Name: Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA
Brand: Klipsch
SKU: 714RP500SW
Rating: 5 (116 reviews)

Overview

by Crutchfield's

3-dimensional Klipsch surround sound

Building a Dolby Atmos® home theater system with Klipsch Reference Premiere speakers? Then I recommend these voice-matched "toppers" to experience overhead sound effects without having to install in-ceiling speakers.

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3-dimensional Klipsch surround sound

Each RP-500SA sits on top of a compatible Reference Premiere floor-standing or bookshelf speaker. An upward-firing 5-1/4" spun-copper woofer and 1" horn-loaded tweeter in each cabinet reflect sound off the ceiling for immersive overhead effects.

Do you have an Atmos-capable receiver?

Since these speakers connect to your receiver's "height" channels for power and signal, a home theater receiver with Dolby Atmos is required for operation.

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Product highlights:

pair of Dolby Atmos add-on speakers for home theater
designed to sit on top of Klipsch Reference Premiere floor-standing speakers
drivers are angled upward to reflect sound off of the ceiling for immersive overhead sound effects
connect to a Dolby Atmos-compatible home theater receiver's height channels for power and signal
can also be used as standard left- or right-channel surround speakers when mounted to the wall
90° x 90° Hybrid Cross-Section Tractrix® horn with 1" LTS (Linear Travel Suspension) titanium diaphragm tweeter
5-1/4" Cerametallic™ cone woofer with rigid voice coil
frequency response and sensitivity specs conform to Dolby Atmos specifications
recommended amplification: up to 75 watts RMS (300 watts peak)
impedance: 8 ohms compatible
acoustic suspension (sealed) cabinet design
keyhole slot for easy wall-mounting
walnut vinyl finish with scratch-resistant design
6-7/8"W x 8-5/8"H x 12-3/4"D
weight: 8 lbs. (each)
warranty: 5 years
Our 60-day money-back guarantee
MFR # 1066508

What's in the box:

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA owner's manual

2 Dolby Atmos-enabled surround loudspeakers
2 Grilles (installed)
8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
User Manual
Important Safety Instructions
Warranty Information

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA reviews

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116 reviews

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Details

Researched by Crutchfield's Stacey B.

Features & specs


Type	Atmos toppers
Enclosure	Acoustic Suspension
Finish	MDF/Wood-grain vinyl
Color	Walnut
Tweeter Type	Tractrix Horn
Tweeter Size (inches)	1
Midrange Size (inches)	N/A
Woofer Size (inches)	5.25
Woofer Composition	Cerametallic
Woofer Surround	Rubber
Power Range	up to 75
Sensitivity	93 dB
Impedance (Ohms)	8
Frequency Response	Not given Hz
Connector Type	Binding post
Bi-amp Inputs	No
Wall-mountable	Yes
Bracket Included	Fixed keyhole mount
Parts Warranty	5 Years
Labor Warranty	5 Years

Product Research

Features

Dolby Atmos Elevation Speaker: Enhance your home theater system with the overhead sound effects of the Klipsch RP-500SA Dolby Atmos speaker. By leveraging Klipsch proprietary horn-loaded controlled directivity technology, the RP-500SA bounces sound off the ceiling to create an astonishing, immersive listening experience.

Note: Dolby Atmos delivers captivating, object-based sound that places and moves audio anywhere in the room to bring entertainment alive all around the audience. With Dolby Atmos sound comes alive from all directions, including overhead, to fill a home theater with astonishing clarity, power, detail and depth. Learn more out Dolby Atmos here.

Application & Mounting Options: In addition to delivering overhead sound effects as a Dolby Atmos speaker topper for Klipsch and other brands of floorstanding and bookshelf loudspeakers; the RP-500SA is designed to be wall-mounted as a front, rear or side elevation speaker; or as a versatile side or rear surround sound speaker. There is a threaded keyhole slot on the back, as well as four integrated rubber feet on the bottom of the speaker.

Dolby Atmos "Topper" Dimensions: Keep in mind the RP-500SA's dimensions when using it as a Dolby Atmos topper, as it must be able to rest on top of your floorstanding or bookshelf loudspeaker. It measures 6.875" (w) x 8.625" (h) x 12.75".
Wall-Mount Dimensions: When wall mounted, the RP-500SA measures 6.875" (w) x 12.75" (h) x 8.625" (d).

Note: The RP-500SA features a rear-panel crossover swtich that changes between Atmos and Surround speaker modes, for optimized performance as a Dolby Atmos Elevation speaker, or a wall-mounted side or rear surround.

1" Horn-Loaded Tweeter: The Klipsch RP-500SA loudspeaker features a 1" Titanium LTS Vented Tweeter with a Hybrid Tractrix Horn technology exceptional high frequency response, detail, and dispersion. Klipsch proprietary Tractrix horn-loaded technology ensures high-frequency energy of the RP-500SA speakers are aimed directly at the listener and reduces unwanted, artificial reverb caused by indirect sound bouncing off walls - meaning you experience the most clear, detailed, lifelike sound possible.

