When diving into the world of high-performance bookshelf speakers, two models that often come up in discussions are the Revel Concerta2 M16 ($900/pair) and the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M ($500/pair). These speakers represent different philosophies in sound reproduction, and choosing between them reveals a lot about what matters most in your listening experience.
Bookshelf speakers remain a cornerstone of high-quality audio systems, offering an excellent balance of performance and practicality. Unlike tower speakers, they can fit in almost any room while still delivering impressive sound quality. The key is understanding what makes a bookshelf speaker excel at its job.
Modern bookshelf speakers have benefited from significant advances in materials science and computer-aided design. Both the Revel M16 and Klipsch RP-500M showcase these improvements, though in different ways.
The Revel M16 takes a decidedly neutral approach, aiming for accuracy above all else. Its aluminum dome tweeter and special waveguide (which helps control how sound spreads into the room) create a precise, detailed sound that's remarkably true to the original recording. Think of it like a high-resolution monitor for your ears – it shows you exactly what's in the recording, without adding its own "flavor" to the sound.
In contrast, the Klipsch RP-500M delivers a more dynamic, engaging presentation. Its horn-loaded tweeter (a special design that increases efficiency and controls sound dispersion) and cerametallic woofer combine to create an exciting, forward sound that makes music feel more immediate and impactful. It's like the difference between watching a movie in standard mode versus vivid mode – the Klipsch adds more "pop" to the presentation.
Here's where the price difference between these speakers becomes apparent. The Revel's more expensive drivers and sophisticated crossover network (which determines which frequencies go to which speaker drivers) allow it to reveal more subtle details in music. You'll hear things like the subtle decay of cymbal hits or the breath of a vocalist more clearly.
The Klipsch isn't far behind in detail retrieval, but it presents information differently. Its horn-loaded tweeter emphasizes the leading edge of sounds, making transitions more dramatic and immediate. This can make some types of music, particularly rock and electronic genres, feel more exciting and dynamic.
Both speakers handle bass differently. The Revel M16 extends down to about 55Hz with remarkable control and accuracy. Its bass is tight and well-defined, though it might not feel as immediately impressive as the Klipsch's presentation.
The Klipsch RP-500M reaches slightly lower (48Hz) and presents bass with more apparent impact, thanks to its higher sensitivity and different port tuning. In home theater applications, this can make movie explosions and action scenes feel more visceral, even without a subwoofer.
This is a crucial difference between these speakers. The Revel's 86dB sensitivity means it needs more power to reach the same volume levels as the Klipsch. You'll want at least 50 watts per channel of clean power to get the best performance.
The Klipsch, with its 93dB sensitivity, is much easier to drive. It can reach satisfying volume levels with as little as 15-20 watts per channel, making it more forgiving with budget amplifiers or receivers.
The Revel's sophisticated waveguide design means it's more forgiving of room placement. You can position these speakers with more flexibility while maintaining good sound quality. They also maintain their tonal balance better when listening off-axis (not directly in front of the speakers).
The Klipsch speakers are more directional, requiring more careful placement to get the best performance. They typically work best aimed directly at the listening position, though this focused dispersion can actually be an advantage in rooms with challenging acoustics.
At nearly twice the price, the Revel M16 needs to deliver significantly better performance to justify its cost. For critical listeners and those seeking the most accurate reproduction of their music, it does. The superior build quality, more sophisticated drivers, and more neutral presentation make it a speaker you can live with long-term without fatigue.
The Klipsch RP-500M represents exceptional value, especially for those who prefer a more exciting, dynamic presentation. It's particularly well-suited for home theater use, where its efficiency and dynamic capabilities make movie watching more immersive.
Choose the Revel M16 if:
Choose the Klipsch RP-500M if:
The final choice often comes down to personal preference and intended use. Both speakers represent excellent options in their respective price ranges, and both can provide years of listening enjoyment. The key is matching their characteristics to your specific needs and preferences.
