Why I think the Klipsch RP-500M II is BETTER than RP-600M II.

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All of my tests are conducted using KLIPPEL Hardware and Software. KLIPPEL is an innovative leader in providing unique test equipment for electro-acoustical transducers and audio systems. Founded in 1997 by Dr. Wolfgang Klippel, the novel techniques developed for control and measurement systems of loudspeakers and other transducers are the result of over 30 years of fundamental research. This provides more accurate physical models of loudspeakers, micro-speakers and headphones valid for both small and large amplitudes. The focus is on revealing the root causes of signal distortion and defects and giving practical indications for improvements in design and manufacturing of audio products. For information on KLIPPEL products, please visit their site below:
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[@ErinsAudioCorner]

🛒 Audio Advice: bit.ly/3xHRYD9 ^ any purchases you make using these helps earn me a small commission at no additional cost to you.

[@Audiomainia2310]

Hi Erin - I could easily discern the upper midrange difference. I was never a Klipsh fan - the horn tweeter I always found too bright and fatiguing. But that's me - I prefer KEF or another favorite, Canton. Thanks for the A/B comparison.

[@scottlowell493]

@@Audiomainia2310 I found the Kef (recent models). and canton to be metallic sounding and colored.

[@Audiomainia2310]

@@scottlowell493 May I ask which recent model?

[@avnut5517]

Love the A/B comparison format. Brings the point across as to what you were hearing and your listening and measuring in your testing. Nice work!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thanks!

[@jungtarcph]

yeah, the II are more clear.... the 1s sound muffled

[@DougMen1]

The original RP500M was the best engineered and most balanced of all their R and RP bookshelf models, and this new V2 is even better. Thanks for this Erin. After you did the new RP600M, I was hoping that you'd also do the new RP500M, and you came through for me. You're the best! No one else on YT does a thorough objective evaluation AND also their subjective opinion from listening.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thank you.

[@DavidGonzalez-fh9zn]

I decided to purchase this pair to pair with the Roksan K3 integrated amplifier. Your review helped me make this decision and I couldn't be happier. I like the sound signature of this combo. Thanks for your review.

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

I love hearing Erin talk about the bias we all have based upon how our ears and brain process frequency waves. The data helps us understand why we enjoy certain speakers more than other speakers and gives us insight into what measurements to look for in a speaker that will sound enjoyable to our own ears. Erin is providing such a great service to the audio community 👏

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Well, you can take me out to eat now.

[@johnplainsong9769]

Thanks for this comparison. I just grabbed a new pair of the 500's online for $349. Can't wait!

[@johngault-9597]

Erin, you are a refreshing change and your channel is a tremendous asset for those of us who live in countries where hifi equipment is difficult to demo...thank you

[@catherinelugg4321]

Thanks for doing a great job of TEACHING the data. I really appreciate it.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thank you very much for your continued support and kind words, Catherine!

[@brianvportugal1155]

Erin I agree. I had the 600m2 for a couple of days but thought for my room and equipment the 500m2 was better balanced and much better suited to my Anthem mrx 300. I really like the 500m2. Thankyou for your guidance I would never had tried them if I hadn’t listened to your video. Very content with the system!

[@gaborszabo2880]

Thank you for the review! I tell everyone that the RP-500M II is the "better" bookshelf speaker, especially in a small room. Now I can show, link your video. THX!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Hope it helps!

[@gaborszabo2880]

@@ErinsAudioCorner It does the 600M / II is reviewed to oblivion, and the 500-400M are overlooked. For a small, medium, or bigger than medium room (30 nm) these and a sub, is a much better option.

[@kirkaparty4143]

True, I have the RP500i on my desk. Its a great desktop/nearfield application

[@indianapolisindiana7856]

@@kirkaparty4143 I wish there was more information out there about using some of these great new "bookshelf" speakers on a desktop. I was looking at the Polk L100 or R100 or Klipsch 600M II, but I just ordered the 500M II's instead since they will be a better fit. There's just not much information out there about using them nearfield, so I figured I'd just roll the dice. I'll be pairing them with a R-120SW subwoofer.

