Klipsch RP-500M Review: Ranked #73 of 158

Last updated: October 7, 2026

The Klipsch RP-500M ranks #73 out of 158 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 7, 2026 at 9:25 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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#73 Klipsch RP-500M: $299.99 per pair Amazon eBay

Newer model: the Klipsch RP-500M II, ranked higher, rated 4/5.

Same family: the Klipsch RP-600M (larger bookshelf, rated 2.9/5).

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 $300/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.

CountryUnited States (Klipsch design)
DIY KitNo
Dimensions13.50H x 6.81W x 9.50D in
Drivers1” Titanium LTS tweeter (Hybrid Tractrix Horn), 5.25” Spun Copper Cerametallic woofer
Enclosure2-way, ported
Impedance8 ohms nominal
Sensitivity93dB (manufacturer specified, 2.83V/1m)
Spinorama Preference Score4.38
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.00
Weight11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) each

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