86%
Klipsch RP-500M II
RP-500M II
Bookshelf Speakers
Bigger Horn, Better Sound
A new, larger 90 x 90 silicone composite hybrid Tractrix horn provides incredibly efficient transfer of high-frequency waves into the listening area for crisper, clearer sound. The phase plug and compression molded silicone face ensure smooth frequency response.
Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) Titanium Diaphragm Tweeter
The exclusive 1" LTS minimizes distortion for enhanced, detailed performance. LTS tweeters are a hallmark of previous Reference Premiere Series, making it a core component of some of the best speakers in the world.
Vented Tweeter Design
The vented tweeter housing reduces standing waves that create unwanted harmonics, resulting in enhanced detail and clarity in high-frequency reproduction.
All-New Cerametallic Woofer
A signature feature on the Reference Premiere series speakers, the 5.25" Cerametallic woofer has been updated for absolutely flawless sound reproduction, minimum distortion, and maximum efficiency. The redesigned woofer will deliver the power, detail, and emotion you expect from a Klipsch Reference Premiere speaker.
Tractrix Port
Utilizing Tractrix geometry, the Reference Premiere port allows for the most efficient, fastest air transfer from the cabinet, which reduces port noise for punchier low frequencies and cleaner, more powerful bass.
NEED A LIFT?
We've designed speaker stands to pair perfectly with your new set of Klipsch speakers or a number of other speakers you already have at home. Pick the perfect 28" height and hear music and movies the way they were meant to sound.
High-Fidelity Home Audio
Redesigned, the Reference Premiere Series combines Klipsch signature acoustic expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver the new gold standard in premium home theater and hi-fi listening solutions.
Dealers selling Klipsch near you
A marked improvement in midrange clarity powers the RP-500M II, pairing an engaging Tractrix horn-driven top end with surprisingly usable bass for a 5.25" woofer at moderate volumes. Imaging is crisp but placement-sensitive, so toeing alters treble balance; overall a compact, component-rich bookshelf that delivers refined, lively sound.
Pros
- Clear, improved midrange detail compared with the previous generation, yielding better vocal and instrument clarity.
- Quality components — LTS titanium tweeter with Tractrix horn and Cerametallic woofer — support articulate highs and solid driver control.
- Surprisingly usable low end for a 5.25" woofer at moderate listening levels, making the speakers perform well without an immediate need for a subwoofer in many rooms.
&
Cons
- A peak around 10–15 kHz can make synth-heavy tracks and hi-hats sound strained on-axis.
- Placement-sensitive voicing — toe-in/toe-out materially affects treble balance and can increase room reverb if positioned poorly.
Sound Quality
86/100
Weighted average of sub-criteria below.
Bass
86/100
5-1/4" Cerametallic woofer with a quoted frequency response down to ~50Hz (±3dB) yields solid low-end for a 5.25" driver. Review notes the speaker is best at moderate volumes and may benefit from a sub at higher SPLs, so bass is strong for its size but not extendable like larger designs.
Mid
90/100
Reviewer cites a marked improvement in midrange detail and increased clarity/accuracy over the previous generation, suggesting confident, well-rendered mids with good timbral accuracy.
Treble
85/100
LTS titanium tweeter with Tractrix horn produces a lifted HF that isn't generally sharp, but a peak around 10–15 kHz can make synth-heavy material or hi-hats sound strained on-axis; off-axis listening/ toeing out reduces the perceived peak.
Soundstage Imaging
86/100
Imaging is competent but placement-sensitive: reviewer recommends experimenting with toe-in/toe-out (off-axis ~30° mellows HF and is more enjoyable), indicating good focus but room/placement dependence.
Dynamics
83/100
Performs well at moderate volumes with good responsiveness for the form factor, but headroom is limited for high-SPL listening — reviewer recommends stepping up to the RP-600M for greater output.
Show Less
Build Quality
90/100
Use of LTS titanium diaphragm tweeter with Tractrix horn and Cerametallic woofer points to quality components and Klipsch's established build approach; reviewer provides no significant build complaints.
Features Connectivity
80/100
Passive single-post bookshelf speaker baseline applied (no DSP/app/streaming features reported).
Value for Money
87/100
Performance (notably improved mids and usable bass for a 5.25" woofer) appears competitive versus peers; reviewer notes ~USD 599 but product data shows a broader range (≈$390–$550), so at typical street pricing these deliver strong value though the review does not use superlative 'bargain' language. Comparison to the louder RP-600M is provided as a nearby peer.
Reviews
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
FAST, EASY & NEAR
Find Klipsch Verified Dealers Near You
Klipsch dealers in the map