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

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Main Features

  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 5.25" Woofer
  • 58-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 93 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Weight: 8.00 lbs / 3.63 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 8-9/16"x6-7/8"x12-11/16" / 217.5 x 174.6 x 322.3mm
MSRP: $450 (list price)
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Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II Review
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II Klipsch Reference Pr...
Check price atAmazon›

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

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II is a 2-way Passive Surround speaker by Klipsch. It was released in 2021. It features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 58-25k Hz and a sensitivity of 93 dB. Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II has an MSRP of 450$ per pair but can often be found around 0$ per pair.

Klipsch replaced the older Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA with this model and later Reference Premiere RP 500SA II was replaced with Klipsch RP-5103SA. Follow the links to compare these speakers in detail:
Compare Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II vs Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA
Compare Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II vs Klipsch RP-5103SA

Klipsch's Reference Premiere (RP) II Series of Loudspeakers

Reference Premiere RP 500SA 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
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-6000F II
Compare
38-25k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Klipsch RP-8060FA II
Compare
35-25k Hz 98 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
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
Compare
60-25k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II
58-25k Hz 93 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Klipsch Reference Premiere (RP) II Series Speakers
Klipsch Reference Premiere (RP) II Series Speakers

Frequency Response of the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II Speaker

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II has a Frequency response range of 58-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 58 Hz, Reference Premiere RP 500SA II delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

Here we have a comparison of how Reference Premiere RP 500SA II'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 II
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 58 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $500 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

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

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

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

Sensitivity

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

What amplifier does the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II 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 $500, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Reference Premiere RP 500SA II features Binding post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II External Dimensions and Weight

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) (217.5 x 174.6 x 322.3mm ).

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 II is approximately 562.7cm2 / 87.2inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

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

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

Available colors

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II 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 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 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 II Alternatives in Passive Surround Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Klipsch RP-500M II
Compare
2-way 92 dB 8 ohms 50-25k Hz
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA
Compare
2-way 93 dB 8 ohms
Klipsch RP-504C II
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 50-25k Hz
Klipsch RP-500C II
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 60-25k Hz
Klipsch RP-5103SA
Compare
2-way 8 ohms
Klipsch RP-8060FA II
Compare
2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 35-25k Hz
Klipsch RP-600M II
Compare
2-way 94.5 dB 8 ohms 44-25k Hz
Klipsch RP-5000F II
Compare
2-way 95 dB 8 ohms 35-25k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II

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

The Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II 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 II easy to drive?

The Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II 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.

Does the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II need a subwoofer?

The Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II reaches down to 58Hz (full range 58-25k Hz). That covers most music, though a subwoofer still adds the bottom octave for home theatre.

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

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

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

The Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

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

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

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

The Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $450 per pair.


Klipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II Detailed Specifications

General
BrandKlipsch
Full Model NameKlipsch Reference Premiere RP 500SA II
Speaker Type2-way Surround
Sensitivity93 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response58-25k Hz
Release Date2021
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.25-inch
Woofer Composition
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeTractrix Horn

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height217.5mm ( 8-9/16-inch)
Width174.6mm ( 6-7/8-inch)
Depth322.3mm ( 12-11/16-inch)
Height217.5mm ( 8-9/16-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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