Titanium LTS Vented Tweeter: The titanium tweeter diaphragm's light weight yet rigid composition exceeds the performance of aluminum, polymer or silk tweeters. A vented tweeter design reduces standing waves behind the tweeter diaphragm for a smoother high frequency reproduction. Klipsch award-winning Linear Travel Suspension technology leverages a piston motion of the titanium diaphragm that lowers distortion and delivers real-to-life sound. A ceramic magnet housing provides premium performance.
Hybrid Tractrix Horn Technology: This redesigned 90°x90° Hybrid Tractrix Horn utilizes a circular horn throat paired to a square horn mouth to further improve high-frequency response and extension, while enhancing imaging and dynamics. The Hybrid Tractrix Horn's compressed molded silicon face adds high frequency damping to reduce harshness and horn resonance for a smoother frequency response with improved detail - creating a clean and natural sound. Klipsch also utilizes computer modeled phase plugs that act as a mechanical filter to further ensure a smooth, flat frequency response while protecting the tweeter from damage.

5.25" Cerametallic Woofer: The RP-500SA loudspeaker utilizes a 5.25" Klipsch Proprietary Cerametallic woofer. Cerametallic consists of extremely light, rigid materials that can hold shape while being able to deliver lower frequencies with maximum efficiency. The Klipsch Cerametallic cone is matted to a dual-layer, copper-wound voice coil for exceptional conductivity. The 5.25" woofer is housed in a non-resonating, stamped-steel basket that's secured to a large magnet motor for exceptional efficiency and low distortion.

MDF Cabinet: The Klipsch RP-500SA speaker features a MDF cabinet with a scratch-resistant, textured wood grain vinyl that seamlessly integrates into almost any room or decor. The enclosure's reinforced MDF construction reduces cabinet vibration for less audible coloration and improved sonic accuracy. The MDF enclosure also features a satin painted baffle with a scratch resistant design for an elegant look without the grille.

Acoustically Transparent Grille: The Klipsch RP-500SA loudspeaker comes with a removable, black cloth grille that is magnetic and acoustically transparent. This strong magnetic grille provides protection and a sleek aesthetic look to compliment your home's decor.

Binding Posts: The Klipsch Reference Premiere series speaker is fitted with sturdy binding posts to ensure a secure connection to many types of cable and connectors. The binding post terminals will accept banana plugs (single only), pin-connectors, spade-lugs and bare wire (up to 10AWG). Two plastic caps will need to be removed to use banana plugs.

Reference Premiere Series: The Klipsch Reference Premiere series utilizes a redesigned hybrid 90°x90° Tractrix Horn, a vented LTS titanium tweeter, Cerametallic woofer construction, and Tractrix geometry port technology for sound that will envelope you and blow you away. The Reference Premiere series by Klipsch consists of a variety of floorstanding, bookshelf, center, and surround speakers (all sold separately). Click on the Accessories Tab to find more Reference Premiere series speakers for your home system.

Optional Powered Sub: For bigger & deeper bass response, pair the Klipsch Reference Premiere series loudspeaker with one of Klipsch's powered subwoofers (sold separately - click on Accessories Tab).

Accessories

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Q&A

24 questions already asked

What is the distance from the top of the speaker (Hanging on a wall) to the top of the key hole on a Klipsch RP-500SA speaker?

[ Tom Nov 24, 2021 ]

2 answers

2.75 inches

[ ROBERT Nov 25, 2021 ]

Due to the design of the speaker, the answer is not as simple as you would think. There is a plastic cubby for the terminals that also wraps around what would be the top when hung. The distance from the farthest protrusion of that plastic, to the farthest point in the keyhole is 2.95 inches. The keyhole itself is 0.410 inches. So, the distance from the end to the center of the keyhole should be 2.745 inches. KEEP IN MIND the terminals are as far back as they can get away with. This means banana plugs can only be used when the speaker lays flat projecting up. To use these tight against a ceiling you will need your wires to end in spades or rings so they make contact from the terminal's side, not the end.

[ Daniel Nov 24, 2021 ]

Hello all, I am looking to add Atmos to my set up as my space is not a very good setup for rear mounted surround speakers. I would like to get these to set on top of my rp 8000f towers. My question is does my recover have to be Dolby Atmos capable to run these?

[ AJ Jul 24, 2021 ]

5 answers

These will work on a Dolby decoder,standard setting on your receiver but you need a dedicated atmos receiver , processor to get true Dolby atmos from atmos encoded sources blueray,Netflix etc. Also your streaming source,appletv etc has to be set to atmos enabled. I have these on top of Klipsch rf 83's about 4 feet tall and they work good.Good luck.

[ ED DE Jul 25, 2021 ]

Yes

[ Barry Jul 25, 2021 ]

This model I believe has a switch on the back/underneath that toggles between 'Atmos' and 'surround'. So if you do not have an Atmos coded receiver you need to switch it to 'surround' and your 5.1 receiver will send a signal to it. That being said, the speaker placement you described is specifically meant for an Atmos signal. So, without an Atmos receiver I would not buy speakers to place on top of your towers because your receiver would send a 'surround' signal, not a 'height' signal for which Atmos is designed.

