Which is better for music without a subwoofer?

The RP-500M II. Its 45 Hz rating gives usable bass the R-51M's 62 Hz limit cannot match, so most listeners will want a sub with the R-51M.

Is the RP-500M II worth the extra $100?

For two-channel listening, yes. You get deeper bass, a better tweeter and horn, and a sturdier cabinet for about $100 more per pair at current prices.

Which is easier to drive?

The R-51M, at 93 dB sensitivity versus 92 dB. Both are 8-ohm speakers, so either works with most receivers, but the R-51M needs slightly less power.

Which is better for home theater surrounds?

The R-51M. It is cheaper, more sensitive and its limited bass matters less when a subwoofer handles low frequencies.

Both are passive speakers with no electronics to fail. The R-51M carries a stated 5-year warranty; the RP-500M II listing does not state one.

Do both come as pairs?

Yes. Both are sold in pairs, so the prices shown are for two speakers.

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M II Bookshelf Speaker vs Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf Speakers

Buy the RP-500M II if you want deeper bass, a more refined horn tweeter and a speaker that scales with better electronics; it costs about $100 more at $389.99 at Best Buy as of November 4, 2026. Buy the R-51M if you want the lower price and higher sensitivity for a receiver-driven or home-theater setup; it is $289.99 at Amazon as of November 4, 2026. Neither is a bad buy, but the RP-500M II is the better two-channel speaker and the R-51M is the better value.

Today the Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf Speakers costs $100.00 less at its best price.

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