Overview

The Klipsch RP-500SA II is a Dolby Atmos enabled speaker from the Reference Premiere series, pairing a 5.25-inch Cerametallic woofer with a 1-inch titanium tweeter on Klipsch's Tractrix horn. It can sit on top of a tower or bookshelf speaker as an up-firing Atmos speaker, or serve as a height or rear surround speaker, all with the flip of a switch. It's for Reference Premiere home theatres adding overhead sound without in-ceiling speakers.

The 1-inch Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) titanium tweeter sits in a 90° x 90° silicone composite hybrid Tractrix horn, which focuses high frequencies toward the listening area, and its vented housing reduces standing waves behind the diaphragm. The Cerametallic woofer is rigid and light, with Faraday rings to reduce distortion. The sealed, internally braced MDF cabinet conforms to Dolby Atmos specifications for frequency response, sensitivity and crossover.

A switchable crossover on the back changes between Atmos and Surround modes, so the speaker is set up correctly for how you use it. The input panel uses audiophile-grade wire and aluminum binding posts, and two Dolby Atmos jumpers are included for connecting through Reference Premiere floorstanding speakers, along with eight rubber feet. Ebony and walnut vinyl finishes have satin-painted baffles with a scratch-resistant finish, and the grille attaches magnetically.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

On top of an RP-5000F II, RP-6000F II or RP-8000F II, use the included Atmos jumpers through the tower's rear passthrough terminals so you don't need a separate wire showing, and set the switch to Atmos. Up-firing works best with a flat, reflective ceiling; vaulted or acoustically treated ceilings weaken the overhead effect. If you later move the speakers to surround duty, flip the switch to Surround. Either way, tell your receiver how they're being used during setup so it applies the right processing.

More Info

Why the Klipsch RP-500SA II Stands Out

Buyer's Guide

Who It's For

• Atmos Home Theatres: Want height effects without ceiling speakers.
• RP II Tower Owners: Want a matched Atmos add-on.
• Growing Systems: Want speakers that can move to surround duty.

How It Compares

The Reference series R-40SA uses a 4" TCP woofer and aluminum tweeter, with 50 W continuous power handling and jumpers for R-800F and R-600F towers. The RP-500SA II steps up to a 5.25" Cerametallic woofer and titanium tweeter, with 75 W continuous (300 W peak) power handling, a switchable Atmos/Surround crossover and jumpers for Reference Premiere towers. Choose the speaker that matches the series of your front speakers.