Overview

The Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA II is the ultimate solution for adding immersive Dolby Atmos audio to your home theatre without the need for in-ceiling construction. These versatile speakers can sit directly on top of your floorstanding or bookshelf speakers to bounce sound off the ceiling, or be wall-mounted as high-performance height or surround channels. Featuring an enlarged Tractrix horn and a redesigned 5.25" Cerametallic woofer, the RP-500SA II delivers the precise, overhead sound effects that make modern movie soundtracks feel three-dimensional and truly lifelike.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

For many of our clients in the Simcoe area, cutting into finished ceilings for speakers isn't always an option. The RP-500SA II is a "hero" product in these scenarios because it delivers that overhead Atmos experience through clever acoustic engineering. What we find most impressive is the switchable crossover on the back; it allows the speaker to change its sound profile depending on whether it's bouncing sound off the ceiling or firing directly at you from a wall. If you are pairing these with the RP-8000F II towers, they even include special jumper cables that plug directly into the main speaker for a clean, wire-free look that maintains a high-end aesthetic.

Best for the Klipsch RP-500SA II: place them on a flat, hard ceiling surface for the best up-firing results. For the "bounce" effect to work correctly, your ceiling should be between 7.5 and 12 feet high and made of a reflective material like drywall or plaster. If you have vaulted ceilings or acoustic tiles, we recommend using the integrated keyhole mounts to install them high on the wall instead, ensuring those height effects land exactly where they should in your seating area.

More Details

Why It Wins

• Hybrid Crossover Switch: A physical switch on the rear panel optimizes the internal electronics for either "Atmos" (bouncing) or "Surround" (direct) modes.
• 90° x 90° Silicone Horn: The larger horn design ensures that high-frequency effects are directional enough to create a convincing sense of height.
• Atmos Passthrough: Designed specifically to integrate with Klipsch towers, allowing for a professional, "hidden wire" installation.

What Makes It Different

The RP-500SA II solves the "muddy" sound often found in smaller Atmos modules. By using a 5.25" woofer with 70% larger voice coils than the previous generation, these speakers can handle the massive dynamic peaks found in modern 4K Blu-ray soundtracks. This version also moves to a silicone composite horn face, which damps out the "harshness" sometimes found in older horn designs. Whether it's the sound of rain falling or a jet flying overhead, the RP-500SA II provides a level of clarity and positional accuracy that transforms a standard surround system into a true "hemisphere" of sound.

Technical Highlights

• 5.25" Cerametallic Woofer: Exceptionally rigid and lightweight, minimizing distortion during high-impact action sequences.
• LTS Vented Tweeter: A linear travel suspension reduces distortion for enhanced, detailed performance in the high-frequency range.
• Sealed Cabinet: The acoustic suspension design ensures consistent performance whether the speaker is sitting on a cabinet or mounted flush against a wall.
• Magnetic Grilles: Provides a discrete, elegant look that matches the rest of the Reference Premiere II series.

Buyers Guide

Who This Is For

• The No-Drill Enthusiast: Homeowners who want Atmos height channels without the mess or cost of in-ceiling speaker installation.
• Reference Premiere Owners: The perfect aesthetic and tonal match for anyone already using RP-8000F II, 6000F II, or 600M II speakers.
• Versatile Room Builders: Those who need a speaker that can serve as a height channel today and a side surround channel tomorrow.

Ideal Use Case

• Living Room Theatres: Where aesthetics matter and ceiling-mounted speakers might be visually intrusive.
• Apartments or Rentals: Provides a high-end audio upgrade that you can take with you when you move.
• 5.1.2 or 7.1.4 Atmos Layouts: Acts as the critical link for overhead immersion in a full-scale home cinema.

What To Pair It With

• Klipsch RP-8000F II Towers: These towers feature the built-in wiring "ports" specifically designed to accept the RP-500SA II.
• An Atmos-Enabled AV Receiver: You’ll need a receiver from a brand like Denon, Marantz, or Yamaha with dedicated "Height" channel outputs.
• Klipsch RP-504C II Center: To ensure your front stage can match the dynamic scale of your new immersive height effects.

Alternative Options

The RP-500SA II is our top-tier choice for versatile height and surround duties. If you are building a system based on the more entry-level Reference series, the Klipsch R-40SA offers a similar functionality at a more accessible price point. If you find that your room's geometry isn't suited for up-firing speakers, our team can help you select custom in-ceiling solutions for the ultimate overhead precision. For those looking for an all-in-one cinematic upgrade for a secondary TV room, the Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar series offers a convenient way to get Atmos in a single component.