[@unol]

Great review Erin. You're setting the standard for how reviews should be. I love your approach of "here's how these speakers behave and here's how you can get the best out of them", rather than saying they're good or bad. Do you think it's possible for the Klippel to measure amplifiers or electronics? Alot of emphasis is placed on electronics thd numbers etc. But it would be cool to see how this actually translates in the final speakers performance and what we may hear. As an extreme test example you could measure performance of a speaker using the highest and lowest rated amps on ASR just to see how big a difference it makes.

[@audio_facts]

I'd also really appreciate measurements and a review on "snakeoil" products like different types of spikes/feet, cable elevators/lifters, and not to forget: Cables, interconnects, speaker wire, etc. The community needs the truth on this, and you can provide it!

[@balasubramanianv2406]

Hi Erin. You are the one reviewer who is so good in giving as much as possible reliable data for the viewers. Hats off and thumbs up. 👍

[@swllz]

Thanks Erin, your reviews provide real contents. Klipsch may have sold a lot of RP-600 after Steve Guttenberg praised highly without reservation. However, the measurements from ASR and Stereophile revealed a big hole in the mid range. That may have slowed the sales of RP-600. Klipsch had to come up with version 2. Therefore, the real measurements by all of speakers reviewers are driving speaker manufacturers to make speakers that are faithfully reproduce musical that was sent to the speakers. Speakers should not systematically alter any sound signals. Based on your measurements, I would buy RP-500m ii over than RP-600m ii, then pairing a subwoofer.

[@heathermcmillen]

Thanks, Erin! 😊 Awesome as always!

[@kirkstarson]

I took the time to listen to the comparison and definitely could hear a difference. The II's didn't sound as muddled... I like the comparisons! Thanks for what you do.

[@carloslarard]

you really are very practical, simple, and good knowledge of what you are talking about. keep going.

[@bkakus]

Keep the comparison part. I'm loving it. It is awesome to be able to hear a great comparison that really meaningful. Ever considered also adding vocal comparison too?

[@kompira8586]

I'm going deaf. I couldn't hear a difference on either my speakers or my headphones. Anyway, you are great. Keep up the great work. We are lucky to have someone like you in the community.

[@billnyfeler]

Thanks for this comparison! I was building my HT system and needed some new L/R mains to go with my sub & center channel. Based on your analysis, I got the RP 500M IIs, and they sound great!

[@ianjohnson9545]

I just got my 600M II today. I’m a newbie to the Audiophile world. I went from a Harmon and Kardon Bluetooth speaker to this… I’m super happy with the quality of it. I’m know there’s better out there, but this is everything I could have asked for.

[@chrismonterubio9475]

The problem I found with the 600Mii compared to the original 600M, is that they are more linear and directed. With the original, you can move further off axis, and not have the sound kind of drop off like it does with the Mkii version. For reference I run a 7.2.4 setup with a bed layer of full RP600M.

[@yuriwalter385]

Welcome to the journey, Ian! You have a nice pair of speakers. Take your time with them, and enjoy the music. As you have the speakers sorted, in the future you can play with different sources, amps and setups if you wish.

[@audio_facts]

What would be really cool was if you'd make a DIY speaker with reasonably priced drivers and 2-way/3-way Hypex FusionAmps, and compare the performance to commercial speakers in the same price range. You have the equipment and the respect needed to really enlighten people on the possibilities of DIY. Basically: Show the HiFi world what we have been doing in car audio for over 20 years, and why!

[@paulgyro]

Awesome idea, and one I've been hoping to do my self.

[@juanfegallo]

I really appreciate your objectivity with every review, Erin. How would you compare these to the Triangle BRO3s?

[@reallyeffingcooltechnodude]

Definitely keep doing the comparisons if there is a good reason for them. Good vid as expected. I'd be interested to see how the new big Klipsch floorstanders perform.

