When you're looking for high-quality bookshelf speakers, Klipsch's Reference Premiere line offers some compelling choices. Today we'll compare the newer RP-600M II ($649) with the RP-500M ($299) to help you decide which makes more sense for your setup.
Before diving into specifics, let's talk about what makes bookshelf speakers important. These compact but capable speakers serve as the foundation of many home audio systems, whether for music listening or home theater use. Despite their name, they actually perform best on proper speaker stands, away from walls and shelves that can color their sound.
Key aspects to consider include:
The RP-500M was released in 2018 as part of Klipsch's Reference Premiere lineup, while the RP-600M II arrived in 2022 with several technical improvements. Klipsch focused on refining their signature horn design and improving driver performance in the newer model.
The most significant updates in the RP-600M II include:
The RP-600M II uses a larger 6.5-inch woofer compared to the RP-500M's 5.25-inch driver. This isn't just about size - it means the 600M II can move more air and play louder without strain. The power handling capabilities reflect this: 100 watts RMS for the 600M II versus 75 watts for the 500M.
Thanks to its larger woofer and cabinet, the RP-600M II reaches down to 44Hz, while the RP-500M stops at 48Hz. This might seem like a small difference on paper, but it's noticeable when listening to music with deep bass content. If you're not planning to use a subwoofer, this could be a deciding factor.
The RP-600M II works better in larger rooms, thanks to its increased power handling and output capabilities. For rooms larger than 200 square feet, it's often the better choice. The RP-500M excels in smaller spaces where its more modest output is still plenty sufficient.
Both speakers share Klipsch's signature sound profile, which tends toward a lively, dynamic presentation. This comes from their horn-loaded tweeters, which help create:
The RP-600M II offers more refinement in this regard. Its larger horn and improved driver design deliver smoother treble and more controlled bass. The midrange, where most vocals and instruments live, benefits from reduced distortion thanks to the new shorting rings in the woofer.
The RP-500M still delivers impressive performance for its price point. While it may not match the absolute refinement of its newer sibling, it maintains excellent clarity and dynamics that have made it a popular choice since its release.
When considering home theater use, both speakers work well as front left/right channels. The RP-600M II has some advantages:
However, the RP-500M remains an excellent choice, especially when:
At $649, the RP-600M II represents a significant investment. You're paying for:
The RP-500M at $299 offers exceptional value, delivering:
Consider these factors in order of importance:
Both speakers represent different sweet spots in Klipsch's lineup. The RP-600M II showcases their latest technology and best performance in a bookshelf format. The RP-500M delivers much of what makes Klipsch special at a more accessible price point.
For most users in average-sized rooms using a subwoofer, the RP-500M makes the most sense. Its performance-to-price ratio is exceptional, and its limitations are easily addressed with proper system integration.
However, if you're seeking the best performance possible in a bookshelf speaker, the RP-600M II's improvements are meaningful and noticeable. Its better bass extension, smoother treble, and higher output capability make it the superior technical performer.
Remember: both models benefit from proper positioning on stands, away from walls, and careful amplifier matching. Their high sensitivity makes them easy to drive, but they deserve quality power to perform their best.
| Klipsch RP-600M II ($649) | Klipsch RP-500M ($299) |
|---|---|
| Woofer Size - Larger woofer means better bass extension and higher output capability | |
| 6.5" Cerametallic (excellent for larger rooms) | 5.25" Cerametallic (ideal for small/medium rooms) |
| Frequency Response - Lower number means deeper bass without a subwoofer | |
| 44-25,000 Hz (±3dB) | 48-25,000 Hz (±3dB) |
| Power Handling - Higher power handling allows for louder playback without distortion | |
| 100W RMS (handles dynamic peaks better) | 75W RMS (sufficient for most listening) |
| Sensitivity - Higher number means speaker plays louder with same power input | |
| 94dB @ 2.83V/1m (extremely efficient) | 93dB @ 2.83V/1m (very efficient) |
| Cabinet Size - Impacts room placement and bass performance | |
| 15.8" x 8" x 13.1" (requires more space) | 13.5" x 6.8" x 9.5" (more placement flexible) |
| Design Features - Latest improvements affect sound quality | |
| Updated horn design, larger voice coil, improved bracing (2022 model) | Original horn design, standard voice coil (2018 model) |
| Price/Performance - Value proposition depends on room size and usage | |
| Higher cost but better performance for larger rooms and critical listening | Excellent value for smaller rooms and typical listening distances |
The RP-600M II ($649) performs better for movies due to its deeper bass extension and higher output capability. However, if you're using a subwoofer, the RP-500M ($299) will work equally well for most home theaters.
While both can operate without a subwoofer, most home theater setups benefit from one. The RP-600M II reaches deeper bass (44Hz vs 48Hz), making it slightly better without a sub, but for true home theater impact, adding a subwoofer is recommended with either model.
The RP-500M is ideal for smaller rooms under 200 square feet. Its more compact size and slightly lower output are perfect for intimate spaces, while the RP-600M II might be overkill in such environments.
Yes, both models excel at music and movies. The RP-600M II offers more refinement and dynamic range, while the RP-500M delivers similar Klipsch signature sound at a lower price point.
The main differences are driver size (6.5" vs 5.25"), power handling (100W vs 75W RMS), and cabinet size. The RP-600M II also features newer technology with improved horn design and driver components compared to the RP-500M.
While both can serve as surrounds, the RP-500M is typically a better choice due to its smaller size and lower cost. The RP-600M II might be overkill for surround duties.
No, both speakers are highly efficient (93-94dB sensitivity). The RP-500M and RP-600M II will perform well with most modern receivers, though they'll benefit from quality amplification.
The RP-500M offers better value for most users, especially in smaller rooms or when using a subwoofer. The RP-600M II justifies its higher price mainly in larger rooms or for critical listening.
While both can be wall-mounted, it's not recommended for optimal performance. Both the RP-600M II and RP-500M perform best on proper speaker stands away from walls.
Both speakers excel at dialogue reproduction due to their horn-loaded tweeters. The RP-600M II has a slightly more refined midrange, but the RP-500M performs nearly as well for this purpose.
Yes, both models integrate well into Dolby Atmos systems as front left/right speakers. The RP-600M II and RP-500M match perfectly with other Klipsch Reference Premiere speakers for a cohesive sound field.
The RP-500M handles 75W RMS while the RP-600M II manages 100W RMS. However, due to their high sensitivity, both speakers can play loud with as little as 50 watts per channel from a quality amplifier.
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 - crutchfield.com - walts.com - audiosciencereview.com - therobinsonbrand.com - youtube.com - klipsch.com - abt.com - qobuz.com - bhphotovideo.com - youtube.com - support.klipsch.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
