When it comes to home audio, Klipsch has long been a respected name, known for their horn-loaded tweeters and dynamic sound. Today we're comparing two popular bookshelf speakers: the premium Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II ($419) and the more affordable Klipsch Reference Series R-51M ($199).
Before diving into specifics, let's talk about what makes bookshelf speakers special. These compact speakers are designed to deliver high-quality sound from a smaller footprint than floor-standing towers. They're versatile enough for music or home theater use, and can be placed on stands, shelves, or mounted on walls.
The key things that matter in bookshelf speakers are:
The RP-500M II, released in 2022, represents Klipsch's latest speaker technology. It features their advanced Tractrix horn design (which helps direct sound more precisely to your ears) and uses premium materials like a cerametallic woofer. This fancy-sounding material combines ceramic and aluminum for rigidity without excess weight, resulting in cleaner bass and midrange sound.
The R-51M, introduced around 2020, uses more traditional materials but still incorporates Klipsch's horn technology. Its aluminum woofer is lighter than traditional paper cones but doesn't quite match the performance of the cerametallic design in the RP-500M II.
The RP-500M II reaches deeper into bass frequencies (down to 50Hz) with more control and punch. In practical terms, this means you'll hear more of the foundational notes in music, and explosions in movies will have more impact. The R-51M's bass rolls off earlier (around 62Hz) and isn't quite as tight, though it's still impressive for the price.
This is where the RP-500M II really shines. Voices sound more natural and instruments have better separation - you can more easily pick out individual instruments in complex passages. The R-51M is good but can sound a bit less refined, especially with complicated music.
Both speakers use Klipsch's horn-loaded tweeters, but the RP-500M II's titanium tweeter delivers cleaner, more detailed highs. The R-51M can sometimes sound a bit bright or harsh on certain recordings, though this has become a bit of a Klipsch signature sound that some listeners actually prefer.
In home theater use, the RP-500M II excels as front left/right speakers, delivering crisp dialogue and powerful dynamics for movie soundtracks. They pair especially well with Klipsch's center channels and can handle the demands of modern movie soundtracks with ease.
The R-51M makes an excellent choice for surround speakers or as the main speakers in a smaller room. They're particularly good for TV watching and casual music listening, though they might struggle a bit with very demanding classical music or heavy bass content.
Here's where things get interesting. At $419, the RP-500M II costs more than twice as much as the R-51M at $199. Are they worth the difference? It depends on your priorities:
For serious music listeners or home theater enthusiasts, the RP-500M II's advantages are worth the investment:
For casual listeners or those building a surround system on a budget, the R-51M offers tremendous value:
Consider these factors when making your choice:
Having spent time with both speakers, I find the RP-500M II's superior bass control and cleaner midrange make them the clear choice for serious listening. However, I've used the R-51M as surround speakers in a home theater setup, where they perform brilliantly and offer exceptional value.
The choice really comes down to your specific needs and budget. If you're serious about audio and can afford the RP-500M II, they're worth the investment. But if you're working with a tighter budget or building a surround system, the R-51M represents an excellent value that will serve you well for years to come.
Remember, both speakers carry Klipsch's excellent warranty and reputation for reliability. Whichever you choose, you'll be getting a quality product from one of the most respected names in audio.
| Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II ($419) | Klipsch Reference Series R-51M ($199) |
|---|---|
| Frequency Response - Determines how deep the bass goes and overall range | |
| 50-25kHz (fuller bass, better for music) | 62-21kHz (less bass extension, may need subwoofer) |
| Woofer Material - Affects sound clarity and distortion | |
| Cerametallic (premium material, cleaner bass) | Aluminum IMG (good but less rigid) |
| Tweeter Design - Impacts high frequency detail and clarity | |
| Titanium LTS with vented housing (superior detail) | Aluminum LTS (good but less refined) |
| Sensitivity - How easily an amp can drive them | |
| 92dB (easier to drive, works with most amps) | 93dB (similar efficiency) |
| Power Handling - Maximum volume capability | |
| 75W/300W continuous/peak (more headroom) | 85W/340W continuous/peak (similar capability) |
| Cabinet Construction - Affects resonance and sound quality | |
| Premium braced MDF, better internal dampening | Basic MDF construction |
| Port Design - Impacts bass performance and placement flexibility | |
| Advanced Tractrix port (more placement options) | Standard rear port (needs more space from walls) |
| Best Use Case - Primary application | |
| Main speakers, critical listening, larger rooms | Surrounds, casual listening, smaller rooms |
The Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II ($419) is superior for home theater use as main speakers, offering better dynamics and clearer dialogue. The Klipsch Reference R-51M ($199) works well as surrounds or in smaller rooms.
The RP-500M II costs $419, while the R-51M is priced at $199, making it less than half the price.
For home theater, yes. While the RP-500M II has better bass (down to 50Hz), both speakers benefit from a subwoofer for movie watching. The R-51M especially needs one for full-range sound.
The RP-500M II offers noticeably better music performance with clearer midrange and more controlled bass. The R-51M is good for casual listening but lacks the same refinement.
Both models can be wall mounted with appropriate brackets, though they perform better on stands or shelves due to their rear-firing ports.
The RP-500M II works well in medium to large rooms (up to 400 sq ft), while the R-51M is better suited for small to medium rooms (under 300 sq ft).
The R-51M works fine with budget receivers. The RP-500M II benefits from better amplification but still performs well with mid-range receivers.
Yes, they can be mixed. Many users pair RP-500M II speakers as fronts with R-51M as surrounds for a cost-effective solution.
The RP-500M II provides clearer dialogue reproduction due to its superior midrange performance and better driver technology.
Both are well-built, but the RP-500M II uses more premium materials and should last longer. The R-51M is still durable but may need replacement sooner.
Both models benefit from about 20-30 hours of normal use to reach optimal performance, though the difference is subtle.
Yes, both work well for gaming, but the RP-500M II offers better directional accuracy and detail, while the R-51M is still competent for casual gaming.
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: 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 - cnet.com - youtube.com - community.klipsch.com - klipsch.com - catchgroove.com - techx.com.my - audiovideoplus.ca - target.com - crutchfield.com - voitektv.com - d2um2qdswy1tb0.cloudfront.net
