Short answer: the Klipsch RP-500M II, which cleans up the original’s midrange. It fills in roughly 5dB between 1-3kHz in the estimated in-room response, though Klipsch’s quoted sensitivity of around 92-93dB uses an in-room rather than standard anechoic rating. It also ranks #27 of 179 to the JBL Studio 530’s #85 of 179; the JBL is fairly flat on-axis but carries a 1.4kHz tweeter resonance.
Buy the Klipsch RP-500M II. It is rated higher for sound quality; the JBL Studio 530 is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL Studio 530 | Klipsch RP-500M II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 per pair Discontinued | $389.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #85 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #27 of 179 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 73.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.5kHz | 1530Hz |
| Dimensions | 18.4”H x 8.4”W x 8.7”D (467 x 214 x 222 mm) | 13.6”H x 6.8”W x 10.6”D (344.4 x 173 x 270.5 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (4 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review) | 8 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | ~85dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 85dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 5.25” (130mm) PolyPlas™ cone woofer with SFG magnet, 1” (25mm) compression driver with Teonex® diaphragm on Bi-Radial® horn | 5.25” Cerametallic™ cone woofer with Faraday rings, 1” LTS Titanium diaphragm tweeter with Hybrid Cross-Section Expanded Tractrix® horn |
| Weight | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.21 (spinorama.org) | 5.22 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.29 (spinorama.org) | 7.84 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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