[@artysanmobile]

Klipsch is making phenomenal small, consumer speakers. I was just astounded the first time I listened closely. I could make a record with them and a carefully aligned sub.

[@4thewinir344]

I know I’m a year late to the comment party here, but this is one of your best reviews! Great job with the A/B comparison and going into detail with such a divisive speaker line (& brand!). I am strongly considering a set of 500M II as a set of HT rears to my 600M I. The OG RP600M are my audiophile ‘guilty pleasure’ lol.

[@jesuscostantino2925]

Man, the more of your videos I watch, the more I am surprised that more reviewers don’t do what you do. More than any other reviewer, you do a fantastic job of interpreting your subjective experience by way of your objective measurements (and vice versa). There are plenty who will either rely primarily on subjective (e.g., John Darko) or objective (e.g., Amir at ASR) analysis, and even a handful who do both (Stereophile). But none that I know of interpret one method of analysis by way of the other. I dig it.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Well, thank you for the kind words.

[@34332]

I wouldn't be suprised when Klipsch 'upped' their game based on the succes of the (for example) Polk Reserve series, a quite linear speaker. Enjoyed the demo, nice work 👌

[@DougMen1]

I wish Erin would do the Focal Chora 806, don't you? 🤙🙏🎤🎧💻

[@34332]

@@DougMen1 I sure do 👌

[@net_news]

klipsch upped the game way before Polk Reserve series exist...

[@DougMen1]

@@net_news You're delusional! The original RP600M had a HUGE suckout in the midrange and a tweeter that was so hot that it made people's ears bleed, and sounded worse than a $200 Polk S20! They only just now fixed it with the new RP600M V2. If that's "upping the game" then no thanks! The Las Scala however is one of the best speakers of all time, but it ought to be at $13k for a pair.

[@net_news]

@@DougMen1 well, they were a huge commercial hit.

[@themastroiannis]

great review as always! i heard a very different soundstage on both speakers. really liked the500M II's wider soundstage.

[@robk5745]

Nice review and breakdown. Just got a pair of rp500m ii, they were on sale, couldn’t resist trying them.

[@Filthy_Casual101]

How did you like them?

[@robk5745]

@@Filthy_Casual101nicely balanced speaker, solid all rounder for the very low price.

[@adamjj85]

Great review, interesting to see Klipsch on the road to linearity. I agree with your point at the end. After watching reviews from just about every audio channel, unless you show some data, the pure subjective reviews are just a form of entertainment and really can't be used for serious purchasing decisions in my opinion.

[@intenttoinjure]

An in house evaluation is the only way to know if you will like a speaker or not.

[@DougMen1]

Audio Advice is a great company. They do price matching, free shipping, and no hassle returns.

[@alanworks4354]

Cool review. I like the A/B comparisons

[@NanoOreh]

This is an amazing review. The best I've ever seen before! The demo record is also a brilliant idea! Thank you a lot!

[@jebo4jc]

I love the comparisons. It's always helpful to have a reference point when shopping for a product

[@markpenland]

Hope you continue these a/b comparisons. I heard something going on (my guess) at around 2K. Your charts backed up my assumption. Cool.

[@seanb3303]

Klipsch is changing their house sound to be more in line with KZbin reviewers because that is what is driving sales in 2022…not the speaker aisle at Best Buy.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Interesting. Hadn't considered that.

[@JoelHernandez-tz3vk]

Does this means flat tuning is what sells now?

[@seanb3303]

@@JoelHernandez-tz3vk Flat tuning is extremely marketable right now.

[@JoelHernandez-tz3vk]

@@seanb3303 So... I'm not so crazy for wanting flat tuning since the beginning of 21st century then? Makes me wonder if this is why there's a sudden rush of cheap flat tuned IEMs now.

[@seanb3303]

@@JoelHernandez-tz3vk probably. Having said that, if flat response loving people could see their response at their listening position, they would cry as it will look like the Himalaya mountains.

[@mrcasey69]

First class channel. I appreciate they way you do things. Keep up the great work.

[@matt-ffffff]

Plus one for the a/b comparison. Like it!

