Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II Ebony Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II Ebony Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II Bookshelf Speakers Pair

(13 customer reviews)

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II bookshelf speakers: a 1-inch titanium tweeter on a 90 x 90 degree hybrid Tractrix horn, a 5.25-inch Cerametallic woofer, a rear-firing Tractrix port, 50 Hz to 25 kHz (±3 dB), 8 ohm compatible, 75 W continuous / 300 W peak. Klipsch quotes 92 dB sensitivity (an in-room figure); Erin’s Audio Corner measured about 85 dB anechoic, so give them an amplifier with real power. Single binding posts, 13.56 x 6.81 x 10.65 in, 13 lb each. Read our RP-500M II roundup of independent reviews. Price and finish on Amazon below.

Audiophile community verdict: See r/BudgetAudiophile RP-500M discussions

$389.99

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Video Review

Klipsch RP-500M II: horn-loaded bookshelf speakers with a lively top end

The RP-500M II is the second generation of Klipsch’s Reference Premiere bookshelf. It pairs a 1-inch titanium tweeter on a larger 90 x 90 degree hybrid Tractrix horn with a 5.25-inch Cerametallic woofer in a vinyl-finished MDF cabinet. Klipsch lists a 1530 Hz crossover, 50 Hz to 25 kHz (±3 dB) response, and a single pair of aluminum binding posts. Our RP-500M II review roundup collects Erin’s Audio Corner’s measurements and the other independent sources.

What to know before you buy

  • Sensitivity: Klipsch gives 92 dB at 2.83 V / 1 m and calls it an in-room figure. Erin’s Audio Corner measured about 85 dB anechoic, which is typical for a bookshelf speaker this size, so do not count on a tiny amplifier.
  • Power handling: 75 W continuous / 300 W peak; 8 ohm compatible.
  • Bass: Erin measured it 3 dB down at 68.8 Hz and 6 dB down at 60.1 Hz, and says a subwoofer helps. Klipsch quotes 50 Hz (±3 dB).
  • Treble: Erin found a lifted treble with a peak around 10 to 15 kHz. Klipsch’s manual suggests slight toe-in; Erin recommends toeing the speakers out. Try both.
  • Size and weight: 13.56 in high, 6.81 in wide, 10.65 in deep (34.4 x 17.3 x 27.0 cm), 13 lb (5.95 kg) each.

Who it’s for

Listeners who want dynamic, forward speakers for stereo or as front speakers in a small home theater, and who are happy to add a subwoofer. Alternatives we sell: the larger RP-600M II, the Polk Signature Elite ES20 and the HiVi-Swans D3.1 MkII.

Who should skip it

Skip it if you want a warm, laid-back or strictly neutral speaker. Owners report that it sounds bright with harsh amplifiers or poor recordings.

Common questions

What amplifier should I pair with it? Klipsch rates 75 W continuous at 8 ohm, and the measured sensitivity is about 85 dB, so choose an amplifier with real power. Our roundup includes pairing arithmetic and amplifiers we sell.

Do I need a subwoofer? For music at moderate levels in a small room it can be enough; for movies, hip-hop or EDM, or at higher volume, a subwoofer is the safer choice.

Which warranty applies? Klipsch gives a 5-year limited warranty on passive speakers, valid when bought from Klipsch or an authorized dealer, so confirm the seller before you buy.

Where to buy

The button below opens the RP-500M II listing on Amazon. Check the finish, seller and return terms there.

SKU: B09V5QVDRS Category: Brand:
Summary of Amazon owner reviews as of August 2026 and of independent reviews as of 2026-10-31. It leans positive because it covers mostly five-star reviews, and it is not our own testing. Details and sources are in our RP-500M II review roundup.

What owners report

  • Dynamic, clear highs and a lively sound.
  • Strong results on modest amplifiers.
  • A furniture-style finish.
  • A good fit as front speakers in a home theater.
  • Many call the bass punchy for the size. Erin's Audio Corner measured a roll-off below roughly 60 to 70 Hz, and both can be true: punch and depth are different things.

Critical notes

  • Brightness. The sound turns bright with harsh amplifiers or poor recordings and can tire some listeners. Erin measured a treble peak around 10 to 15 kHz.
  • Placement. The rear port needs space from the wall, and stands matter.
  • Not a warm or strictly neutral speaker.
  • Confirm the model. Make sure the listing is the II, not the first RP-500M, and that the seller is Klipsch or an authorized dealer.

Related

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Specification

BrandKlipsch
ModelRP-500M II
SeriesReference Premiere II
Speaker Type2-way passive bookshelf speaker, bass reflex with rear-firing Tractrix port
Tweeter1-inch titanium LTS on a 90 x 90 degree hybrid Tractrix horn
Woofer5.25-inch Cerametallic cone with Faraday rings
Crossover1530 Hz
Frequency Response50 Hz - 25 kHz, ±3 dB (Klipsch)
Sensitivity92 dB at 2.83 V / 1 m (Klipsch, in-room figure); about 85 dB anechoic per Erin's Audio Corner
Impedance8 ohm compatible
Power Handling75 W continuous / 300 W peak
InputsSingle aluminum binding posts
EnclosureInternally braced MDF, vinyl finish
FinishEbony (as listed)
Dimensions13.56 in H x 6.81 in W x 10.65 in D (34.4 x 17.3 x 27.0 cm)
Weight13 lb (5.95 kg) each
Warranty5-year limited (valid when bought from Klipsch or an authorized dealer)

Based on 13 reviews

4.6 overall
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  1. Nello Beni –

    Im using the RP-500 mII’s with the Reisong A10…6watts per channel in a small apartment…I gotta say this sound is what ya call “high end”….
    Trust me Ive paid way more for way less more than once….very good stuff

    Nello Beni –

  2. A.V –

    Ditched my Fluance Signature speakers for these. I am using these as B speakers and rears for my system. These speakers are paired with the Klipsch 600 II, Klipsch 400C center speaker, and the Klipsch 10″ sub. These speakers have been a nice addition with better base than I expected. Very well made and nice looking from a very reputable company. I would recommend these for a small to medium sized room as rear or surround speakers.

