Short answer: the Klipsch RP-5000F II. It ranks #105 of 188 floorstanding speakers by sound quality (rated 4.0/5) at $859.98 and is still sold new; the Bose 901 Series V ranks #187 (rated 1.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Klipsch RP-5000F II is the more accurate pick. The most tonally coherent of the RP II floorstander line, with a mild baffle-step dip and treble tilt but no additional coloration issues beyond that. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.24 against 0.43 for the Bose 901 Series V. The tradeoff: Bass extension is underwhelming for a floorstander (F3 at 55Hz, F10 at 41Hz) and needs a subwoofer.
The case for the Bose 901 Series V: Historically distinctive direct/reflecting architecture uses eight rear-firing and one front-firing full-range drivers to create a very large, room-filling presentation. The catch: Even with the required EQ, Erin measured only about 81dB sensitivity, grossly non-flat response, numerous impedance/resonance irregularities and very high distortion.
Buy the Klipsch RP-5000F II. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Bose 901 Series V is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-5000F II | Bose 901 Series V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $859.98 per pair | Discontinued |
| Ranked | #105 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #187 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 34.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 81dB/2.83V/1m with tested EQ setting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” titanium tweeter with Tractrix horn, dual 5.25” cerametallic woofers | Nine full-range drivers: eight rear-firing, one front-firing |
| Weight | 38.6 lbs (17.5 kg) | 35.3 lbs (16 kg) each |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6.2 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Crossover Frequency | 1900Hz | - |
| Power Handling | 100W continuous, 400W peak | - |
| Dimensions | 36.1” x 8.1” x 14.8” (917 x 207 x 375 mm) | 21”H x 21”W x 12.6”D (533.4 x 533.4 x 320.7 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.24 | 0.43 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.25 | 2.11 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Bass Extension | - | Strongly dependent on supplied active equalizer and room (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DSP | - | External analog active equalizer required |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Klipsch RP-5000F II compares with other leading options:
- Klipsch RP-5000F II vs KEF Blade Two Meta
- MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition vs Klipsch RP-5000F II
- Klipsch RP-5000F II vs MoFi SourcePoint 888
- Klipsch RP-5000F II vs Revel F328Be
- Radiant Acoustics Clarity 66 vs Klipsch RP-5000F II
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Klipsch RP-5000F II: $859.98 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Klipsch RP-500M II (smaller bookshelf, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-600M II (larger bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-6000F II (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-8000F II (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-404C II (smallest center, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-500C II (center, rated 3.9/5) and the Klipsch RP-504C II (largest center, rated 3.8/5).
Pros: The most tonally coherent of the RP II floorstander line, with a mild baffle-step dip and treble tilt but no additional coloration issues beyond that. Precise imaging thanks to the controlled horn/waveguide directivity. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 90dB.
Cons: Bass extension is underwhelming for a floorstander (F3 at 55Hz, F10 at 41Hz) and needs a subwoofer. Narrow horizontal dispersion (~50-60 degrees) trades soundstage width for imaging precision. A mild high-frequency tilt and a slight lack of detail around 1-1.5kHz.
Full Klipsch RP-5000F II review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1900Hz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 36.1” x 8.1” x 14.8” (917 x 207 x 375 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” titanium tweeter with Tractrix horn, dual 5.25” cerametallic woofers |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 100W continuous, 400W peak |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.24 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.25 |
| Weight | 38.6 lbs (17.5 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Bose 901 Series V Discontinued eBay
Pros: Historically distinctive direct/reflecting architecture uses eight rear-firing and one front-firing full-range drivers to create a very large, room-filling presentation. Erin measured a benign 6.2-ohm minimum impedance, so the raw electrical load is easier than many modern four-ohm speakers. The supplied active equalizer offers user-adjustable tonal balance and is integral to obtaining usable bandwidth. Measured bass extension of 55.8Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 81dB.
Cons: Even with the required EQ, Erin measured only about 81dB sensitivity, grossly non-flat response, numerous impedance/resonance irregularities and very high distortion. Output above roughly 90-95dB at his seat became audibly poor; multitone testing reached only about 98dB before the distortion limit. The reflection-dominant radiation prevents precise imaging and makes results strongly room-dependent. It requires the proprietary equalizer and substantial amplifier power despite its benign impedance. Discontinued.
Full Bose 901 Series V review and specifications →
| Bass Extension | Strongly dependent on supplied active equalizer and room (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| DSP | External analog active equalizer required |
| Dimensions | 21”H x 21”W x 12.6”D (533.4 x 533.4 x 320.7 mm) |
| Drivers | Nine full-range drivers: eight rear-firing, one front-firing |
| Impedance | 6.2 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 81dB/2.83V/1m with tested EQ setting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 0.43 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 2.11 |
| Weight | 35.3 lbs (16 kg) each |
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