Bookshelf speakers remain one of the most popular choices for both music and home theater, offering an excellent balance of performance and practicality. In this comparison, we'll look at two highly regarded but differently positioned options: the premium $959 B&W 707 S2 and the value-oriented $234 Klipsch RP-500M II.
Bookshelf speakers serve as the foundation of many high-quality audio systems. Despite their name, they actually perform best on dedicated stands away from walls. These speakers typically use a two-way design with a tweeter (for high frequencies) and a mid/bass driver (for everything else), making them simpler but often more coherent-sounding than larger speakers with more drivers.
The key considerations when choosing bookshelf speakers include:
The B&W 707 S2 features B&W's innovative Continuum cone material for its 5-inch mid/bass driver. This woven composite material, developed to replace their famous yellow Kevlar cones, provides better controlled breakup modes (how the cone flexes at different frequencies) for cleaner sound. The 1-inch Carbon Dome tweeter uses a carbon coating to push unwanted resonances above the audible range, theoretically resulting in cleaner high frequencies.
The Klipsch RP-500M II takes a different approach with its 5.25-inch Cerametallic woofer, which is extremely rigid and lightweight. The signature Tractrix horn-loaded tweeter increases efficiency and controls high-frequency dispersion. This horn loading also increases sensitivity, meaning these speakers play louder with less amplifier power.
This difference means the Klipsch technically needs less power to play loud, though the gap isn't as wide as specifications suggest.
Both speakers offer excellent performance for their price points, but with distinctly different presentations.
The B&W 707 S2 delivers:
The Klipsch RP-500M II provides:
Room placement significantly affects speaker performance. The B&W 707 S2 needs careful positioning and high-quality stands to perform its best. It's sensitive to rear wall placement due to its rear-firing port, requiring at least 6-8 inches of clearance.
The Klipsch RP-500M II is more forgiving of placement but benefits from toe-in adjustment (angling speakers toward listening position) to balance its treble energy. Its front-firing port design allows closer wall placement if necessary.
Here's where the differences become crucial for system planning:
B&W 707 S2:
Klipsch RP-500M II:
The B&W 707 S2 at $959 represents premium bookshelf speaker territory. You're paying for:
The Klipsch RP-500M II at $234 offers exceptional value:
For home theater use, each speaker has distinct advantages:
B&W 707 S2:
Klipsch RP-500M II:
Choose the B&W 707 S2 if:
Choose the Klipsch RP-500M II if:
The B&W 707 S2 represents the second generation of B&W's 700 series, introducing the Continuum cone material and Carbon Dome tweeter from their flagship 800 series. These technologies marked significant improvements over the previous generation's Kevlar cones and aluminum tweeters.
The Klipsch RP-500M II, released in 2022, improved upon the original with better driver materials, reduced distortion, and refined voicing. The newer model maintains Klipsch's signature sound while addressing some of the brightness critics noted in earlier versions.
Both speakers represent excellent choices within their price categories. The B&W 707 S2 offers premium performance and refinement for discerning listeners with appropriate equipment and room setup. The Klipsch RP-500M II provides outstanding value and engaging sound that works well in various systems and rooms.
Consider your listening preferences, room constraints, and existing equipment when making your choice. Remember that speakers are long-term investments - choosing the right ones for your specific needs will provide years of musical enjoyment.
| Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 | Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II |
|---|---|
| Price - Key factor in overall value assessment | |
| $959 (Premium pricing requires matching quality components) | $234 (Excellent value proposition) |
| Sensitivity - Determines how much amplifier power is needed | |
| 84dB (Needs more powerful amplification) | 92dB rated, ~85dB actual (More efficient, easier to drive) |
| Frequency Response - Indicates bass extension and overall range | |
| 50Hz - 28kHz ±3dB (Extended high frequency response) | 50Hz - 25kHz ±3dB (Similar bass extension) |
| Driver Size - Affects bass capability and power handling | |
| 5" Continuum cone mid/bass (Premium material, controlled breakup) | 5.25" Cerametallic cone (Rigid, lightweight design) |
| Tweeter Design - Impacts high frequency performance | |
| 1" Carbon Dome (Sophisticated design for refined treble) | 1" Titanium LTS with Tractrix Horn (Enhanced efficiency, wider dispersion) |
| Impedance - Affects amplifier compatibility | |
| 8Ω nominal, 4Ω minimum (Needs stable amplification) | 8Ω compatible (Works with most amplifiers) |
| Power Handling - Maximum recommended amplifier power | |
| 30-100W (Requires quality amplification) | 75W continuous/300W peak (More tolerant of varying power) |
| Cabinet Design - Impacts bass performance and aesthetics | |
| Rear-ported (Needs space from walls, premium finishes) | Rear Tractrix port (More placement flexible, vinyl finish) |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) - Consider space requirements | |
| 11.0" x 6.5" x 10.2" (Compact, elegant proportions) | 13.56" x 6.81" x 10.65" (Slightly larger) |
| Weight - Indicates build quality and materials | |
| 13.2 lbs (Dense, well-damped cabinet) | 13.1 lbs (Similar build quality) |
| Warranty - Reflects manufacturer confidence | |
| 5 years (Excellent coverage) | 5 years (Matched coverage) |
The B&W 707 S2 offers more refined, detailed sound with superior midrange clarity, while the Klipsch RP-500M II provides a more dynamic, exciting presentation. Sound quality preference is subjective, but the B&W justifies its higher price with better overall resolution.
The Klipsch RP-500M II at $234 offers exceptional value with impressive performance for its price point. The B&W 707 S2 at $959 is more expensive but delivers premium sound quality that justifies its higher cost for discerning listeners.
Both speakers work well in small rooms, but the B&W 707 S2 is slightly more compact and may integrate better in tight spaces. However, both need proper placement away from walls for optimal performance.
The B&W 707 S2 requires a higher quality amplifier (50+ watts) for best performance. The Klipsch RP-500M II is more forgiving and works well with moderate amplification (30+ watts) due to its higher sensitivity.
The Klipsch RP-500M II is particularly well-suited for home theater due to its dynamic sound and higher sensitivity, making it ideal for movie effects. The B&W 707 S2 offers more precise dialogue and detail but at a significantly higher cost.
Neither speaker is designed for wall-mounting. Both perform best on proper speaker stands away from walls, with the B&W 707 S2 being particularly sensitive to placement due to its rear port design.
Both speakers benefit from a subwoofer for full-range sound, especially for home theater use. They both roll off around 50Hz, so a subwoofer would enhance bass performance significantly.
Both the B&W 707 S2 and Klipsch RP-500M II are well-built with quality materials. Both offer 5-year warranties, suggesting similar long-term durability.
Yes, both speakers perform well with streaming sources. The B&W 707 S2 may reveal more detail in high-quality streams, while the Klipsch RP-500M II provides engaging performance across all sources.
The Klipsch RP-500M II is generally easier to set up and more forgiving of placement and equipment matching. The B&W 707 S2 requires more careful setup and component matching for optimal performance.
The Klipsch RP-500M II works well with basic receivers due to its higher sensitivity. The B&W 707 S2 requires more power and a higher quality amplification section for best results.
Both the B&W 707 S2 and Klipsch RP-500M II are built to last, using quality materials and construction. The B&W may retain resale value better due to its premium positioning, but both should provide many years of reliable service.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: whathifi.com - safeandsoundhq.com - bestbuy.com - hifichoice.com - crutchfield.com - listenup.com - digitalcinema.com.au - worldradiohistory.com - youtube.com - frankstonhifi.com.au - erinsaudiocorner.com - safeandsoundhq.com - audioadvice.com - youtube.com - crutchfield.com - klipsch.com - youtube.com - d2um2qdswy1tb0.cloudfront.net - abt.com - crutchfield.com - klipsch.com - audioadvisor.com
