When building a great sound system, choosing the right bookshelf speakers makes all the difference. Today, we're comparing two popular options: the KEF Q350 ($703.99) and the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M ($299). Both are excellent speakers, but they take quite different approaches to creating great sound.
Bookshelf speakers serve as the cornerstone of many home audio setups. Despite their name, you'll rarely want to actually place them on a bookshelf - they typically sound best on dedicated stands, away from walls. These speakers need to balance several competing demands: they should be compact enough for typical rooms but powerful enough to fill them with sound.
The key things that make bookshelf speakers special:
The KEF Q350 and Klipsch RP-500M represent two different philosophies in speaker design. KEF focuses on technical innovation with their unique Uni-Q driver (where the tweeter sits in the middle of the woofer), while Klipsch maintains their traditional horn-loaded tweeter design that dates back to the 1940s. Both approaches have their merits.
KEF introduced the Q350 in 2017 as part of their Q series refresh. The Uni-Q driver, which they've been refining for decades, saw improvements in dispersion and detail. Think of it like having a single point of sound rather than two separate sources - this helps create a more natural, three-dimensional sound.
Klipsch released the RP-500M in 2018, updating their classic horn design with a new "Tractrix" horn shape. This isn't just marketing - the horn shape helps direct sound more efficiently toward listeners while reducing unwanted reflections off walls and ceilings.
The Q350 produces a refined, accurate sound that some might call "British" in character. The Uni-Q driver creates an impressively wide soundstage - imagine the musicians spread out naturally in front of you, with each instrument in its own space. Bass extends surprisingly low for a bookshelf speaker, reaching down to 42Hz.
In my experience, these speakers excel with acoustic music, jazz, and classical. They reveal subtle details in recordings without being harsh or fatiguing. However, they do need decent amplification - with 87dB sensitivity, you'll want at least 50 watts per channel to get the best performance.
The RP-500M delivers Klipsch's signature dynamic, energetic sound. The horn-loaded tweeter (93dB sensitivity) makes these speakers incredibly easy to drive - even a modest receiver can make them sing. They're particularly good at reproducing the excitement of live music and movie soundtracks.
Bass doesn't go quite as deep as the KEFs (48Hz vs 42Hz), but what's there is tight and punchy. The sound is more forward and exciting, which many people love for rock music and home theater use. These speakers can really wake up a movie soundtrack.
At around $700, the Q350s aren't cheap, but they deliver premium construction and sophisticated technology. The cabinets are solidly built, with careful internal bracing to reduce unwanted resonances. The Uni-Q driver is a complex piece of engineering that's expensive to manufacture correctly.
At $299, the RP-500Ms offer exceptional value. While they use more conventional technology, it's well-executed with high-quality components. The copper-colored woofer isn't just for show - it's a rigid, lightweight material that helps reduce distortion.
Both speakers work well in home theater systems, but they have different strengths:
Your music preferences might help determine which speaker is right for you:
Room size and shape matter:
Consider these factors in order of importance:
The KEF Q350 and Klipsch RP-500M are both excellent speakers that take different paths to great sound. The KEFs offer more refinement and accuracy, while the Klipsch delivers excitement and value.
If budget isn't a primary concern and you value absolute sound quality above all, the KEF Q350s are worth their premium price. Their coherent, detailed sound and excellent imaging make them a joy for critical listening.
However, if you want maximum bang for your buck, or if you prefer a more dynamic, exciting sound, the Klipsch RP-500Ms are an incredible value. They're especially good for home theater use and high-energy music.
Remember: both speakers will likely sound better than what you're using now, and both have enthusiastic followings. The "best" choice depends entirely on your specific needs and preferences.
KEF Q350 ($703.99) | Klipsch RP-500M ($299) |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity - Determines how much amplifier power you need | |
| 87dB (requires more powerful amp) | 93dB (works well with modest receivers) |
| Frequency Response - Shows bass capability and overall range | |
| 42Hz-28kHz (deeper bass extension) | 48Hz-25kHz (slightly less bass depth) |
| Driver Configuration - Affects sound coherence and imaging | |
| Uni-Q coaxial (single point source, better imaging) | Traditional 2-way (more conventional design) |
| Power Handling - Indicates maximum safe volume levels | |
| 15-120W (more flexible with amplifier matching) | 75-300W (handles more power for dynamics) |
| Size - Important for placement flexibility | |
| 14.25" x 8.26" x 12.04" (larger cabinet) | 13.50" x 6.81" x 9.50" (more compact) |
| Sound Character - Critical for matching musical preferences | |
| Neutral, refined, detailed (better for acoustic/classical) | Dynamic, forward, energetic (better for rock/movies) |
| Value Proposition - Overall price-to-performance ratio | |
| Premium price, premium refinement (for serious listeners) | Excellent value, dynamic performance (budget-friendly) |
The Klipsch RP-500M ($299) generally performs better for home theater due to its higher sensitivity and dynamic sound. The horn-loaded tweeter excels at movie effects and dialogue clarity. However, the KEF Q350 ($703.99) offers more refined sound if you prioritize soundtrack detail over impact.
If you're primarily focused on music listening and want the most accurate sound reproduction, the KEF Q350 justifies its higher price. For home theater and casual listening, the Klipsch RP-500M offers better value.
The Klipsch RP-500M is significantly easier to drive with its 93dB sensitivity, making it ideal for basic AV receivers. The KEF Q350 at 87dB sensitivity requires more power for optimal performance.
Both speakers benefit from a subwoofer for home theater use. The KEF Q350 reaches slightly deeper bass (42Hz vs 48Hz), but neither achieves the deep bass extension needed for full movie impact below 40Hz.
The Klipsch RP-500M has a slightly smaller footprint and works well in small spaces. The KEF Q350 needs more room breathing space for optimal imaging but can still perform well in modest-sized rooms.
Yes, both can be used in surround systems. The Klipsch RP-500M matches well with other Klipsch speakers, while the KEF Q350 integrates seamlessly with other KEF products.
The Klipsch RP-500M horn-loaded tweeter provides excellent dialogue clarity and projection. The KEF Q350 offers more natural vocal reproduction but might not cut through ambient noise as effectively.
Both speakers perform well with streaming content. The KEF Q350 might reveal more flaws in lower-quality streams, while the Klipsch RP-500M tends to be more forgiving of source material.
Both are well-constructed, but the KEF Q350 features slightly more premium materials and build quality. The Klipsch RP-500M is still robustly built and should last many years.
The Klipsch RP-500M includes keyhole mounting options. The KEF Q350 is not designed for wall mounting and performs best on stands or shelves away from walls.
The Klipsch RP-500M excels for gaming due to its dynamic sound and quick response, making it ideal for action games. The KEF Q350 provides more precise positional audio but with less impact.
No, both the KEF Q350 and Klipsch RP-500M work well with standard speaker cables. Both accept up to 12-gauge wire and banana plugs, though quality cables will help maximize performance.
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: whatsthebest.co.uk - us.kef.com - youtube.com - perfectacoustic.co.uk - youtube.com - ooberpad.com - ca.kef.com - crutchfield.com - uk.kef.com - snapav.com - erinsaudiocorner.com - crutchfield.ca - target.com - bestbuy.com - youtube.com - f072605def1c9a5ef179-a0bc3fbf1884fc0965506ae2b946e1cd.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com - snapav.com - crutchfield.com - d2um2qdswy1tb0.cloudfront.net - youtube.com - sweetwater.com - audioadvisor.com
