Klipsch
Klipsch RP-500C II Center Channel Speaker
Best center channel for home theater enthusiasts seeking crystal-clear dialogue.
The Klipsch RP-500C II Center Speaker is engineered to be the star performer in your home theater system. It features a 1" Titanium LTS Vented Tweeter with a Hybrid Cross-Section Expanded Tractrix® Horn for precise high-frequency reproduction and dual 5.25" Cerametallic Cone Woofers with Faraday rings for powerful, undistorted bass. The bass reflex enclosure, enhanced by a rear-firing Tractrix® Port, delivers a full-frequency sound experience. Its 90° x 90° silicon composite hybrid Tractrix Horn ensures efficient sound dispersion directly into the listening area, while the exclusive Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) titanium diaphragm tweeter minimizes distortion for exceptional detail.
$474.99
More Reference Premiere Options
KLIPSCH REFERENCE PREMIER RP1200SW
$199.95
RP-260F Piano Black
$649.00
PRO-1200SW
$2949.99
Klipsch Reference Professional Series In-Wall Speaker PRO25RWLCR
$499.00
Klipsch RP-8000F II 2.1 Home Theater System
$549.99
Klipsch RP-140D
$179.99
RP-502S II Surround Sound Speakers
$599.99
Klipsch Reference Premiere Professional Series PRO-180RPW
$689.99
Klipsch RP-500SA II
$649.99
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-5000F II
$599.99
Klipsch RP-402S
$499.00
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M II Bookshelf Speakers
$489.99
Klipsch PRO-25RW-LCR In-Wall Speaker
$499.00
Klipsch PRO-180-RPC
$619.00
RP-404C II Center Channel Speaker
$449.99
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-504C II
$519.99
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-6000F II Floorstanding Speaker
$699.99
Klipsch RP-500M II
$389.99
RP-1200SW Refurb 12" High Excursion Subwoofer
$899.00
Klipsch PRO-180RPC In-Ceiling Speaker
$689.99
PRO-800SW Subwoofer
$1339.99
Klipsch PRO-160-RPC
$549.00
RP-1400SW 14" High Excursion Subwoofer
$1349.99
Klipsch Reference Premiere 10\" Subwoofer
$179.99
Klipsch PRO-250RP LCR
$439.00
RP-250F Piano Black
$299.00
Klipsch RP-640D Wall-Mountable Flat-Panel Speaker
$449.99
RP-504C Piano Black
$919.00
Klipsch Group 1064180 Speaker On-Wall
$259.99
Klipsch Reference Premiere Series RP-500SA Dolby Atmos Surround Speakers
$299.00
Klipsch Reference Premiere Designer Series RP-440D-SB 3-Channel On-Wall Passive Sound Bar
$849.99
Klipsch RP-240D Wall-Mountable Flat-Panel Speaker
$349.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
501
/ 6550
#501 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
-68%
Below average
Frequency Response
56253
/ -kHz +/- dB
Who it's for
- Movie lovers prioritizing clear, intelligible dialogue in home theaters
- Home theater enthusiasts using standard AV receivers needing high efficiency
- Design-conscious buyers seeking a bold, durable aesthetic for their setup
Who should skip it
- Listeners sensitive to sharp or fatiguing high-frequency audio
- Apartment dwellers or those with limited media console space
- Audiophiles who prefer mixing and matching different speaker brands
Performance breakdown
Dialogue Clarity
Tractrix horn technology ensures voices cut through complex cinematic soundscapes effortlessly.
High-Frequency Detail
Titanium LTS tweeter delivers crisp, distortion-free highs for immersive audio experiences.
Bass Impact
Cerametallic woofers provide punchy, controlled low-end performance for a center channel.
Sound Dispersion
Wide 90-degree horn geometry creates a broad, consistent sweet spot.
Build Integrity
Robust cabinet construction and premium binding posts signal long-term durability.
System Efficiency
High sensitivity rating makes this speaker easy to drive for most receivers.
Key Specs
Frequency Response
56-25kHz +/- 3dB
Sensitivity
94dB @ 2.83V / 1m
Power Handling
100W/400W
Nominal Impedance
8 Ohms
Crossover Frequency
1630Hz
Dimensions
6.87" H x 19.34" W x 10.58" D
Weight
18.3 lb.
Driver Size
5.25"
Features
- 1" Titanium LTS Vented Tweeter with Hybrid Cross-Section Expanded Tractrix® Horn
- Dual 5.25" Cerametallic Cone Woofers with Faraday rings
- Bass reflex enclosure with rear-firing Tractrix® Port
- 90° x 90° Silicon Composite Hybrid Tractrix Horn for enhanced detail and directivity
- Exclusive Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) Titanium Diaphragm Tweeter minimizes distortion
- Redesigned Cerametallic woofers for exceptional rigidity and improved transient response
- Custom-designed Tractrix ports reduce port noise for punchier low frequencies
- New, improved input panel with audiophile-grade wire and aluminum binding posts
- Designed for crystal-clear dialogue reproduction
- Magnetic grilles included for flexible aesthetics
What customers say
The Klipsch RP-500C II Center Channel Speaker earns high praise primarily for its exceptional dialogue clarity and dynamic performance, making it a top choice for home theaters. Users consistently note that vocal reproduction is crystal clear, even during intense action sequences. The speaker's focused sound imaging and efficient output are frequently highlighted features. While the build quality and aesthetic appeal receive positive remarks, the core strength lies in its ability to deliver powerful, detailed sound. A few listeners find the treble slightly forward, though this is often manageable with system adjustments. Overall, this speaker offers significant performance upgrades and outstanding value for enthusiasts prioritizing precise vocal delivery and robust dynamics.
Know before you buy
The center channel is responsible for the vast majority of dialogue and on-screen action in movies and TV shows. This speaker is specifically engineered to anchor that sound to your display, ensuring voices remain clear and intelligible even during complex, high-energy scenes.
The speaker measures 6.87 inches high, 19.34 inches wide, and 10.58 inches deep. We recommend measuring your shelf space to ensure you have enough clearance, particularly for the depth, to allow the rear-firing Tractrix port to function properly.
Yes, because the port is located on the back, you should avoid pushing the speaker flush against a wall. Leaving a few inches of space behind it will prevent unwanted bass buildup and allow the port to operate efficiently for cleaner low-frequency output.
The RP-500C II has a nominal impedance of 8 Ohms and a sensitivity of 94dB, making it highly efficient and compatible with most standard home theater receivers. It handles between 100W and 400W of power, so it will pair well with a wide range of amplification setups.
These redesigned Cerametallic woofers are exceptionally rigid and lightweight, which allows them to move quickly and accurately. This improved transient response results in tighter, more precise bass and midrange performance without the distortion often found in softer cone materials.
Yes, the magnetic grilles are designed for quick attachment and removal. This allows you to easily switch between a sleek, clean look with the grilles on or showcase the copper-colored drivers when you want a more aggressive aesthetic.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.