[@juicebox853]

Great work. Always a pleasure watching one of your new videos.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thank you very much!

[@DougMen1]

Erin, I really really appreciate that you don't mix your theme music a million times louder than your voice. I use headphones when I listen to YT, as do most people I think. So, I start the video and then I set the YT volume to your voice, so I can easily hear what you're saying, and then when you cut to your opening theme music, it's the same volume level, unlike almost every other YT channel, where I'm suddenly assaulted with 100db blasting music, often with pounding bass and drums, in my headphones, and I have to pull the 'phones off my head as quickly as possible. So, I'm eternally grateful to you for not doing that to my already damaged ears, from too many loud concerts, playing in loud bands and practicing in tiny garages where the drummer's crash cymbal was inches away from my ear, amd decades of attending very loud concerts, as well as listening to music far too loudly with speakers and headphones. Protect your ears people. According to NIOSH, permanent damage ensues after 2 hours at 91 db, 1 hour at 94 db, 30 minutes at 97 db, and 15 minutes at 100 db.

[@myplacerighthear3691]

In my experience with Klipsch after buying them for better than 50 years straight since 1973.. if you bought a certain model.. and you really love it stay with it.. now as to the Klipsch 600m model twos.. they will crack concrete their crisper louder bigger bass.. been pretty much will handle anything I put into they're little bookshelf bodies.. I adore love and will cherish the Klipsch 600m Mark 2 for a very long time to come.. I use them in a system which is 😊 made up of just this Klipsch model of speaker that is 9 separate Klipsch 600m ii,s.. in a room that is 20 ft long 16 ft wide with 12ft ceilings.. and of course I've added two 12-inch subwoofers by 😊 Klipsch.. driven with 150 watts per channel all channels driven.. that's 150 w for each of the nine channels.. in this configuration sounds unbelievably beautiful..

[@jsprite123]

Because of space concerns, I'm waiting/hoping for Klipsch to come up with the RP-400M II speakers.

[@nonametofame]

I never heard either previous Klipsch mk1s, but now I'm very intrigued after your review. I find that I also prefer smaller bookshelves vs their larger counterparts, precisely because of improved imaging. I also run my speakers with a competent sub, so I'd prefer the speaker to do its best for midrange and treble. Recently, I've really enjoyed the Polk L100, and the Arendal 1961 you reviewed. Both are just killer speakers when crossed with a sub. Thanks to you, this Klipsch is now on my radar, and I bet I'll like this 500 more, even though I know most are focusing on the 600. The measurements and breakdown are golden!

[@ts5111]

I've listened to both back to back and out of the two, the RP500's sounded just that little bit sweeter and more balanced than the 600m's.

[@roycampbell1272]

Like the comparisons.

[@danemoreno88]

My first gen I had all 4 inch woofer versions this time around I went all 5 series and love the way they sound

[@RanTausi]

Many thanks Erin.

[@mrgamo9375]

So in depth, much appreciated!

[@Luke-qs2cg]

I love the new video format. Keep it up erin!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thank you! Will do!

[@danallan4860]

Thanks for that incredible review. Very helpful!

[@Snskch3]

I’m looking to switch my rp502s side and maybe rear surrounds to either the rp 600ii or rp 500ii. I think that having the speaker pointing right at my listening position especially on the side surrounds will be way better than having those opposed faces. When I look left and right I see wood faces pointed at my ears, not woofers. I think that will help my surround a lot.

[@Nandao_Vs]

Honestly I’m didn’t see difference in blind test between rp500 vs rp500 ii. Maybe the difference is most clear on telemetry. Thank you for share this valuable information.

[@scottlowell493]

Makes more sense to get these for surround satellites than 600mII....since I already have 2 subs. Crossed over at 80, the 500MII make more sense and cost less. I prefer a more directed speaker, less side issues with walls. Super wide dispersion speakers always seem to be soft/diffuse sounding.

