-500C II
60-25k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"


**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.

Frequency Response of the Klipsch RP-500C II Speaker

Klipsch RP-500C II 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 II'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
Klipsch RP-500C II
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Klipsch RP-500C II
Min
Average
Max

Klipsch RP-500C II Tweeter
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
Klipsch RP-500C II
Min
Average
Max

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.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Klipsch RP-500C II:

  • Integrated Amps under 300 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

RP-500C II features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

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 Real Life Body Size Comparison
Klipsch RP-500C II Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Weight

The 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
Klipsch RP-500C II
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $500
Klipsch RP-500C II
Min
Average
Max

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:

Klipsch RP-500C II vs Klipsch RP-404C II Size Comparison - Front View
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
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
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.

    • Speaker Cable and Connectors
      • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
      • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
      • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
    • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators 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.

    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.

    Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Klipsch RP-500C
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 60-25k Hz
    Klipsch RP-404C II
    Compare
    2-way 94 dB 8 ohms 87-25k Hz
    Klipsch RP-600C
    Compare
    2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 58-25k Hz
    Klipsch R-50C
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 90-21k Hz
    Klipsch RP-504C II
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 50-25k Hz
    Klipsch R-52C
    Compare
    2-way 95 dB 8 ohms 89-21k Hz
    Klipsch R-30C
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 78-21k Hz
    Klipsch Reference R-25C
    Compare
    2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 82-24K Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II
    What is the External Dimensions of Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II
    is the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II an easy to drive speaker?

    Klipsch RP-500C II Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandKlipsch
    Full Model NameKlipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II
    Speaker Type2-way Center Channel
    Power Rangeup to 100 watts
    Sensitivity96 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response60-25k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5.25-inch
    Woofer CompositionCerametallic cone
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeTractrix Horn
    Crossover freq1630 Hz
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeBinding post
    Biamp InputsNo
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height177.0mm ( 6-15/16-inch)
    Width494.0mm ( 19-7/16-inch)
    Depth269.0mm ( 10-9/16-inch)
    Height177.0mm ( 6-15/16-inch)
    Weight8.20kg ( 18.00 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF/Wood-grain vinyl
    Available ColorsWalnut, Black
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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