Klipsch’s New Speaker System Aims to Make Hi-Fi More Approachable
It's the first powered speakers system that the American audio brand has introduced to its high-end Reference Premiere range.
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It's been a big few weeks for Klipsch. That's because the American hi-fi manufacturer has unveiled two new loudspeaker ranges.
In early August, Klipsch introduced the Reference Premiere III, a new nine-speaker range that improves on (and takes the place of) the 2022-released Reference Premiere II range.
This had been the company's new flagship loudspeaker range for about a second, until Klipsch revealed the Reference Signature just this week. The new flagship range sits just above the Reference Premiere III and will be released "this winter."
Klipsch RP-500PM
The RP-500PM is the first powered speaker system that Klipsch has brought to its Reference Premiere range. - Credit: Klipsch
Now, Klipsch is turning its attention to powered speakers with the RP-500PM . It's notable because they're the first powered speakers that the company has added to its Reference Premiere series.
( Note: Klipsch has several powered speakers in its standard Reference series, including the R-40PM and R-50PM . But the RP-500PM is the first it's introducing to its higher-end range.)
The RP-500PM powered speakers have a two-way design that pairs Klipsch's new high-density axial Tractrix horn tweeter with a 5.25-inch Cerametallic woofer. Each speaker has built-in amplifiers that the brand says are perfectly matched to each driver "to maximize performance."
It's designed as a "plug-and-play" speaker system. No external amplifier or receiver required.
If you couldn't tell, this is the only photo that Klipsch has released of the RP-500PM. - Credit: Klipsch
According to the brand, the RP-500PM monitors "deliver high-resolution, room-filling sound with the convenience of an all-in-one design."
Like many of Klipsch's other powered speaker systems, the RP-500PM comes equipped with numerous inputs (including HDMI ARC, USB-C, 3.5mm, optical, RCA, and phono) so you can use it as speakers for your turntable, TV or desktop. They also support Bluetooth streaming, too.
Price and availability
Klipsch is holding other details and tech specs close to the chest, as the RP-500PM won't officially be released until December. A pair will set you back $800.
Klipsch RP-500PM Powered Monitors
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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