Short answer: the Klipsch RP-5000F II for tonal coherence, the Infinity Reference 253 for controlled directivity at a much lower price. The RP-5000F II ranks #46 of 74 floorstanding speakers at $1,199.98, though its F3 of 55Hz and F10 of 41Hz demand a subwoofer. The Reference 253 costs $400, and its spinorama shows treble above 4kHz that is “too hot”, a 2kHz dip and bass shelved down against the midrange.
Buy the Klipsch RP-5000F II. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Infinity Reference 253 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-5000F II | Infinity Reference 253 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199.98 per pair | $400 per pair used, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #46 of 74 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #60 of 74 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 | - |
| Power Handling | 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 |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.24 | 5.43 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.25 | 7.31 (spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Klipsch RP-5000F II: $1,199.98 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
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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Infinity Reference 253: $400 per pair used Discontinued eBay
Pros: Horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees is fairly smooth and well controlled. Really amazing value for the performance. Measured bass extension of 78Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.9dB.
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) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 40.3”H x 6.8”W x 12.4”D (1023.6 x 172.7 x 315 mm) |
| 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) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.43 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.31 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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