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  1. Home
  2. Klipsch Speakers
  3. Passive Surround Speakers
  4. Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA Review
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA - Front View

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Main Features

  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 5.25" Woofer
  • 93 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Weight: 8.00 lbs / 3.63 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 8-5/8"x6-7/8"x12-3/4" / 219.1 x 174.6 x 323.9mm
MSRP: $299 (list price)
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Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA Review
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA Klipsch Reference Pr...
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Klipsch · United States · since 1946 · sold through dealers

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA is a 2-way Passive Surround speaker by Klipsch. It was released in 2019. It features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Woofer. The speaker has a sensitivity of 93 dB. Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA has an MSRP of 299$ per pair but can often be found around 0$ per pair.

Klipsch later replaced Reference Premiere RP 500SA with Reference Premiere RP 500SA II. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these speakers:
Compare Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA vs Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II

Klipsch's Reference Premiere (RP) Series of Loudspeakers

Reference Premiere RP 500SA 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
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Klipsch RP-500M
Compare
48-25k Hz 93 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Klipsch RP-400M
Compare
52-25k Hz 93 dB8Ω 1 x 4"
Klipsch RP-600M
Compare
45-25k Hz 96 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Klipsch RP-6000F
Compare
34-25k Hz 97 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Klipsch RP-8000F
Compare
32-25k Hz 98 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
Klipsch RP-280F
Compare
32-25k Hz 98 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
Klipsch RP-160M
Compare
45-25k Hz 95 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Klipsch RP-5000F
Compare
35-25k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Klipsch RP-8060FA
Compare
32-25k Hz 98 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
Klipsch RP-450C
Compare
58-25k Hz 97 dB8Ω 4 x 5.25"
Klipsch Reference Premiere (RP) Series Speakers
Klipsch Reference Premiere (RP) Series Speakers

Frequency Response of the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA Speaker

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA has a Frequency response range of . With a minimum frequency of Hz, Reference Premiere RP 500SA delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.

Here we have a comparison of how Reference Premiere RP 500SA's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Surround Speakers
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA?
  • Powered subwoofers under $300 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 93 dB.

Sensitivity
Surround Speakers
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

93dB of the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes Reference Premiere RP 500SA 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 Reference Premiere RP 500SA will be a good choice. Work out how loud the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA plays in your room →

What amplifier does the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 3.8–60 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $300, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Reference Premiere RP 500SA features Binding post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA External Dimensions and Weight

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) (219.1 x 174.6 x 323.9mm ).

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 Reference Premiere RP 500SA is approximately 565.5cm2 / 87.7inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA weighs 3.63kg / 8lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Reference Premiere RP 500SA's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Surround Speakers
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Surround Speakers under $300
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA
Min
Average
Max

Available colors

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA is available in Black.

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA.

  • 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 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.

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA Alternatives in Passive Surround Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II
Compare
2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 58-25k Hz
Klipsch RP-500M
Compare
2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 48-25k Hz
Klipsch RP-5000F
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 35-25k Hz
Klipsch RP-8060FA
Compare
2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 32-25k Hz
Klipsch RP-8000F
Compare
2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 32-25k Hz
Klipsch RP-6000F
Compare
2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 34-25k Hz
Klipsch RP-600M
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 45-25k Hz
Klipsch RP-280F
Compare
2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 32-25k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA

What amplifier do you need for the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA?

The Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA easy to drive?

The Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA has a sensitivity of 93 dB. That is high: it goes loud on modest power, so it suits low-powered amplifiers, including valve/tube designs.

What drivers does the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA use?

The Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA is a 2-way design using a 1" Tractrix Horn tweeter and a 5.25" woofer.

Is the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA sealed or ported?

The Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA uses a Sealed enclosure. A sealed box trades some output for tighter, more even bass and is the more forgiving choice close to a wall.

How big and heavy is the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA?

The Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA weighs 3.63kg / 8lbs each.

How much does the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA cost?

The Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $299 per pair.


Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA Detailed Specifications

General
BrandKlipsch
Full Model NameKlipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA
Speaker Type2-way Surround
Sensitivity93 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response
Release Date2019
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.25-inch
Woofer Composition
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeTractrix Horn

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height219.1mm ( 8-5/8-inch)
Width174.6mm ( 6-7/8-inch)
Depth323.9mm ( 12-3/4-inch)
Height219.1mm ( 8-5/8-inch)
Weight3.63 kg (8 lbs)
Enclosure
FinishMDF/Wood-grain vinyl
Available ColorsBlack
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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