[@warrenreif5369]

Hi Erin, this is the first of your vids I've consumed. Your presentation is awesome (from a 40 year retired EE). I was interested in the rp-500M II due to the claimed sensitivity performance; but, as you noted, Klipsch's spec-man-ship is more marketing... Thus, I am still searching for a 90 + dB sensitivity bookshelf speaker that's of quality; any recommendations?

[@scottlowell493]

My personal Rp500MII update: They are better than the 600MII. The smaller woofer integrates better with the tweeter than the larger 600MII. Cleaner overall. I'm using a pair of rp500MII as my HT surrounds. I'm using the other pair as desk top speakers powered by the insanely good for the money SMSL DA9. Since I got the 500MII on sale, I just created something like "The sixes". for a fraction of the cost. They do sound better than. the fives. Also have a 15" sub with them. Crystalline sound.

[@usmankhalid990]

Great setup! What are you using upfront for your HT?

[@scottlowell493]

@@usmankhalid990 Rp8000F2

[@mhnoni]

The sound sample is a really helpful idea, I wish you add a human voice sample too for each review (like Remember Me - MARLOE. or any other track), 5-sec hearing a human voice will be enough since a human voice is a reference and we know how it should sound.

[@Lyxess]

Grabbed myself a marantz nr1711 gonna pair it with a pair of RP-500m II's.

[@ThePentosin]

Damn. I was about to skip the A/B comparison since I'm watching this review on my phone, but I heard a clear difference in details even through my shitty phone speakers.

[@midevil1980]

Awesome. Great video. Thanks, Erin! 🍻

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Thanks for watching!

[@chilleistgolf5417]

Great video bro Love your perspective

[@sammencia7945]

Buy 2x 6" full range drivers (under $200) mount to a 2x3 sheet of plywood. Will sound better than anything under $5k. Bass? Buy a 12" power sub for $400. Cannot sell this at audio convention and the wife acceptance factor is zero. I picked up pair old Pioneer towers $40. Opened them up and pulled the mid and tweeter leaving 2x 8" woofers each box. Mounted a 3 inch full range $25 each on top in no baffle frame. $80 boutique caps as the xo. $200 and sounds great. You do not need to spend $3k for good speakers. Easy to mod you own. DAC and headphone amps, THOSE you pay pros to make. Speakers and cables? DIY best.

[@Dreamer5211]

Clearly the version 2 is a livelier sound , more open . Thanks !!

[@davidcaylor4286]

First time viewer. Thanks for this good, detailed review!

[@oscararevalo9806]

I bought the 500 mii. I didnt think I would need more bass. Now I am thinking about upgrading to the 600 mii or buying a sub

[@dr.imroze]

Hi Erin. Hope all going well with you. ICan you please tell me if these speakers can be driven by Douk Audio H7 Pro amp? Or it will be better to get a powered one like Klipsch R-51PM? TIA.

[@lickalittle]

I listened to the comparison with my yamaha rx-v6a and a pair of RP-600M On Soundstage stands. And yes the RP-500Mll are clearly the better choice. Problem I have with speaker testing is no one No One tests more than 1 set of new speakers and I absolutely do not believe the specs you list due to actual averages. That means consistency. Should be 3 sets of same units for averaging production specifications. Appreciate your work and thoughtful words for the bestbuy masses 😆 🤣 😂

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

If you think a manufacturer has that kind of QC error you should never buy anything they make. 😂👍

[@NuggetsXInfinite]

Wow. The RP 500M II had so much more detail. (heard through LS50s)

[@PollutersInc]

How does the RP-500M II compare with RP-600M? Like the first generation of 600, not second lol

[@antoinec.3185]

Thank you for the video, very good ! Do you think the RP500M II is better than the Davis Acoustics Olympia One master first edition ?

[@Jason-ys2rt]

After testing 8-9 different bookshelf speakers I settled on the 500m ii and have been mostly happy until I began noticing some cabinet resonances that are pretty annoying. I plan to check the frequencies that cause the issues with an app to see if they match up with your charts over the weekend. FYI, I am trying to upgrade from PSB Imagine Mini for a larger/louder sound but I really enjoy the overall sound and lack of annoying resonances. So is this just the way it is unless I spend much more? thanks in advance!

