Klipsch RP-500M II Reference Premiere Bookshelf Speakers at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The RP-500M II is a two-way bookshelf speaker from Klipsch (Indianapolis, Indiana, USA), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. The second-generation entry model in the Reference Premiere Series II lineup, it brings a comprehensive set of acoustic and cabinet upgrades over its predecessor, including a larger Silicon Composite Hybrid Tractrix® Horn, a redesigned Cerametallic™ woofer with aluminum Faraday rings, and a vented tweeter housing. The RP-500M II features a 5.25" Cerametallic™ cone woofer with Faraday rings, a 1" titanium LTS vented tweeter mated to the enlarged 90° x 90° Hybrid Tractrix® Horn, and a 92 dB sensitivity rating with a frequency response of 50 Hz to 25 kHz. Sold as a pair, it is well suited to use as the front left and right channels in a compact home theater or as the primary speakers in a bookshelf stereo system.

Silicon Composite Hybrid Tractrix® Horn and Titanium LTS Tweeter

The central acoustic upgrade in the RP-500M II over its predecessor is the enlarged 90° x 90° Silicon Composite Hybrid Tractrix® Horn, which is dimensionally larger than the horn used in the original RP-500M and provides a more efficient transfer of high-frequency waves to the listening area. Klipsch's proprietary Tractrix® geometry maximizes acoustic loading efficiency while controlling dispersion across a wider bandwidth, producing a larger sweet spot in the room with consistent tonal character at both on-axis and off-axis listening positions. The phase plug and compression-molded silicone face work together to smooth the frequency response at the horn throat, reducing resonances before they reach the listener. The 1" titanium LTS tweeter uses a low-mass titanium diaphragm that extends the treble ceiling to 25 kHz, and the vented tweeter housing eliminates standing waves behind the diaphragm that would otherwise introduce unwanted harmonics into the high-frequency reproduction.

Redesigned Cerametallic™ Woofer and Tractrix® Port

The 5.25" Cerametallic™ woofer in the RP-500M II has been comprehensively redesigned for the Series II generation. Cerametallic™ is Klipsch's proprietary cone material combining the rigidity of a ceramic coating with the low mass of a metallic structure, resisting flexing and cone breakup at high excursion levels. New aluminum Faraday rings in the motor structure suppress eddy currents that cause nonlinear distortion, and the enlarged voice coil improves the electromagnetic relationship between the cone and magnet assembly for tighter, faster transient response with greater control and accuracy. The rear-firing Tractrix® port uses Tractrix geometry with a custom-designed inner flare to produce laminar airflow, reducing turbulence and port noise for cleaner, punchier bass extension down to 50 Hz. Additional internal cabinet bracing minimizes resonance and vibration coloration, contributing to the RP-500M II's transparent and detailed sonic character.

Key Features

• 90° x 90° Silicon Composite Hybrid Tractrix® Horn: Enlarged second-generation horn with phase plug and compression-molded silicone face for maximum high-frequency efficiency, smooth frequency response, and controlled wide-angle dispersion.
• 1" Titanium LTS Vented Tweeter: Linear Travel Suspension tweeter with titanium diaphragm minimizes distortion and extends high-frequency response to 25 kHz; vented housing eliminates standing waves for cleaner treble reproduction.
• 5.25" Cerametallic™ Woofer with Faraday Rings: Redesigned woofer with aluminum Faraday rings reduces nonlinear distortion, increases power handling to 75W continuous and 300W peak, and improves transient response speed and accuracy.
• Rear-Firing Tractrix® Port: Tractrix-geometry port with custom inner flare reduces air turbulence and port noise for punchier, cleaner bass extension down to 50 Hz.
• Advanced Internally Braced MDF Cabinet: Additional internal bracing minimizes cabinet resonance and vibration coloration for improved sonic transparency and accuracy.
• Single Aluminum Binding Posts: Audiophile-grade internal wiring connects to easily accessible single aluminum binding posts compatible with bare wire, banana plugs, and spade connectors.
• Furniture-Grade Finishes: Available in ebony vinyl and walnut vinyl with satin-painted baffles and a scratch-resistant finish for a premium, room-friendly aesthetic.
• Magnetic Grille: Attaches cleanly without visible clips, allowing the copper-finish woofer and titanium tweeter to be displayed or discreetly covered depending on preference.
• Cork Pads: Cork pads replace conventional rubber bumpers to provide secure placement on stands or tables with less resonance transfer and a more refined contact surface.
• Sold as a Pair: Includes two RP-500M II speakers, ready for use as left and right channels in a stereo or home theater system.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Klipsch RP-500M II?

