Klipsch RP-500MFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 32 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment81%
PROS 81%
CONS 19%

Rank based on 32 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a more neutral, linear bookshelf speaker than the original RP-500M
  • You have a small-to-medium room and plan to pair with a subwoofer
  • You want a directional, efficient speaker for HT surrounds or desktop use

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need true high sensitivity matching Klipsch's marketed spec
  • You're sensitive to cabinet resonance issues some owners reported
  • You prefer a warmer, more forward vocal presentation over a flatter response

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value
1Mid
Wharfedale Evo 4.1~$699 · 1.3× pricier
Well-implemented AMT tweeterDeep, punchy bass beyond expectationsSolid build quality and attractive cabinetNeeds a powerful amplifierYellow/gold AMT tweeter styling divides opinionBenefits from burn-in before sounding its best
Wharfedale Evo 4.1~$699 · 1.3× pricier
Well-implemented AMT tweeter
Deep, punchy bass beyond expectations
Solid build quality and attractive cabinet
Needs a powerful amplifier
Yellow/gold AMT tweeter styling divides opinion
Benefits from burn-in before sounding its best
2Value
Yamaha NS-670~$399 · 1.4× cheaper
Wonderful, balanced soundEnduring build qualityGood cosmetic condition possibleUncertain resale pricingAge-related hesitancy to serviceScratchy potentiometers
Yamaha NS-670~$399 · 1.4× cheaper
Wonderful, balanced sound
Enduring build quality
Good cosmetic condition possible
Uncertain resale pricing
Age-related hesitancy to service
Scratchy potentiometers
3Mid
Edifier S3000 Pro~$700 · 1.3× pricier
Exceptional sound qualityVersatile connectivityGood value for priceDurability and repair concernsLimited sub-bass extensionNot real wood construction
Edifier S3000 Pro~$700 · 1.3× pricier
Exceptional sound quality
Versatile connectivity
Good value for price
Durability and repair concerns
Limited sub-bass extension
Not real wood construction
4Value
Wharfedale D320~$349 · 1.6× cheaper
Exceptional value for moneyWarm, smooth sound signatureDiamond-series shared componentsLacking treble/mid presence for someShipping costs and availability issuesBottom port concerns
Wharfedale D320~$349 · 1.6× cheaper
Exceptional value for money
Warm, smooth sound signature
Diamond-series shared components
Lacking treble/mid presence for some
Shipping costs and availability issues
Bottom port concerns
5Mid
Wharfedale Diamond 11~$499 · similar price
Outstanding value for priceWarm, rich midrange and vocalsExcellent soundstage and imagingVery placement-sensitiveInconsistent unit-to-unit build (surrounds/tweeter changes)Lacking treble energy/grit for some
Wharfedale Diamond 11~$499 · similar price
Outstanding value for price
Warm, rich midrange and vocals
Excellent soundstage and imaging
Very placement-sensitive
Inconsistent unit-to-unit build (surrounds/tweeter changes)
Lacking treble energy/grit for some
You are here
6Mid
Klipsch RP-500M~$549
Improved midrange on II versionPreferred over RP-600M IIGood fit for small/medium rooms and HT surroundsSensitivity spec is inflatedCabinet resonance issuesOriginal version has frequency gaps/missing sound
Klipsch RP-500M~$549
Improved midrange on II version
Preferred over RP-600M II
Good fit for small/medium rooms and HT surrounds
Sensitivity spec is inflated
Cabinet resonance issues
Original version has frequency gaps/missing sound
7Mid
Sonos Five~$549 · similar price
Rich, Full-Range SoundStereo Pair Upgrade ImpactLong-Term DurabilityInconsistent Sub Pairing ResultsHigh Price Relative to AlternativesMuddy Mids/Highs Under Scrutiny
Sonos Five~$549 · similar price
Rich, Full-Range Sound
Stereo Pair Upgrade Impact
Long-Term Durability
Inconsistent Sub Pairing Results
High Price Relative to Alternatives
Muddy Mids/Highs Under Scrutiny
8Value
Polk Audio Signature S20~$299 · 1.8× cheaper
Amp compatibilityExcellent value for priceStrong bass response
Polk Audio Signature S20~$299 · 1.8× cheaper
Amp compatibility
Excellent value for price
Strong bass response
9Value
Polk Audio RTi A1~$299 · 1.8× cheaper
Flexible home theater integrationStrong jazz and vocal performanceDetailed, separated soundBright tonal balanceLacking bassSetup confusion for new buyers
Polk Audio RTi A1~$299 · 1.8× cheaper
Flexible home theater integration
Strong jazz and vocal performance
Detailed, separated sound
Bright tonal balance
Lacking bass
Setup confusion for new buyers
10Upper
Wharfedale Denton~$999 · 1.8× pricier
Warm, non-fatiguing soundExcellent build quality and finishGood value for the priceWeak or lacking bass without a subwooferNot suited to near-field listeningRolled-off treble at low volumes
Wharfedale Denton~$999 · 1.8× pricier
Warm, non-fatiguing sound
Excellent build quality and finish
Good value for the price
Weak or lacking bass without a subwoofer
Not suited to near-field listening
Rolled-off treble at low volumes

Who wins on what (similar price)

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

The II revision meaningfully fixes the midrange hole of the original. Multiple commenters directly compare the original RP-500M to the II and describe the original as 'wooly,' 'recessed,' or having a 'hole' in the midrange, while the II is called more linear and true sounding. Several say the improvement is dramatic, not subtle, with vocals and string instruments sounding more present and lifted rather than dull and muted, making the II a clear step up for accuracy-focused listeners.

Many listeners now prefer the 500M II over the pricier 600M II. Several owners who directly compared both models say the smaller woofer in the 500M II integrates better with the tweeter, sounding cleaner and more balanced than the 600M II. Commenters cite better room fit in small spaces, less off-axis harshness, and a sweeter overall tonal balance, with some choosing the 500M II specifically for surrounds or desktop use over the 600M II.

High sensitivity and loud, dynamic performance are praised, though the spec itself is questioned. Owners describe the speakers handling loud volume without strain, with strong punch and bass that some say makes a subwoofer unnecessary in smaller rooms. However, a few commenters note that Klipsch's sensitivity spec-man-ship is more marketing than reality, and one owner reported audible cabinet resonance issues that they hadn't noticed until closer listening.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?