Short answer: the Klipsch RP-500M II for the higher ranking, the Sony SS-CS5 M2 for the lower price. The Klipsch RP-500M II ranks #7 of 21 bookshelf speakers at $389.99. The Sony SS-CS5 M2 ranks #18 at $278, $111.99 cheaper.
What the Klipsch RP-500M II gets right: Major mid-range clarity improvement over the original RP-500M: about a 5dB fill-in between 1-3kHz in the estimated in-room response. The catch: Klipsch’s quoted sensitivity (around 92-93dB) uses an unconventional in-room-based rating rather than the standard anechoic measurement.
On the Sony SS-CS5 M2 side: Added internal bracing (corners, sides, front baffle) plus an updated crossover meaningfully reduce the resonance issues that plagued. Set against that: Mild sibilance in the 3-5kHz range stands out on S and T sounds in vocals.
Buy the Klipsch RP-500M II if the ranking matters more than the price. Buy the Sony SS-CS5 M2 if the price matters more than the ranking.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-500M II | Sony SS-CS5 M2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $389.99 | $278.00 |
| Ranked | #7 of 21 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #18 of 21 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz | 54Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67Hz | 80Hz |
| Crossover Frequency | 1530Hz | - |
| Dimensions | 13.56"H x 6.81"W x 10.65"D (344.4 x 173 x 270.5 mm) | 13.19"H x 7.01"W x 8.66"D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85dB | 82.5dB |
| Drivers | 5.25" Cerametallic™ cone woofer with Faraday rings, 1" LTS Titanium diaphragm tweeter with Hybrid Cross-Section Expanded Tractrix® horn | 5.12" woofer, 0.98 in tweeter |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg each | 9.5 lbs / 4.3 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Rear ported | - |
| Supertweeter | - | 0.75 in |
The Two Speakers In Full
Klipsch RP-500M II: $389.99 Amazon
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.
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.
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67Hz |
| Crossover Frequency | 1530Hz |
| Dimensions | 13.56"H x 6.81"W x 10.65"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 |
| Sensitivity | 85dB |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | Rear ported |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
Sony SS-CS5 M2: $278.00 Amazon
Pros: Added internal bracing (corners, sides, front baffle) plus an updated crossover meaningfully reduce the resonance issues that plagued the original SS-CS5, giving a smoother, more neutral character overall. A modest mid-range dip (about 1-2dB) is present but tolerable, and the reviewer would rather have this dip than a peak in that region. Slightly deeper bass than the previous version, measuring about 2dB more output around 60Hz. Distortion drops noticeably when crossed to a subwoofer around 80-120Hz, meaningfully improving midrange clarity and detail versus running full-range. Easy to drive on a standard AVR - no need for a dedicated high-power amplifier. More modern, understated waveguide look compared to the previous version’s glossy trim.
Cons: Mild sibilance in the 3-5kHz range stands out on S and T sounds in vocals. Some forwardness in the midrange noticeable on certain vocal recordings. Soundstage and sense of envelopment are comparatively flat and two-dimensional, especially next to reference-quality speakers with strong 3D imaging. Marketed as a “three-way” design mainly due to an added super-tweeter that the reviewer considers largely superfluous - it engages only at very high frequencies and adds complexity without a clearly audible benefit, when that cost might have been better spent on the main crossover. Output-limited: realistic ceiling is around the mid-90s dB SPL at a few meters, with comfortable listening closer to 75-85dB at 3-4 meters before distortion and compression become audible. Bass noticeably compresses/shelves below about 120Hz as volume increases, softening kick-drum impact at higher output. Smaller drivers and a lighter motor structure than rivals like the Polk XT20, which the reviewer generally prefers for its better directivity and higher SPL capability. Still needs a subwoofer for any real bass extension.
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 54Hz |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz |
| Dimensions | 13.19"H x 7.01"W x 8.66"D (335 x 178 x 220 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.12" woofer, 0.98 in tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 82.5dB |
| Supertweeter | 0.75 in |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs / 4.3 kg each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.