Overview

The Klipsch RP-500C II is a centre channel speaker from the Reference Premiere series, pairing dual 5.25-inch Cerametallic woofers with a 1-inch titanium tweeter on Klipsch's signature Tractrix horn. As the centre speaker in a surround system, it carries most of a movie's dialogue, and its low 6.87-inch profile fits on a media console below the TV. It's designed to match RP II towers, bookshelf and surround speakers so voices and effects sound consistent as they move across the front of the room.

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 for crisp, clear detail, and its vented housing reduces the standing waves behind the diaphragm. The two Cerametallic woofers are rigid and light, with Faraday rings to reduce distortion, and a rear-firing Tractrix port is shaped to cut port noise for cleaner bass. Klipsch rates the RP-500C II at 56 Hz to 25 kHz (±3 dB).

With 94 dB sensitivity, the RP-500C II keeps up with efficient Klipsch towers without needing extra amplifier power. The internally braced MDF cabinet has a satin-painted baffle with a scratch-resistant finish, and the input panel uses audiophile-grade wire and aluminum binding posts. Cork pads keep it secure on a console or shelf, an angle screw is included, and a magnetic grille lets you show or hide the horn.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

Centre channels usually sit below the TV, so aim the tweeter toward seated ear height rather than at the floor in front of the couch. Because the port fires out the back, give it some breathing room rather than pushing it deep into an enclosed cabinet shelf, which can make voices sound boomy. Check your console depth too, since the RP-500C II needs 10.58 inches.

More Info

Why the Klipsch RP-500C II Stands Out

Buyer's Guide

Who It's For

• Home Theatre Builders: Want a centre that matches RP II speakers.
• Soundbar Step-Ups: Want clearer, fuller dialogue.
• Standard Media Consoles: Want a centre that fits under the TV.

How It Compares

The RP-504C II is the larger RP II centre channel, with quad 5.25" woofers in a 32.06"-wide, 15.08"-deep cabinet, rated at 50 Hz to 25 kHz with 96 dB sensitivity and 150 W continuous power handling. The RP-500C II uses two of the same size woofers in a 19.34"-wide, 10.58"-deep cabinet, rated at 56 Hz to 25 kHz with 94 dB sensitivity. Choose the RP-500C II for most consoles, and the RP-504C II when you have the space for a bigger centre in a larger room.