[@jukingeo]

In this case, the RP-500m II is better. However, when I heard comparisons of the RP-600m against the RP-600m II, I actually like the original RP-600m better. While the "m II" does address the midrange sound hole that both the RP-500m and 600m have, it (sadly) reduces the high end output making the speaker sound duller. Granted, I am older and this appeals to my hearing, so I am opting to stick with the RP-600m, but just need to find a way to fix the crossover dip.

[@derekboone193]

Great Review! The 500 will probably be better for me because I will definitely add a sub with these.

[@Go4sur]

Love your reviews and watch as soon as you upload! I liked the demo you have provided. Can you please help review Klipsch RP-8000f if possible, thanks in advance.

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

Great video. Sound demo was good too

[@MidFiMan]

I've got, and love, the 600M v1 and they are extremely directional, like a laser. Good video, but I can't hear the difference between the 500M I & II. Erin, you mentioned near the end that you should probably get a sub to handle the low end and I agree, thus a few weeks ago, I bought the R-120sw. How would you setup the crossover on my Denon and my sub? I currently have both at 80, but I have zero idea of what I'm doing.

[@indianapolisindiana7856]

I just picked up an R-120SW and have a pair of 500 II's on the way. How did the combo work out for you? Any tips? I'm going to be using them nearfield on my desktop.

[@MidFiMan]

@@indianapolisindiana7856 I just don’t know anything about Nearfield. If they are anything like the 600s, they are extremely directional. Just keep that in mind. I would also say my 600s sound better a couple feet from the wall. More than a couple if I can get it. I usually had them four feet from the back wall. I recently upgraded to fortes.

[@indianapolisindiana7856]

@@MidFiMan Thanks for the quick reply!

[@Jon-nz3dm]

Haven't owned any of these Klipsch RP speakers but I always saw the midrange crossover dip on measurement plots. The demo shows the differences perfectly, sounds recessed on the old ones as I expected. One of the speakers from the series does seem to be pretty neutral, though(from Audioholics measurements). That being the 8000F towers. I'm considering picking up a pair of the old ones since they're under $600 per speaker right now and the measurements make them look great, especially at like 15 degrees off axis. Bass seems to extend nicely and roll off very slowly without such a steep drop-off like most other towers. I'm wondering if there are any other towers around the same price that would be a better option.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I've got the 8000F II on hand so if you can wait a few weeks, I should have that up. Then you can see the data and compare that to James' data for the v1.

[@Jon-nz3dm]

Awesome. Thanks for all the work you put in, Erin. I don't know what I'd do without the data from you, Amir and James lol. I don't think I could go back to just subjective reviews.

[@MisterDoItNice]

I appreciate your reviews and insight. I have been going back and forth between this review and your review of the KEF Q150. I’m curious, which would you choose between the RP-500M II and the Q150? I’m looking for some new desktop speakers.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

I prefer the KEF.

[@MisterDoItNice]

@@ErinsAudioCorner Appreciate it!

[@zbruch66]

thank you, Erin, for the so detailed review! What stereo receiver could you recommend for it (up to $700-800)?

[@grossi6330]

A little late to the show here, but I'll ask a question anyway in the event you stumble over it in the very near future. I've done a lot of looking around for bookshelf speakers in this price range and I'm finally starting to lean towards the RP-500M ii. However I've heard different opinions on how they do based on room size. My room, which I should say is strictly for playing music, is approximately 16' x 16.' Can you please advise if these speakers would be able to perform well in that size? Before I buy them and try them out myself for a few weeks, I just thought I'd try to get your opinion. Thank you! New subscriber btw.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Honestly, it’s been a very long time since I’ve heard these, but based on memory, they would probably work pretty well. You just have to figure out if you’d like a speaker that has a wider radiation or not and this one probably errs on the side of a bit more narrow (based on memory). The one recommendation I would have is that you will definitely want a subwoofer to cover the lower octaves.

