Klipsch RP-500SA Dolby Atmos Speaker Module (Pair) at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The RP-500SA is a Dolby Atmos elevation and surround speaker module from Klipsch (Indianapolis, Indiana, USA), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Part of Klipsch's acclaimed Reference Premiere series, this pair uses proprietary Tractrix horn-loaded technology and 5.25" Spun Copper Cerametallic woofers to bounce immersive overhead sound off your ceiling with exceptional clarity. The 1" Titanium LTS Vented Tweeter with Hybrid Cross-Section Tractrix Horn delivers high-frequency detail directly to the listening position. A built-in switchable crossover lets you toggle between Dolby Atmos elevation mode and traditional surround sound mode, making the RP-500SA one of the most versatile height speaker solutions available. Dolby Atmos Certified by Dolby Laboratories, these speakers are tested and approved to faithfully reproduce Atmos elevation effects with power and accuracy.

Tractrix Horn Technology and Dolby Atmos Elevation

Klipsch's proprietary 90° x 90° Silicon Composite Hybrid Tractrix horn is at the core of the RP-500SA's performance. This geometry maximizes efficiency by directing high-frequency energy precisely toward the listening area, minimizing unwanted reflections off walls and reducing artificial reverb. The compressed molded silicone face of the horn interface reduces resonance for a smoother frequency response across the entire listening range. When placed atop existing floorstanding or bookshelf speakers in upward-firing mode, the RP-500SA bounces overhead sound effects off the ceiling to create a convincing three-dimensional soundfield. This Dolby Atmos-certified approach delivers the kind of object-based audio placement that puts sound anywhere in your room, above and around you simultaneously.

Versatile Installation: Elevation Topper and Wall-Mounted Surround

Beyond up-firing Atmos duty, the RP-500SA is equally capable as a wall-mounted elevation or surround speaker. The built-in keyhole mounting bracket on the base of each cabinet allows straightforward on-wall installation as a front, rear, or side elevation speaker, or as a full surround channel. The switchable crossover network on the rear panel reconfigures the speaker's frequency response to suit either role: Dolby Atmos mode voices the speaker to conform to Dolby's elevation specifications, while Surround mode opens up a flatter, broader response optimized for direct-firing into the room. The sealed MDF enclosure weighs 8 lb per cabinet and measures 7.39" x 6.81" x 11.16", making it compatible with most floorstanding speaker tops and standard wall-mounting setups. Four rubber feet on the underside protect speaker finishes when used in topper configuration.

Key Features

• Dolby Atmos Certified Elevation Speaker: Tested and approved by Dolby Laboratories to faithfully reproduce Atmos elevation effects, ensuring accurate object-based audio placement in your home theater.
• 1" Titanium LTS Vented Tweeter with Hybrid Tractrix Horn: Linear Travel Suspension minimizes distortion through piston-motion diaphragm control, while the vented housing eliminates standing waves behind the diaphragm for cleaner high-frequency reproduction.
• 5.25" Spun Copper Cerametallic Woofer: The Cerametallic cone is rigid and lightweight, delivering lower frequencies with minimal distortion. A dual-layer copper-wound voice coil and large magnet motor maximize efficiency and conductivity.
• Switchable Crossover for Atmos or Surround: A rear-panel toggle reconfigures the crossover network between Dolby Atmos elevation mode and traditional surround sound mode, giving you optimized performance in both roles.
• Keyhole Mounting System: The built-in keyhole bracket enables wall mounting as a front, rear, or side elevation or surround speaker without the need for additional mounting hardware brackets.
• 90° x 90° Silicon Composite Hybrid Tractrix Horn: Proprietary horn geometry focuses high-frequency energy toward the listening area, reducing unwanted reverb and increasing detail for a more natural, lifelike sound.
• Sealed MDF Enclosure: A non-resonating Medium Density Fibreboard cabinet with a scratch-resistant satin-painted baffle suppresses cabinet vibration and coloration.
• Strong Removable Magnetic Grille: The acoustically transparent grille attaches magnetically and removes easily, protecting the drivers while providing a clean aesthetic for any home theater environment.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Klipsch RP-500SA?

