Полочная акустика — Klipsch RP-500M II

Klipsch released the RP-500M II as the Mark II update of its RP-500M stand-mount, part of the Reference Premiere series from which the company passes technology down to its Reference models. It is offered in ebony vinyl and walnut vinyl finishes, each with a satin-painted baffle. Klipsch Group is headquartered in Indianapolis and belongs to Voxx International.

Key specs that matter

Klipsch uses a passive two-way layout with reflex loading. Its woofer is a 5.25 inch Cerametallic cone fitted with Faraday rings, and the tweeter is a 1 inch vented titanium LTS unit set in an expanded Tractrix horn with a hybrid cross-section. Crossover frequency is 1,530 Hz. Klipsch rates frequency response at 50 Hz to 25 kHz within 3 dB and in-room sensitivity at 92 dB for 2.83 V at 1 m. Impedance is 8 ohms nominal, and power handling is 75 W continuous with 300 W peak. The cabinet stands 34.4 cm high, 17.3 cm wide and 27.0 cm deep, and each speaker weighs 5.95 kg.

Engineering and use context

For the second generation Klipsch enlarged the 90 x 90 degree horn and made it from a silicone composite, with a phase plug and a compression-molded silicone face intended to smooth the response. The tweeter housing is vented to reduce standing waves behind the titanium diaphragm. Cerametallic cones, a hallmark of the Reference Premiere line, are stiff and light, and the redesigned woofer adds aluminium shorting rings to lower distortion and raise power handling, along with a new motor structure for better transient control. The MDF cabinet is internally braced. Its rear-firing port uses Tractrix geometry with flared inner ends that reduce air turbulence and port noise, so leave some room behind the cabinet. A new input panel carries audiophile-grade internal wire and a single set of aluminium binding posts. Cork pads replace rubber bumpers for grip on a stand or shelf, the scratch-resistant finish protects the vinyl, and a flexible grille attaches magnetically.

Pairing

The efficient RP-500M II, an undemanding load, can be driven by modest stereo amplifiers and AV receivers, with the continuous power rating as the practical ceiling. In a home cinema the speaker fits front or surround positions alongside other Reference Premiere II models, while a subwoofer covers the range below its bass limit.

Alternatives

Within the same Reference Premiere II family, the Klipsch RP-600M II is the bigger bookshelf model, with a 6.5 inch Cerametallic woofer, 94.5 dB sensitivity and bi-wire terminals.