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

Erin, I don't know if you see these comments but I'm curious to learn why (despite the conclusions in this video preferring the 500's) you seem to still be recommending the 600's in your 'Best of' lists?

[@tomconnell7154]

the sound demo sounded like someone placed a blanket over the 500 m 1 and the 500 m 2 sounds like they take the blanket off and let the sound travel out full and clear

[@audio_facts]

I imagine a pair of RP-500M II with a Wiim Amp and a couple of active, good subwoofers would make a really, really good system.

[@quicktoevil]

Objectivity. So appreciated :)

[@Moonlight-zp5rj]

What kind of speakers/ home theatre system do you prefer for 16'x20' bedroom with the bed slammed to the wall?

[@caioferrari]

Great review! I totally agree the 500M + Sub is better over 600M’s. Thanks for the review!

[@indianapolisindiana7856]

I ordered a pair of 500 MII's for my desktop and will be pairing them with a R-120SW subwoofer. If you have any advise on my setup I'd appreciate it!

[@NeilBlanchard]

Erin, your points about why you include the data are well taken. On the other hand, if you *only* provided the data, then that would mostly negate the usefulness of that data - because *you* know how a speaker sounds, and whether or not it sounds good to you. And *you* know how to "read" the data - but most of us do not know how to read and understand the data. Assimilating all the data into an *actual* understanding of how something sounds - is the huge challenge. Really - in my humble opinion - the only way to know how anything sounds - is to listen to music played through it. If this subjective experience is related to the data, then yes, that helps us all understand things. But in the end, if we were to just look at the data for the RP500M II vs the RP600M II - without your subjective opinion, I think the data alone would not be worth very much; to most people. The main improvement, it would seem, of the gen 2 over the gen 1 RP500M - is the lack of the dip in the response in the crossover region. Hearing the lack of response is not as easy as hearing a peak in response. So a listening comparison is how/when the dip can be discerned. This is when data definitely helps.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Well, that is why I try my best to help explain the data and relate it to what I hear from the speaker(s) being reviewed. That is, in my opinion, the “next best thing” to hearing them. Because it’s not feasible to hear all the speakers. Ideally enough time goes by and with enough explanation people understand how to read the data as well. I had to learn at some point and I believe others can do the same if given the information. At which point they can then get an idea of what speakers they likely would enjoy or not enjoy without having to worry much about missing out (because they don’t have the means to listen to the speakers in person). 🙂

[@garyausten5939]

I'm planning on slowly replacing my Polk satellites with "real" speakers. I was thinking about the RP600ii, but realized they wouldn't fit in my bookcase (about 1/2" too tall. Both the 500ii and 600ii are on sale at Klipsch for 40% off and I'm going to a Magnolia center today to listen to whatever they have. I could tell a difference in the 500i vs 500ii and liked the clarity of the v2. I have my Polk sub so bass won't be an issue - I'd love to get a pair of rp8060fas though, but alas, the almighty dollar sticks its neck in :) - I can always get towers later and make the smaller speakers the surrounds. What center channel would pair with the rp500ii?

[@59seank]

I wish KZbin would do something about these spammers. I looked at about 20 replies and reported each one, but I don't have time to go through all the replies.

[@jorgenavas6704]

Hello! how are you? What subwoofer do you recommend for a 15M2 living room to watch movies and listen to music on CD and streaming? I have seen the Klipsch R8sw, R10sw and SPL100, which would be the most suitable? greetings from Argentina!