The Klipsch RP-500SA is a Dolby Atmos elevation and surround speaker module from Klipsch's Reference Premiere series, sold as a pair, featuring a 1" Titanium LTS Vented Tweeter with Hybrid Tractrix Horn and a 5.25" Spun Copper Cerametallic woofer. It is Dolby Atmos Certified and handles up to 300W peak power at 8 ohms. It functions as an up-firing height speaker placed on top of existing speakers, or as a wall-mounted elevation or surround channel, making it one of the most flexible Atmos add-on modules available.

How does the Klipsch RP-500SA compare to the SVS Prime Elevation and KEF Q50A?

The Klipsch RP-500SA is a larger, more powerful option than the SVS Prime Elevation, delivering greater dynamic capability and Klipsch's signature Tractrix horn efficiency in Atmos topper mode, though the SVS Prime Elevation is more compact and fits more easily atop smaller floorstanding speakers. Compared to the KEF Q50A, the RP-500SA matches it in approximate price range but uses a different acoustic approach: Klipsch's horn-loaded design prioritizes high efficiency and direct projection, while the KEF Q50A uses a coaxial driver for a different dispersion character. Both are well-regarded Atmos elevation solutions; the RP-500SA is the right choice for buyers already in the Klipsch Reference Premiere ecosystem who want consistent sonic character across all channels.

Can the Klipsch RP-500SA be used as a regular surround speaker?

Yes, the Klipsch RP-500SA can be used as a traditional wall-mounted surround speaker. A rear-panel switchable crossover changes the speaker's voicing from Dolby Atmos elevation mode to Surround mode, which opens up a flatter, broader frequency response suited to direct-firing into the room. It can be mounted as a front, rear, or side surround channel using the built-in keyhole bracket. However, its larger footprint makes it better suited as an elevation topper or wall-mounted surround than as a compact bookshelf-style surround speaker.

What is Klipsch Tractrix horn technology?

Tractrix horn technology is Klipsch's proprietary horn-loading system that uses a mathematically optimized flare geometry to maximize the efficiency of high-frequency driver output. The 90° x 90° dispersion angle of the Tractrix horn on the RP-500SA focuses treble energy directly at the listening area, reducing off-axis reflections and unwanted room reverb. A compressed molded silicone face matted to the horn throat reduces resonance for smoother response. The result is more detailed, natural high-frequency reproduction compared to dome-tweeter designs that radiate energy more broadly into the room.

What receivers are compatible with the Klipsch RP-500SA?

The Klipsch RP-500SA is compatible with any AV receiver that supports Dolby Atmos height channels and presents an 8-ohm load with a minimum of 75W per channel. Compatible AVR platforms include Denon AVR-X series, Marantz Cinema series, Yamaha RX-A and RX-V Atmos-capable receivers, Sony STR-AN and STR-AZ series, and Onkyo TX-NR series receivers with Dolby Atmos decoding. The RP-500SA connects via standard speaker binding posts accepting bare wire or banana plugs, so it integrates with any amplifier that provides dedicated height or surround channels.

Where can I buy the Klipsch RP-500SA in Toronto or Canada?

The Klipsch RP-500SA Dolby Atmos Speaker Module (Pair) is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Klipsch dealer located in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound carries the full Reference Premiere lineup and can assist with system matching, installation advice, and pairing recommendations to ensure the RP-500SA integrates correctly with your existing home theater setup.

Can the Klipsch RP-500SA work with DTS:X as well as Dolby Atmos?

Yes, the Klipsch RP-500SA performs well with DTS:X object-based audio in addition to Dolby Atmos. While it is specifically Dolby Atmos Certified, DTS:X also uses height channel information routed to elevation speakers, and the RP-500SA's upward-firing or wall-mounted configuration supports this format equally. Any AV receiver that decodes both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X will send the appropriate height channel signals to the RP-500SA regardless of which format the source material uses.

How do I set up the Klipsch RP-500SA on top of floorstanding speakers?

Setting up the Klipsch RP-500SA in up-firing Atmos topper mode requires placing each speaker on top of a floorstanding speaker with the driver face angled upward toward the ceiling. Set the rear-panel crossover switch to the Dolby Atmos position. Connect the binding posts to your AV receiver's designated height or Atmos channel outputs using speaker wire or banana plugs. In your AVR's calibration software (such as Audyssey, YPAO, or MCACC), configure the height channels as your speaker type and run a full room calibration. Adjust the height channel level 1-2 dB above your main listening level if the overhead dome effect feels understated after auto-calibration.