Short answer: the Klipsch RP-500C II. It ranks #32 of 98 center channel speakers by sound quality, rated 3.9/5, at $329.99. The Paradigm Monitor SE 2000C ranks #56, rated 3.6/5, at $299.99, $30 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The case for the Klipsch RP-500C II: A 1” titanium tweeter in Klipsch’s Tractrix horn between two 5.25” Cerametallic woofers, with a very high 94dB sensitivity, so even a modest receiver drives it to loud levels. The catch: On-axis response is uneven (1.09dB average deviation), and the horn’s directivity changes more across frequency than any other center here (4.34dB directivity index deviation), so tone shifts between the direct sound and room reflections.
What the Paradigm Monitor SE 2000C does well: Rare 3-way architecture at a budget price point: 1-inch X-PAL tweeter with perforated phase-aligning lens and dedicated 3.5-inch midrange flanked by dual 5.5-inch woofers. The catch: Cabinet finish is basic vinyl wrap.
Buy the Klipsch RP-500C II. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $30 saving on the Paradigm Monitor SE 2000C is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-500C II | Paradigm Monitor SE 2000C | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $329.99 each | $299.99 |
| Ranked | #32 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers | #56 of 98 in Center Channel Speakers |
| Drivers | 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn, 2x 5.25” Cerametallic woofers | 1” X-PAL dome tweeter with PPA lens, 3.5” mineral-filled midrange, 2 x 5.5” woofers |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-25kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) |
| Sensitivity | 94dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 93dB in room, 90dB anechoic (2.83V/1m) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) | 8 ohms compatible |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported (rear Tractrix port) | - |
| Dimensions | 6.9”H x 19.3”W x 10.6”D (174 x 491 x 269 mm) | 7.2”H x 19.7”W x 11”D (184 x 500 x 280 mm) |
| Weight | 18.3 lbs (8.3 kg) | 19 lbs (8.6 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 54.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.53 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.28 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Klipsch RP-500C II:
- Polk Audio XT35 vs Klipsch RP-500C II
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Klipsch RP-504C II
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Klipsch RP-404C II
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Polk Audio XT30
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Emotiva Airmotiv XC1
Prices on this page were last checked October 5, 2026 at 10:21 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-500C II: $329.99 each Amazon eBay
Pros: A 1” titanium tweeter in Klipsch’s Tractrix horn between two 5.25” Cerametallic woofers, with a very high 94dB sensitivity, so even a modest receiver drives it to loud levels. Erin’s Audio Corner measured a listening window within 2.6dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and a preference score of 4.53 that reaches 7.28 with an ideal subwoofer, a strong result at $330. Measured bass extension of 82.0Hz (-3dB).
Cons: On-axis response is uneven (1.09dB average deviation), and the horn’s directivity changes more across frequency than any other center here (4.34dB directivity index deviation), so tone shifts between the direct sound and room reflections. Bass rolls off at 82Hz (-3dB) and about 54Hz (-10dB).
Full Klipsch RP-500C II review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 54.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 6.9”H x 19.3”W x 10.6”D (174 x 491 x 269 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn, 2x 5.25” Cerametallic woofers |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-25kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 94dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.53 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.28 |
| Weight | 18.3 lbs (8.3 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported (rear Tractrix port) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Klipsch RP-504C II
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Klipsch RP-404C II
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Polk Audio XT30
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Polk Audio XT35
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Emotiva Airmotiv XC1
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Klipsch Reference R-50C
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs SVS Prime Center
- Klipsch RP-500C II vs Triangle Borea BRC01
- See all 10 comparisons
Paradigm Monitor SE 2000C: $299.99 Estimated Amazon eBay
Pros: Rare 3-way architecture at a budget price point: 1-inch X-PAL tweeter with perforated phase-aligning lens and dedicated 3.5-inch midrange flanked by dual 5.5-inch woofers. Significantly wider horizontal dispersion than 2-way MTM rivals.
Cons: Cabinet finish is basic vinyl wrap. Rating estimated based on Monitor SE Atom and 6000F measurements.
Full Paradigm Monitor SE 2000C review and specifications →
| DIY Kit | No |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7.2”H x 19.7”W x 11”D (184 x 500 x 280 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” X-PAL dome tweeter with PPA lens, 3.5” mineral-filled midrange, 2 x 5.5” woofers |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms compatible |
| Sensitivity | 93dB in room, 90dB anechoic (2.83V/1m) |
| Weight | 19 lbs (8.6 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons