When it comes to high-quality sound in a compact package, bookshelf speakers remain a popular choice for both music lovers and home theater enthusiasts. Today, we're comparing two standout options from Klipsch's Reference Premiere II series: the RP-500M II ($419) and the RP-600M II ($600), both released in late 2021 as updates to their successful predecessors.
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what makes bookshelf speakers special. Despite their name, these speakers rarely end up on actual bookshelves - they're typically placed on dedicated stands or mounted on walls. Their compact size makes them ideal for smaller rooms while still delivering impressive sound quality.
The key to getting great sound from bookshelf speakers lies in understanding a few basics:
The RP-500M II uses a 5.25" woofer (the larger driver that handles bass and midrange frequencies) and can handle up to 75 watts RMS (continuous power). Its bigger sibling, the RP-600M II, sports a 6.5" woofer and manages 100 watts RMS. This difference might seem small, but it has significant implications for both sound quality and room matching.
Think of it like this: the larger woofer can move more air, which means better bass response and higher volume capabilities. However, bigger isn't always better - it depends entirely on your space and needs.
After extensive listening tests, these speakers show distinct personalities:
The RP-500M II offers:
The RP-600M II provides:
The RP-500M II really shines in smaller to medium-sized rooms (up to about 200 square feet). Its more neutral character makes it excellent for accurate music reproduction - you'll hear the music more as it was recorded, without additional coloration.
In home theater use, these speakers work particularly well in 5.1 or 7.1 systems where a subwoofer handles the deepest bass. Their excellent midrange clarity makes dialogue especially crisp and natural.
The RP-600M II takes everything up a notch. The larger woofer provides more impactful bass, which you'll notice particularly on music with strong bass lines or movie soundtracks with explosive effects. In rooms larger than 200 square feet, this additional capability becomes more important.
For home theater use, these speakers can handle lower crossover points with your subwoofer (the frequency where the subwoofer takes over), potentially providing a more seamless blend between speakers and sub.
Both models represent significant upgrades over their predecessors:
Both speakers use Klipsch's improved horn-loaded tweeter design (the smaller driver handling high frequencies). The new design reduces harshness in the high frequencies - a complaint some had with earlier models.
The Cerametallic woofers (made with a ceramic-coated aluminum material) now feature:
The cabinets retain their solid MDF construction but now feature:
The price difference between these speakers (about $180) raises an important question: is the upgrade worth it?
For the RP-500M II ($419):
For the RP-600M II ($600):
Both speakers excel in home theater applications, but they serve slightly different needs:
Consider choosing the RP-500M II if:
Go for the RP-600M II if:
Both speakers represent excellent value in their respective price ranges. The RP-500M II offers tremendous performance for most users and rooms, while the RP-600M II justifies its premium for those needing its additional capabilities.
Remember, speaker choice is personal - if possible, try to audition both models in person. Many dealers offer home trials, which can be invaluable in making the right choice for your specific situation.
| Klipsch RP-500M II ($419) | Klipsch RP-600M II ($600) |
|---|---|
| Woofer Size - Larger woofers provide better bass response and volume capability | |
| 5.25" Cerametallic (ideal for small-medium rooms) | 6.5" Cerametallic (better for larger rooms) |
| Power Handling - Determines compatibility with your amplifier and maximum volume | |
| 75W RMS (works well with modest amps) | 100W RMS (requires more powerful amplification) |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass reproduction | |
| 50-25kHz ±3dB (needs subwoofer for deep bass) | 44-25kHz ±3dB (better standalone bass performance) |
| Sensitivity - Higher numbers mean speaker plays louder with same power input | |
| 92dB @ 2.83V/1m (efficient, easy to drive) | 94dB @ 2.83V/1m (very efficient, gets louder easily) |
| Cabinet Size - Impacts placement flexibility and room integration | |
| 13.56" x 6.81" x 10.65" (more placement options) | 15.81" x 8" x 13.06" (needs more space) |
| Weight - Heavier often means better build quality and cabinet bracing | |
| 13.1 lbs each (easier to mount/position) | 18.1 lbs each (more substantial build) |
| Best Use Case - Consider your primary listening scenario | |
| Small-medium rooms, accurate sound, budget-conscious | Larger rooms, dynamic sound, bass-focused listening |
The Klipsch RP-500M II ($419) is ideal for small home theater rooms under 200 square feet. Its 5.25" woofer provides balanced sound without overwhelming smaller spaces, and it's easier to position for optimal surround sound setup.
The RP-600M II ($600) justifies its higher price if you have a larger room or prioritize bass performance. For most users in average-sized rooms, the RP-500M II offers better value.
The RP-600M II performs better without a subwoofer due to its larger 6.5" woofer and deeper bass extension. The RP-500M II benefits more from adding a subwoofer, especially for home theater use.
The RP-500M II is more forgiving with budget amplifiers due to its lower power requirements. The RP-600M II benefits from more powerful amplification to reach its full potential.
Both models work well as surrounds, but the RP-500M II is often preferred due to its smaller size and easier placement. The RP-600M II might be overkill for surround duty.
Both speakers excel at dialogue reproduction thanks to Klipsch's horn technology, but the RP-500M II offers slightly better midrange clarity and integration.
The RP-600M II handles higher volumes better and offers more headroom for dynamic movie scenes. The RP-500M II is sufficient for normal listening levels but may reach its limits with very loud content.
Both speakers match well with other Klipsch Reference Premiere series speakers, but the RP-500M II is more commonly used in complete home theater setups due to its value and versatility.
Yes, both the RP-500M II and RP-600M II perform best on proper speaker stands for optimal sound quality and imaging. Wall mounting is also possible with appropriate brackets.
The RP-600M II offers more engaging musical performance with better bass and dynamics. However, the RP-500M II provides more accurate, neutral sound reproduction that some listeners prefer.
The RP-600M II is better suited for open floor plans due to its higher output capability and stronger bass performance. The RP-500M II is better for more contained spaces.
Both speakers use rear ports and perform best when placed at least 6-12 inches from walls. The RP-500M II is more flexible with placement due to its smaller size, while the RP-600M II may require more space optimization.
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 - erinsaudiocorner.com - crutchfield.com - walts.com - audiosciencereview.com - therobinsonbrand.com - youtube.com - klipsch.com - abt.com - qobuz.com - bhphotovideo.com - youtube.com - support.klipsch.com
