Short answer: the Klipsch RP-5000F II for better sound quality, the Infinity Reference 253 for the lower price. The Klipsch RP-5000F II ranks #38 of 56 floorstanding speakers at $1199.98. The Infinity Reference 253 ranks #48 at $400, $799.98 cheaper.
On the Klipsch RP-5000F II side: 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. Set against that: Bass extension is underwhelming for a floorstander - F3 at 55Hz, F10 at 41Hz - and needs a subwoofer.
The case for the Infinity Reference 253: Horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees is fairly smooth and well controlled. The tradeoff: CEA2034 spinorama and predicted in-room response both show elevated treble above 4kHz (“too hot”), a dip around 2kHz, and bass shelved down relative to the midrange.
Buy the Klipsch RP-5000F II if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Infinity Reference 253 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Infinity Reference 253. It ranks near the bottom of the 56 floorstanding speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-5000F II | Infinity Reference 253 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1199.98 | $400 used, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #38 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #48 of 56 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86.9dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 88dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1" titanium tweeter with Tractrix horn, dual 5.25" cerametallic woofers | Dual 5.25" (130mm) CMMD™ woofers, 5.25" (130mm) flat-piston CMMD™ midrange, 1" (25mm) CMMD™ tweeter |
| Weight | 38.6 lbs / 17.5 kg | 39.2 lbs / 17.8 kg each |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Crossover Frequency | 1900Hz | - |
| Output Power | 100W continuous, 400W peak | - |
| Dimensions | 36.1" x 8.1" x 14.8" (917 x 207 x 375 mm) | 40.3"H x 6.8"W x 12.4"D (1023.6 x 172.7 x 315 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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- Dynaudio Emit 30 vs Sony SS-CS3
- Sony SS-CS3 vs Magnepan LRS+
- Dynaudio Emit 30 vs JBL Stage 2 280F
- Klipsch RP-5000F II vs Sony SS-CS3
- Dynaudio Emit 30 vs Infinity Reference 253
The Two Speakers In Full
Klipsch RP-5000F II: $1199.98 Amazon
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.
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 |
| 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) |
| Output Power | 100W continuous, 400W peak |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 38.6 lbs / 17.5 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch RP-5000F II vs SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle
- Klipsch RP-5000F II vs KEF Q11 Meta
- Klipsch RP-5000F II vs Monolith THX-365T
- Klipsch RP-5000F II vs Klipsch RP-8000F II
- Klipsch RP-5000F II vs Klipsch Heresy IV
- Klipsch RP-5000F II vs Dynaudio Emit 30
- Klipsch RP-5000F II vs Klipsch Forte IV
- Klipsch RP-5000F II vs Klipsch RP-6000F II
- See all 14 comparisons
Infinity Reference 253: $400 used, Discontinued
Pros: Horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees is fairly smooth and well controlled. Really amazing value for the performance.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama and predicted in-room response both show elevated treble above 4kHz (“too hot”), a dip around 2kHz, and bass shelved down relative to the midrange. Vertical directivity requires staying at or below the tweeter axis for accurate tonal balance. Distortion at 96dB SPL/1m is broadly elevated above the reviewer’s audibility threshold across much of the midrange. Minimum impedance dips to 4.2 ohms. Discontinued.
Full Infinity Reference 253 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 40.3"H x 6.8"W x 12.4"D (1023.6 x 172.7 x 315 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | Dual 5.25" (130mm) CMMD™ woofers, 5.25" (130mm) flat-piston CMMD™ midrange, 1" (25mm) CMMD™ tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86.9dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 88dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 39.2 lbs / 17.8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Infinity Reference 253 vs JBL Stage 2 280F
- Infinity Reference 253 vs Sony SS-CS3
- Infinity Reference 253 vs Magnepan LRS+
- Infinity Reference 253 vs Focal Aria Evo X N°2
- Infinity Reference 253 vs Polk T50
- Infinity Reference 253 vs Klipsch RP-6000F II
- Infinity Reference 253 vs Dynaudio Emit 30
- Infinity Reference 253 vs Klipsch RP-8000F II
- See all 14 comparisons