    A.V –

  3. gary amrine –

    My hobbie for over 20 years has been speakers. These are amazing for the money. You will get diminishing returns . You don’t need to spend more than this unless you are loaded. They sound great. Highs are very crisp , vocals are clear and have natural weight and just float out in the room. Mids and instruments have good separation. Movies seem reel and open and you can hear. Clear vocals. Very impressed for the money

    gary amrine –

  4. CJ –

    I bought these Klipsch RP500 II used-like new and they showed up in all the original packaging, never opened or used, undamaged and saved like $150-$200.
    The connections is just simple positive/negative that I used banana plugs for, but they will do straight wire. There is no power cord needed. I had to extend my speaker wire because the cable ports are at the bottom of the speaker , and if installed without the extension the speakers would touch the ceiling.
    Be careful unscrewing the pos/neg connectors too. I dropped one in the back of the speaker and it was a nightmare to get out and had to take apart the speaker, but that was easy and it did no damage.
    I also used the Mount-It! Wall mounts, so I could rotate the speakers in and they also worked great with this product. No vibration issues.
    As for the speakers, they are absolutely worth the money for either your first set or as upgrades. The sound is so much more clear and bass-y than before. It really gives my 20’x20’ room a move theater sound. I was thinking about getting the RP600s, but I really think it would not be necessary now after several months of use and my size of space.

    CJ –

  5. Daniel –

    My Experience with These Speakers

    When I was looking for bookshelf speakers, I wanted something with lively, dynamic sound, good bass even without a subwoofer, and not too demanding on an amplifier. After a long decision-making process, I chose the Klipsch RP-500M II – and I must say, I am very satisfied with them.

    Could this be an issue for someone? If you prefer a completely neutral sound, Klipsch has a slightly “V-shaped” sound profile – with stronger bass and treble compared to mids. However, I like it because I prefer a more vibrant sound.

    They look great – The finish is elegant, and the grille is magnetic.

    I use them with (fill in your amplifier), and they perform excellently. Klipsch speakers have high sensitivity (93 dB), so even a less powerful amplifier can drive them. However, a high-quality amplifier enhances the bass and details even further.

    Summary – I am very satisfied!

    Daniel –

  6. Gregorious –

    These speakers are little powerhouse’s.they sound superb.I have a pair upstairs and a pair downstairs.Amazing sound for such little speakers. I think they go down to 40hz, which is plenty low for me.You could always pair them with a subwoofer if you need super lows.They are also good looking.one of my pairs is wood colored and the other pair are black. Both equally good. I would purchase them again.

    Gregorious –

  7. JD –

    delivering clear highs, detailed mids, and surprisingly punchy bass thanks to the Cerametallic woofer and Tractrix horn design. They’re easy to drive with good sensitivity and sound great for music or movies in medium-sized rooms.

    JD –

  8. Daniel LaCroix –

    Son altavoces que se escuchan muy bien cuando estas viendo una pelicula o escuchando musica. La calidad de los materiales con los que estan hechos se ven muy bien.

    Daniel LaCroix –

  9. Alex D –

    These look a lot bigger in pictures than in person but they sound wonderful. The imaging is immaculate and they have that bright detailed Klipsch sound. I use them in my 5.1 setup but often I will use them in direct stereo as the imaging is so good. They produce a respectable amount of bass for their size but I would recommend a subwoofer for the best experience. I am very satisfied with my purchase. Bear in mind that these are quite bright, as in treble. I’m 51 and I can’t hear above 14000hz so if I find them bright, they are quite bright. In a way it enhances the detailed sound. For my ears these are truly excellent.

    Alex D –

  10. Gregorious –

    I love the clarity of these speakers in comparison to others.

    After purchasing HD6 speakers and listening to them, I realized the silk dome tweeters they had were too soft and they would muffle the clarity of the high frequencies. For example: it was difficult for me to distinguish the clear sound of a high-hat symbol even when playing music on CD. Even DVD movies sounded muffled. Very frustrating when other speakers and devices I own had much more clarity than these HD6 speakers. I missed the clarity I was so used to hearing. So I returned them and purchased these Klipsch RP-500M II speakers.

    The long-lost clarity of my audio is back! These Klipsch RP-500M II sound amazing when paired with a subwoofer. I am using an S8 subwoofer. I am using a FOSI MC351 amplifier with a DAC to power these speakers. These speakers are not powered, or active. They are passive speakers, which is why I need to use an amplifier with them. This set up can get quite loud, @ 165 watts per channel, which is perfect for me. These RP-500M II use titanium diaphragm, LTS, with Tractrix Horn making for some crisp, bright, high-clarity high frequencies. The bass drivers provide perfect delivery of mid range frequencies. These speaker’s high quality is a very good value for their price. Especially if you can get them on a discount.

    I was looking for a set of speakers that would deliver high quality sound and I finally found them.

    Gregorious –

  11. Alex D –

    L’articolo (altoparlanti) risponde alle caratteristiche descritte dal venditore.

    Alex D –

  12. ReesC –

    Speaker sounds amazing. Note that there is a cork base so if you’re mounting you will see the cork bottom. I originally ordered at a lower rate and that package mysteriously disappeared and I had to order again at the higher rate. Luckily amazon credited me for the difference, but it seemed very sketchy.

    ReesC –

  13. gary amrine –

    Great sound all around.

    gary amrine –

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