Klipsch RP-500M II Review: Ranked #20 of 122

Last updated: October 5, 2026

The Klipsch RP-500M II ranks #20 out of 122 total Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers for sound quality. See all Passive Home rankings for every top pick.

Brand: Klipsch

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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Klipsch RP-500M II - ranked #20 of 122 Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers · Editor's rating 4/5
Check price at Amazon ($399.99 per pair) →

#20 Klipsch RP-500M II: $399.99 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.

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Related speakers: Klipsch RP-500M.

How it compares: Just above it: Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i - $99 more, 3Hz higher bass extension (-3dB). Just below it: Wharfedale Super Denton - $1099 more, 1.6Hz higher bass extension (-3dB).

Bass Extension (-10dB)53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency1530Hz
DIY KitNo
Dimensions13.6”H x 6.8”W x 10.6”D (344.4 x 173 x 270.5 mm)
Drivers5.25” Cerametallic™ cone woofer with Faraday rings, 1” LTS Titanium diaphragm tweeter with Hybrid Cross-Section Expanded Tractrix® horn
Impedance8 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity85dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score5.22
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.84
Weight13 lbs (5.9 kg) each
Woofer Cabinetported, rear
Check current price at Amazon ($399.99) →Search eBay for Klipsch RP-500M II →

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