Choosing Between the Revel M16 and Klipsch RP-500M II: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to bookshelf speakers around $1000, the Revel Concerta2 M16 and Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II represent two different philosophies in speaker design. While both aim to deliver high-quality sound, they take distinctly different approaches. Let's dive into what makes each special and help you decide which might work best for your needs.

Understanding Bookshelf Speakers in 2023

Bookshelf speakers remain the sweet spot for many audio enthusiasts, offering an excellent balance between performance and practicality. Unlike tower speakers, they're easier to position and often deliver better value in terms of pure sound quality per dollar. However, they do require more careful placement and typically need stands for optimal performance.

The ideal bookshelf speaker should disappear acoustically, creating a soundstage that extends beyond the physical location of the speakers. Both the M16 and RP-500M II achieve this, but through different methods.

Design Philosophy and Technology

Revel's Approach

The Revel M16, released in 2016, builds on Harman's extensive research into what makes speakers sound good to most listeners. Their acoustic lens waveguide (a specially shaped housing around the tweeter) helps control sound dispersion, creating a more consistent listening experience across a wider area. This is particularly important if you have multiple listening positions or want the sound to remain balanced as you move around the room.

The M16's 6.5" aluminum woofer and 1" aluminum dome tweeter are designed for accuracy above all else. The crossover frequency at 2.1kHz is carefully chosen to ensure seamless integration between the drivers, meaning you can't tell where the woofer stops and tweeter begins.

Klipsch's Innovation

The RP-500M II, released in 2022, represents Klipsch's latest refinement of their horn-loaded tweeter design. Their Tractrix horn (the distinctive copper-colored housing around the tweeter) increases efficiency and controls sound dispersion differently than Revel's waveguide. The horn loading makes the speakers more efficient, meaning they need less power to play loud.

The 5.25" Cerametallic woofer is lighter and stiffer than traditional materials, allowing for faster response to musical signals. The vented tweeter design reduces unwanted resonances behind the dome, resulting in cleaner high frequencies.

Real-World Performance

Sound Character

The M16 produces a notably neutral, accurate sound. Vocals sound natural and uncolored, while instruments maintain their proper tonal balance. The speaker excels at reproducing acoustic music, where you can hear the subtle differences between similar instruments. The trade-off is that it can sometimes sound less exciting with rock or electronic music compared to more colored speakers.

The RP-500M II offers a more dynamic, forward presentation. The horn-loaded tweeter projects high frequencies with more immediacy, making details in the music more apparent. This can be especially engaging with rock, pop, and movie soundtracks. However, some listeners might find this presentation too aggressive for long listening sessions with certain types of music.

Room Integration

Room placement makes a significant difference with both speakers, but they have different requirements:

The M16 benefits from careful positioning, ideally 2-3 feet from walls, with the speakers angled toward the listening position. They perform best in small to medium-sized rooms and reward careful setup with precise imaging (the ability to locate instruments in space).

The RP-500M II is more forgiving of placement and room acoustics. The horn design helps control where the sound goes, making them less sensitive to room reflections. They can work well in larger spaces and maintain their dynamic character even when not perfectly positioned.

Bass Performance

Despite being bookshelf speakers, both models deliver impressive low-frequency performance:

The M16 extends down to 45Hz (-10dB), with tight, accurate bass that prioritizes quality over quantity. The bass aligns perfectly with the midrange, creating a cohesive sound that works well for acoustic music and jazz.

The RP-500M II's bass is punchier and more prominent, though it doesn't extend quite as low (50Hz, -3dB). This makes it more exciting for rock music and movie effects, though slightly less accurate for acoustic bass instruments.

Value Considerations

The Revel M16 typically sells for around $900 per pair but can often be found for less. The Klipsch RP-500M II usually retails for about $700 per pair. Both represent good value in their price range, but for different reasons.

The M16's value lies in its exceptional accuracy and refined sound quality. If you're building a system primarily for music listening and can provide adequate amplification (at least 50 watts per channel recommended), they're worth the investment.

The RP-500M II offers excellent performance for home theater and energetic music listening. Their higher sensitivity means they'll work well with more modest amplifiers, potentially saving money on associated equipment.

Home Theater Applications

For home theater use, both speakers have their merits. The RP-500M II might have a slight edge due to its dynamic capabilities and ability to play loud with less power. The horn design also helps with dialogue clarity and special effects impact.

The M16 excels at accuracy and detail retrieval, which can be beneficial for complex movie soundtracks. However, they require more powerful amplification to achieve the same volume levels as the Klipsch.

How to Decide

Choose the Revel M16 if you:

• Prioritize absolute accuracy and natural sound
• Have quality amplification
• Listen primarily to acoustic, classical, or jazz music
• Want the most neutral presentation
• Can optimize speaker placement and room acoustics

Choose the Klipsch RP-500M II if you:

• Want more dynamic, engaging sound
• Have a larger room
• Use a modest amplifier
• Listen primarily to rock, pop, or movies
• Prefer a more forward, exciting presentation

Remember that both speakers are excellent performers in their price range. The choice ultimately comes down to your personal preferences, listening habits, and existing equipment. Consider auditioning both if possible, as personal listening experiences often tell you more than specifications ever could.

Revel Concerta2 M16 Bookshelf Speaker Deals and Prices

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II Bookshelf Speakers Deals and Prices