Overview

The Klipsch RP-500M II is a compact bookshelf speaker from the Reference Premiere series, pairing a 5.25-inch Cerametallic woofer with a 1-inch titanium tweeter on Klipsch's signature Tractrix horn. It's the smaller of the two RP II bookshelf models, sized for shelves, stands and smaller rooms. It works as a stereo pair for music, or as front or surround speakers in a Reference Premiere home theatre.

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 5.25-inch Cerametallic woofer is 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-500M II at 50 Hz to 25 kHz (±3 dB).

With 92 dB sensitivity, the RP-500M II plays loud without needing a big amplifier. 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 the speaker secure on a stand or shelf, and a magnetic grille lets you show or hide the horn.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

The RP-500M II's 10.65-inch depth fits most bookshelves, but because the port fires out the back, leave a few inches behind it so bass stays tight rather than boomy. Angle the pair slightly toward your listening position so the horns aim at you, and raise them on stands if they'd otherwise sit well below ear level. For movies or bass-heavy music, adding a subwoofer takes the deepest notes off the 5.25-inch woofer and lets it play cleaner at volume.

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Why the Klipsch RP-500M II Stands Out

Buyer's Guide

Who It's For

• Smaller Rooms: Want Reference Premiere sound in a compact speaker.
• Home Theatre Builders: Want RP II front or surround speakers.
• Shelf and Stand Setups: Want a speaker that fits standard furniture.

How It Compares

The RP-600M II is the larger RP II bookshelf model, with a 6.5" woofer, 44 Hz to 25 kHz response, 94.5 dB sensitivity and dual binding posts for bi-wiring or bi-amping, in a 15.75"-tall, 13"-deep cabinet. The RP-500M II uses a 5.25" woofer, reaching 50 Hz at 92 dB sensitivity, in a smaller 13.56"-tall, 10.65"-deep cabinet. Choose the RP-500M II for tighter spaces or surrounds, and the RP-600M II for more bass and output.