The Klipsch RP-500M II is a two-way bookshelf speaker from the Reference Premiere Series II, sold as a pair, featuring a 5.25" Cerametallic™ cone woofer with Faraday rings, a 1" titanium LTS vented tweeter with a 90° x 90° Silicon Composite Hybrid Tractrix® Horn, and a 92 dB sensitivity rating. It covers a frequency range of 50 Hz to 25 kHz, handles 75W continuous and 300W peak at 8 ohms, and is available in ebony vinyl and walnut vinyl finishes. It is designed for use as front left and right channels in a compact home theater or as the primary speakers in a bookshelf stereo system.

How does the Klipsch RP-500M II compare to the RP-600M II or the KEF Q150?

The Klipsch RP-500M II is the entry bookshelf model in the Reference Premiere II lineup, while the RP-600M II steps up to a larger 6.5" Cerametallic™ woofer for deeper bass extension, higher maximum output, and better suitability for larger rooms. Both share the same Silicon Composite Hybrid Tractrix® Horn and titanium LTS tweeter architecture. Compared to the KEF Q150, the RP-500M II prioritizes horn-loaded high-frequency efficiency and controlled directivity for a more immediate, dynamic sound presentation, while the KEF Uni-Q coincident driver approach favors a more diffuse, wide-dispersion soundfield suited to more relaxed stereo imaging.

Can the Klipsch RP-500M II be used without a subwoofer?

Yes, the Klipsch RP-500M II can operate as a full-range speaker for music listening and voice-forward home theater content without a subwoofer, with its rear-firing Tractrix® port extending bass to 50 Hz. For home theater use with full-scale action soundtracks and deep bass content below 50 Hz, pairing the RP-500M II with a Klipsch SPL-100 or R-101SW subwoofer will add the lowest bass frequencies and reduce driver excursion at high volume, particularly in rooms above approximately 150 to 200 square feet.

What is the Cerametallic™ woofer material and why does it matter?

Cerametallic™ is Klipsch's proprietary woofer cone material that combines the surface hardness and rigidity of a ceramic anodized aluminum finish with the low mass of a metallic cone structure. The result is a cone that resists flexing and breakup under high excursion while maintaining accurate pistonic motion across the bass and midrange. In the RP-500M II, the Cerametallic™ cone is further enhanced with aluminum Faraday rings in the motor assembly, which suppress eddy currents within the voice coil gap, reducing nonlinear distortion and improving transient accuracy compared to the previous generation.

What amplifier pairs well with the Klipsch RP-500M II?

The Klipsch RP-500M II is relatively easy to drive with its 92 dB sensitivity and 8-ohm nominal impedance, performing well with integrated amplifiers and AV receivers producing 30 to 75 watts per channel. Common pairings in Toronto for two-channel listening include integrated amplifiers from Yamaha, Cambridge Audio, NAD, and Marantz in the 40 to 80 watts per channel range. For home theater use, most Dolby Atmos-capable AV receivers from Denon, Yamaha, or Marantz provide ample power for the RP-500M II's 300W peak handling.

Do the Klipsch RP-500M II speakers need to be placed far from a wall?

Yes, the Klipsch RP-500M II uses a rear-firing Tractrix® port, which means the speaker should be placed at least 6 to 12 inches from the rear wall to allow the port to breathe freely. Placing the speakers too close to a wall can cause bass buildup and port turbulence. The included cork pads provide a stable, low-resonance surface for stand or shelf placement, and Klipsch-compatible speaker stands are available separately for optimal positioning in the room.

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

The Klipsch RP-500M II is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorised Klipsch dealer located in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound carries the full Klipsch Reference Premiere Series II lineup and provides expert guidance on amplifier matching, subwoofer integration, room setup, and complete home theater or stereo system configuration. Canadian customers can contact Vinyl Sound directly or shop online for shipping across Canada.