Short answer: the Klipsch RP-500M II. It ranks #19 of 101 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $389.99. The Klipsch RP-500M ranks #46, rated 3.4/5, at $299, $90.99 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Klipsch RP-500M II is the more accurate choice. Major mid-range clarity improvement over the original RP-500M: about a 5dB fill-in between 1-3kHz in the estimated in-room response, giving a noticeably more resolved, detailed midrange. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.22 against 4.38 for the Klipsch RP-500M. The catch: Klipsch’s quoted sensitivity (around 92-93dB) uses an unconventional in-room-based rating rather than the standard anechoic measurement; on an anechoic basis it measures closer to about 85dB, in line with typical bookshelf speakers this size, so it isn’t the outlier in efficiency the spec sheet implies.
Why pick the Klipsch RP-500M: The original Reference Premiere 2-way bookshelf, still sold new alongside the newer RP-500M II at a lower price. Watch for: Independently measured by Erin’s Audio Corner with a very rough response: on-axis deviation of 0.961dB and on-axis smoothness of just 0.216, well behind the revised tuning Klipsch gave the newer RP-500M II.
Buy the Klipsch RP-500M II. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $90.99 you would save on the Klipsch RP-500M does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-500M II | Klipsch RP-500M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $389.99 per pair | $299.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #19 of 101 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #46 of 101 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Crossover Frequency | 1530Hz | - |
| Dimensions | 13.6”H x 6.8”W x 10.6”D (344.4 x 173 x 270.5 mm) | 13.50H x 6.81W x 9.50D in |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 93dB (manufacturer specified, 2.83V/1m) |
| Drivers | 5.25” Cerametallic™ cone woofer with Faraday rings, 1” LTS Titanium diaphragm tweeter with Hybrid Cross-Section Expanded Tractrix® horn | 1” Titanium LTS tweeter (Hybrid Tractrix Horn), 5.25” Spun Copper Cerametallic woofer |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.22 | 4.38 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.84 | 7.00 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way, ported |
| Country | - | United States (Klipsch design) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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-500M II: $389.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Older model: the Klipsch RP-500M (ranked lower, rated 3.4/5).
Larger models: the Klipsch RP-600M II (rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-5000F II (rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-6000F II (rated 3.9/5) and the Klipsch RP-8000F II (rated 3.9/5).
Pros: Major mid-range clarity improvement over the original RP-500M: about a 5dB fill-in between 1-3kHz in the estimated in-room response, giving a noticeably more resolved, detailed midrange. More neutral and linear overall than its sibling RP-600M II, which carries about 2-3dB more high-frequency energy and a touch more bass but less overall balance. Very precise soundstage imaging and instrument placement. Distortion through the midrange is cleaner than the previous generation. Measured bass extension of 67Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: Klipsch’s quoted sensitivity (around 92-93dB) uses an unconventional in-room-based rating rather than the standard anechoic measurement; on an anechoic basis it measures closer to about 85dB, in line with typical bookshelf speakers this size, so it isn’t the outlier in efficiency the spec sheet implies. Horizontal dispersion of about ±40-50° is narrower and more directive than the reviewer’s preference for a wider, more enveloping soundstage. Toeing the speaker out to widen the soundstage or soften on-axis brightness comes at some cost to imaging precision. Slightly less clean in the tweeter region than the midrange, likely tied to crossover placement, though not considered a dealbreaker. Low-frequency output is limited: measured around 95dB at 4 meters for the pair before the woofers started to unload, so a subwoofer is recommended for anyone wanting real bass rather than stepping up to a larger model.
Full Klipsch RP-500M II review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1530Hz |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 13.6”H x 6.8”W x 10.6”D (344.4 x 173 x 270.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” Cerametallic™ cone woofer with Faraday rings, 1” LTS Titanium diaphragm tweeter with Hybrid Cross-Section Expanded Tractrix® horn |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.22 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.84 |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
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Klipsch RP-500M: $299.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Klipsch RP-500M II, ranked higher, rated 4/5.
Pros: The original Reference Premiere 2-way bookshelf, still sold new alongside the newer RP-500M II at a lower price. Klipsch’s signature Hybrid Tractrix Horn tweeter loading is unmistakable and the price has dropped from its original $579/pair to roughly $299/pair.
Cons: Independently measured by Erin’s Audio Corner with a very rough response: on-axis deviation of 0.961dB and on-axis smoothness of just 0.216, well behind the revised tuning Klipsch gave the newer RP-500M II. Directivity-index standard deviation of 4.24, a pronounced +0.26dB per octave upward tilt, and a predicted in-room smoothness of just 0.16, the worst of any speaker measured here, all point to an inconsistent, brighter-leaning presentation. Full sensitivity and impedance specs aren’t published on Klipsch’s own product page.
Full Klipsch RP-500M review and specifications →
| Country | United States (Klipsch design) |
|---|---|
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 13.50H x 6.81W x 9.50D in |
| Drivers | 1” Titanium LTS tweeter (Hybrid Tractrix Horn), 5.25” Spun Copper Cerametallic woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way, ported |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 93dB (manufacturer specified, 2.83V/1m) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.38 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.00 |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons