The Klipsch RP-500M and RP-500M II are both bookshelf speakers in the company’s Reference Premiere series. They are very similar in terms of design and specifications, but there are a few key differences.
Design
Both speakers have a two-way design with a 5.25-inch Cerametallic woofer and a 1-inch titanium horn tweeter. The woofer is made of a proprietary ceramic/aluminum hybrid material that is lightweight and rigid, resulting in excellent bass response and clarity. The tweeter is horn-loaded, which means that it is coupled to a waveguide that helps to focus and amplify the sound. This results in a very crisp and clear high-frequency response.
The RP-500M II has a few minor cosmetic changes compared to the original RP-500M. The new speaker has a more modern look with a black matte finish and a new logo. The binding posts have also been upgraded to gold-plated connectors.
Specifications
Here is a table comparing the specifications of the Klipsch RP-500M and RP-500M II:
| Specification | Klipsch RP-500M | Klipsch RP-500M II |
|---|---|---|
| Speaker type | Two-way bookshelf | Two-way bookshelf |
| Woofer size | 5.25 inches | 5.25 inches |
| Tweeter size | 1 inch | 1 inch |
| Frequency response | 50 Hz – 25 kHz (±3 dB) | 50 Hz – 25 kHz (±3 dB) |
| Crossover frequency | 1530 Hz | 1530 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 92 dB | 92 dB |
| Power handling | 75 W RMS, 300 W peak | 75 W RMS, 300 W peak |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 12.25 x 7.5 x 10.75 inches | 12.25 x 7.5 x 10.75 inches |
| Weight | 12.5 pounds each | 12.5 pounds each |
Performance
The Klipsch RP-500M and RP-500M II are both excellent-sounding speakers. They offer a wide soundstage, excellent imaging, and clear and detailed sound reproduction.
The RP-500M II has a slightly more refined sound than the original RP-500M. The bass is more extended and the highs are more detailed. The overall sound is more balanced and natural.
Which one should you buy?
If you are looking for a pair of high-quality bookshelf speakers, either the Klipsch RP-500M or RP-500M II would be a great choice. However, if you are looking for the absolute best sound quality, the RP-500M II is the better option. It offers a slightly more refined and balanced sound than the original RP-500M.
Here is a summary of the key differences between the two speakers:
- The RP-500M II has a more modern look with a black matte finish and a new logo.
- The RP-500M II has gold-plated binding posts.
- The RP-500M II has a slightly more refined sound with extended bass and more detailed highs.
