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Klipsch’s Beloved Bookshelf Speakers Just Got Way More Affordable

The American speaker specialist is giving you another reason to go big on affordable hi-fi.

Close-up of a black square speaker tweeter with an orange ring around the central dome on a glossy black speaker panel.Klipsch
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By Tucker Bowe

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Klipsch makes two loudspeaker ranges, the Reference and the Reference Premiere, the latter being its higher-end tier.

Each range features bookshelf and floorstanding speakers, as well as center channels, subwoofers and surrounds. This gives you, the listener, the freedom and flexibility to create the stereo or home theater system the way you want.

The Klipsch RP-500M II (or Reference Premiere 500M II) is the most popular bookshelf speaker in Klipsch’s higher-end lineup. And right now, you can get an incredible deal on a pair. (And you can get an even better deal on the first-gen models, the RP-500M.)

Black and wood-grain Klipsch Reference Premiere speaker with copper cone woofer on a black stand.
These are the first-generation RP-500M, which Klipsch still sells for $400/pair.
Klipsch

Reference (Premiere) grade

The Klipsch RP-500M II are two-way passive bookshelf speakers that were released in 2022. They are the successors to the RP-500M, which came out in 2018, but the second-generation models are considerably better-sounding speakers, thanks to a redesigned cabinet and tweeter.

Klipsch still technically sells both models, although the first-gen models are getting phased out (which is the main reason they’re so inexpensive right now).

Home audio setup with black and copper speakers, vintage amplifier and turntable on a wooden chest against a brick wall.
The RP-500M are passive bookshelf speakers that are easy to drive and can be integrated into a stereo or larger home theater system.
Klipsch
Rear view of a Klipsch RP-600M speaker with wood finish, showing input terminals with connected speaker wires.
The speakers have a bass-reflex design with rear-firing Tractrix port.
Klipsch

Both generations of the RP-500M bookshelf speakers feature a horn-loaded tweeter, a hallmark of Klipsch, which makes them incredibly efficient and easy to drive. Both can be paired with a lower-powered integrated amplifier or AV receiver.

However, the second-generation speakers feature a reworked titanium tweeter with a larger proprietary Tractrix horn; according to the brand, this helps “improve high-frequency response and extension, while enhancing imaging and dynamics.”

Black Klipsch speaker with copper cone on a black stand next to a white cushioned chair and ottoman.
The second-generation models, the RP-500M II, look similar but promise improved sound.
Klipsch
Two black Klipsch speakers with copper cones on a textured black and gray cabinet below a wall-mounted flat-screen TV showing a beach scene.
Both models are available in black or walnut finishes and come with grilles (not shown) that magnetically attach.
Klipsch

Both sets are on sale

When Klipsch released the RP-500M (in 2018) and RP-500M II (in 2022), both sets of bookshelf speakers were priced at $550. However, the company has since dropped the price of the first-generation models to $399. Now, however, you can get an even better price on either set of speakers.

Klipsch is currently discounting the RP-500M II by 29 percent. This drops the normally $550 bookshelf speakers down to $390. Crutchfield is currently matching this deal.

Klipsch still sells the original RP-500M for $399, but it isn’t discounting them any further. However, Crutchfield is running a really good deal on them. You can pick them up for under $300.

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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