Short answer: the Arendal 1961 Monitor on measured sound quality, the Klipsch RP-500M II on price. The Arendal 1961 Monitor ranks #8 of 179 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.3/5, at $1,150. The Klipsch RP-500M II ranks #27, rated 4.0/5, at $389.99, $760.01 cheaper.
Buy the Arendal 1961 Monitor if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Klipsch RP-500M II if the price matters more than sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Arendal 1961 Monitor | Klipsch RP-500M II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1150 per pair | $389.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #8 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #27 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 84Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1500Hz | 1530Hz |
| Dimensions | 16.6”H x 6.4”W x 5.9”D (421.6 x 162.6 x 149.9 mm) | 13.6”H x 6.8”W x 10.6”D (344.4 x 173 x 270.5 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85.9dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 2 x 5.5” woofers, 28mm tweeter | 5.25” Cerametallic™ cone woofer with Faraday rings, 1” LTS Titanium diaphragm tweeter with Hybrid Cross-Section Expanded Tractrix® horn |
| Weight | 16 lbs (7.25 kg) each | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.38 | 5.22 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.69 | 7.84 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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