Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Klipsch. It features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Cerametallic Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 48-25k Hz and a sensitivity of 93 dB. Klipsch RP-500M has an MSRP of 579$ per pair.
Room Size Suitability
The size of the room where you plan to use the Klipsch RP-500M 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 | Good |
| Small Room | Good |
| Mid-size Room | Average |
| Large Room | Poor |
| Very Large Room | No way |
(* 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-500M with RP-500M II. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these speakers:
Compare Klipsch RP-500M vs Klipsch RP-500M II
Klipsch's Reference Premiere (RP) Series of Loudspeakers
RP-500M 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
**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-500M Speaker
Klipsch RP-500M has a Frequency response range of 48-25k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of up to 75 watts. With a minimum frequency of 48 Hz, RP-500M delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.
To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Klipsch RP-500M, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $750. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how RP-500M's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch RP-500M's Tractrix Horn Tweeter
Crossover frequency of the Klipsch RP-500M?
The Crossover frequency of the RP-500M 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-500M's nominal impedance level is
8 ohms and has a sensitivity of
93 dB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.
Sensitivity
93dB of the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes RP-500M 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-500M will be a good choice.
Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Klipsch RP-500M:
Input Type
RP-500M features Single binding posts type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Klipsch RP-500M Back View
Klipsch RP-500M External Dimensions and Weight
Klipsch RP-500M has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 13.5 x 6.8 x 9.4inch (343.0 x 173.0 x 241.0mm ).
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-500M is approximately 416.9cm2 / 64.6inch2.
To get a better perspective on the real life size of Klipsch RP-500M, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).
Klipsch RP-500M Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc
Here we place the Klipsch RP-500M 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-500M Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable
WeightThe Klipsch RP-500M weighs 5.40kg / 11.9lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how RP-500M's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $750
How does the Klipsch RP-500M compare to the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M?
One of the natural alternative to the Klipsch RP-500M is the RP-600M which is located one step higher in Klipsch's Passive Bookshelf 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-500M and Klipsch RP-600M Size and External Dimensions
Check the Detailed Comparison of Klipsch RP-500M vs RP-600M for more details.
Cabinet type and Materials
Klipsch RP-500M 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-500M comes with
8 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-500M 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-500M is available in Ebony, Walnut and Piano Black.
Wall Mounting
RP-500M has Keyhole mounting bracket that makes it possible to mount on walls and similar surfaces easily.
Does the Klipsch RP-500M come with a Grille?
RP-500M 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-500M is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-500M?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-500M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet 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-500M.
- Speaker Cable and Connectors
- 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.
- 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-500M, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Klipsch RP-500M
Official Brochure
Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M speaker:
Official Brochure for Klipsch RP-500M
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Klipsch RP-500M
Warranty
5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.