[@johntullio745]

Great reviews and very knowledgeable. I own the rp500 v1 with Dirac eq. Pretty happy with them, would you have some technical data with a 80hz crossover, what spl will I get with these at 1m? Will I get anywhere near 100db without clipping, compression etc

[@graysonpeddie]

If I get the RP-600M II, wouldn't Audyssey (or DIRAC Live) calibrate the speakers to my room and make it sound as good as the neutral-sounding RP-500M II? My use-case is for music listening and watching movies with 5.1 surround sound. I have a Klipsch RP-1000SW subwoofer. I will have my Denon X3400H's crossover setting set to 60Hz but I kind of want to hear sounds down to the rated frequency response of 44 Hz but then that would depend on my room. Maybe 50Hz at best but my Denon does not do 50Hz crossover, unfortunately. I do want to go for a fuller-range sound without going for Klipsch floorstanding speakers, as such speakers would weigh 40 pounds or higher. Even the RP-8060FA, a Dolby Atmos-enabled floorstanding speakers would weigh a lot more than my low-end Polk floorstanding speakers that weigh about 20 pounds. Perhaps at the end of the day, heavier speakers would probably perform better than lightweight speakers.

[@_abbadoo_]

to remedy the difference between the 500 and 500-II with eq - would that just be picking up the 1000hz ~5 db based on the graph? or does it still beat out for other reasons

[@nobody1194]

So if I were to get a RP 504C ii then the RP500Mii would be a good choice with a sub handling the crossover under 80hz? Or would the 600Mii still more recommended? I can certainly hear the difference in the sound demo with the heavy string instrument plucking away. The version one seems more dull and muted where the version two is more present and lifted upwards. It's actually less than subtle and makes version one sound....pretty bad and version two much better.

[@fredygump5578]

Audiophile language is kind of wild! I would simply say a portion of the highs were a bit muted on the mk1 speaker. It's slightly annoying at first, but I would adjust and not notice after awhile. All the detail is still there, just a little softer. So talking about this difference by saying "presence" and "detail" or "clarity" doesn't really make sense to me. Those words mean completely different things to me! But I also have a musical background, so my brain is probably wired a bit different than most people.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

FWIW, most of the terms I use came from a hall of fame (Alabama state but hey, that's still cool) engineer/producer. :)

[@fredygump5578]

@@ErinsAudioCorner My mind can over-complicate some things, but I guess interpreting what I hear seems simple to me. So I express it simply. Don't get me wrong, I like hanging out here because of your grounded approach and use of measurements. I appreciate that you're bridging the gap between the traditional audiophile and the science of sound.

[@DougMen1]

What you're hearing is the dip in the midrange, which is from 1-3khz, and is a lot higher in pitch than most people realize, and a peak in that area will be percieved as bright, and a dip as a lack of brightness.

[@fredygump5578]

@@DougMen1 I'm not sure we need to argue about what we call this specific frequency range? I know it's arguably "mid range", or more likely inbetween mid and high...and I also made a conscious decision to not to describe it as such.

[@Coffeedad]

Which would sound better overall high and low volume. Polk L100 or 500v2?

[@bkrhino1]

Nice review. I run a Klipsch 7.4 System consisting of the RF-7iii’s / RC-64iii / RP-502S’s and RP-150M’s. I am thinking about replacing the RP-150M’s with the RP-500M2 as rears. Each speaker revives power via the Parasound A-23+ and A-52+. Dual SVS SB16’s and dual SB-4000’s provide the bass. Thoughts?

[@patrickkerns2022]

i had phones on and only slight difference to me cool video

[@jked7463]

Thx for the review. Seems like the crossover in the mk1 was far from optimal. The mk2 is what would be expected from a professional loudspeaker company. Seemed like some of your usual tests and analysis was missing. But the essence as a comparison was there and spot on.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

All the usual data is on my site. I try to focus on the important stuff to keep things short which may vary between speakers.

[@jked7463]

@@ErinsAudioCorner understood plus you talked good detail on the 6. Klipsch is one of those companies I want to like but their short comings just keeps me from liking. They claim high efficiency but the impedance of their legacy stuff with the larger woofers drops down real low to draw power from the amp to keep up with horn. In my book that is not true high efficiency. Also, I sat with their head designer a decade ago. I pointed out how the time arrival between woofer and horn was easy to hear. He told me that didn't matter. No one could hear it. Huh? Although I understand their top of the line is digitally time aligned.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

the 500m ii new, at 460$ from a trustworthy retailer, would you say is a good deal right now?