Consider auditioning both speakers if possible, using familiar music and content. This will give you the clearest picture of which presentation style you prefer and which speaker will bring you the most long-term satisfaction in your specific listening environment.
| Revel Concerta2 M16 | Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M |
|---|---|
| Price - Investment consideration | |
| $900/pair | $500/pair |
| Sensitivity - Impacts amplifier power needs | |
| 86 dB - Requires more powerful amp (50W+ recommended) | 93 dB - Easy to drive, works with modest amps (20W+) |
| Frequency Response - Determines bass depth and overall range | |
| 55Hz - 20kHz (±3dB) - Tighter, more controlled bass | 48Hz - 25kHz (±3dB) - Deeper bass extension |
| Woofer Design - Affects bass character and midrange clarity | |
| 6.5" Aluminum cone - More neutral, precise response | 5.25" Cerametallic - More dynamic, punchy character |
| Tweeter Design - Influences treble detail and dispersion | |
| 1" Aluminum dome with acoustic lens waveguide - More even dispersion | 1" Titanium with Tractrix horn - More focused, dynamic presentation |
| Impedance - Affects amplifier compatibility | |
| 6 ohms - More demanding on amplifiers | 8 ohms - More amplifier-friendly |
| Power Handling - Maximum volume capability | |
| 120W recommended - Good for medium rooms | 300W peak - Excellent for larger spaces |
| Cabinet Size - Space consideration | |
| 14.75" x 8.6" x 10.76" - Larger cabinet | 13.5" x 6.81" x 9.5" - More compact |
| Primary Strength - Key differentiator | |
| Reference-level accuracy and detail retrieval | Dynamic, engaging presentation with high efficiency |
| Best Use Case - Optimal application | |
| Critical listening, acoustic music, accurate reproduction | Home theater, rock/pop music, higher volume levels |
The Revel Concerta2 M16 offers higher build quality and more refined sound reproduction, reflecting its higher price point. However, the Klipsch RP-500M delivers excellent quality for its price range, making it a strong value proposition.
The Klipsch RP-500M generally performs better for home theater due to its higher sensitivity, more dynamic sound, and ability to play louder with less power. The horn design also helps with dialog clarity in movies.
The Klipsch RP-500M is easier to drive, working well with modest amplifiers (20+ watts). The Revel M16 needs more power (50+ watts) and benefits from higher quality amplification.
The Klipsch RP-500M extends slightly lower to 48Hz with more punch, while the Revel M16 reaches 55Hz with tighter, more controlled bass. Both benefit from a subwoofer for full-range sound.
Both excel at music but differently. The Revel M16 offers more accurate, neutral reproduction ideal for acoustic and classical music. The Klipsch RP-500M provides more exciting, dynamic performance better suited for rock and pop.
Both work well in small rooms, but the Klipsch RP-500M has a slightly smaller footprint. The Revel M16 has better off-axis response, which can be beneficial in tight spaces.
While both speakers perform well on their own, a subwoofer would benefit either model for full-range music or home theater use. The choice depends more on room size and listening preferences than the speakers themselves.
Both speakers are well-built and durable. The Revel M16 uses premium materials throughout, while the Klipsch RP-500M features robust construction at a lower price point.
The Klipsch RP-500M includes keyhole mounting options. The Revel M16 requires separate mounting brackets. However, both perform best on stands or shelves.
The Klipsch RP-500M offers exceptional value at $500/pair. While the Revel M16 delivers superior performance in some areas, its $900/pair price requires a bigger investment.
Both speakers perform well with streaming services. The Revel M16 may reveal more flaws in lower-quality streams, while the Klipsch RP-500M tends to be more forgiving.
The Revel M16 comes with a 5-year warranty, while the Klipsch RP-500M includes a 5-year warranty on passive speakers and a 3-year warranty on the horn compression driver.
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: audioholics.com - upscaleaudio.com - crutchfield.com - audiosciencereview.com - musicdirect.com - audiolab.com - crutchfield.com - crutchfield.com - avstore.in - speakerdata2034.blogspot.com - spacehifi.com.au - 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