[ TIM Jul 25, 2021 ]

Great choice

[ MYRON Jul 25, 2021 ]

No they will still work as speakers, but why buy atmos speakers if you can't utilize the technology? There are some very affordable good quality receivers available and you will be much more satisfied with the results.

[ PATRICK S Jul 24, 2021 ]

I'm thinking about buying these speakers for my Onkyo TX-NR585 receiver and mounting them on the back wall of my seating area. The question I have is my seating area has 20 ft vaulted ceiling and the area is surrounded by 3 walls and is open to the kitchen. How high must I mount these to be effective, or what is the recommended height?

[ Leo Jun 09, 2021 ]

3 answers

Ideally, when using these speakers as surround speakers, they will be mounted at a height that has the tweeter pointing at the average ear level for the seating area. The height will vary based on the distance between the speakers and the seating area. If that is not possible, the the recommendation would be to have them positioned so the tweeter is pointing overhead

[ JASON Jun 12, 2021 ] Staff

It depends on your setup. These work really well in a Dolby Atmos setup (overhead speakers) sitting on top of the front left and right speakers because they aim at the ceiling and bounce the sound off of it. That's how mine are set up. When watching Black Hawk Down, I can close my eyes and it sounds like the helicopters are passing overhead. But I have an 8-foot ceiling. With 20-foot ceilings, I don't think that setup will work, so I would set them up on the back wall about 8-10 feet high ... IF your going to use them as Atmos overhead speakers. You would want the sound aiming at the top of your head while sitting down, so it may need to be less than 8 feet, depending on how far your seats are from the back wall. If you're going to use them as back surround speakers, then I would set them up about 8-feet high (since they are already angled down a bit) and put them on the left and right walls pointing toward the audience's ears. That depends on how wide your room is, though. If it's narrow, then you may need to put them lower than 8 feet. Just pretend the speaker is a laser and aim it at your head where you'll be sitting. My surround speakers are at about 4 feet (ear level) because they're not angled like these speakers are. These Klipsch speakers are excellent. Good luck!

[ Timothy Jun 09, 2021 ]

I have a KLIPSCH speakers surround system......(7 speakers plus my two subwoofers)...! I used my RP-500SA's on top of my LEFT and RIGHT Front speakers. My front left and front right are RF-7 speakers and I use them as my surround and back speakers too. Talk about immersing one into a movie or for listening to vinyl records, cd's or even satellite radio programming......! The height that you are wanting would be a personal preference......! Try to place them at the top of your wall behind you......for starters.....then try them midway on your wall.....then try them at ear (head) height.........listen to them at each setting (placement).....and see what YOUR personal liking is.....! That's where you will enjoy them the most. These bad boys are for ATMOS sound enjoyment......! If you cannot, for any particular reason have ceiling mounted ATMOS speakers....go this route.....! Lastly......could have been Firstly though......contact the Advisors at CRUTCHFIELD.....they are the BEST at assisting one with any TECHNICAL questions.....! AND you can always contact KLIPSCH ADVISORS also.....! You will find that CRUTCHFIELD goes way beyond to assist us customers.....! They live and breathe this stuff.....and they have always steered me onto the right path.....! They answer even my dumbest questions....they truly are interested in our success with the products they service/sell/recommend......! True Professionals...and they treat us like equals/humans.....very courteous.....! Best of luck to you in your endeavor.....! WES "Big Dog"

[ wesley Jun 09, 2021 ]

If using these as a side surround how high on wall should be mounted ?

[ Brian Dec 07, 2020 ]

2 answers

About two feet higher than head height when sitting down.

[ wayne Dec 07, 2020 ]

I have mine sitting on top of my tower speakers which is about 3 ft off the floor. Not using as surround

[ Terry Dec 07, 2020 ]

does my avr-s900w denon have dolby atmos? and will the RP-500 SA speakers still reflect off the ceiling sitting on top of my floor standing speakers?

[ RONALD Nov 26, 2020 ]

1 answer

Yes! The Klipsch RP-500 SA Dolby Atmos speakers reflect ceiling sound to the sound bubble flawlessly. They are excellent speakers.

[ RODNEY Nov 27, 2020 ]

When placing these speakers as heights speakers on the front wall, what setting should the switch on the back be at, atmos or surround? (They'll be used as front heights on top of the wall, for better atmos effects than on top of the Front speakers.)

[ ERICK Nov 12, 2020 ]

2 answers

My best understanding is if you set the switch to surround, the speakers will act as a new channel of front speakers (ie front effects speakers in a 7.1 or 9.1 setup). They will not produce atmos sound. If you set the switch to atmos, you will add them as dedicated front atmos firing speakers.

[ Jeffrey Nov 12, 2020 ]

I used the "surround" setting. I think the "atmos" setting is for upfiring.

[ SANG Nov 12, 2020 ]

I'm looking at getting these speakers to put on my RP8000F floor speakers. My seating position is about 12 feet away from my front speakers and have RP600's 9 feet behind me. I only have an 8 foot celling. Is their standard angle enough so the sound doesn't bounce off the celling in front of me, or should I angle them up a bit so the sound may bounce back to the middle or further back in the room?

[ TedR1 Nov 04, 2020 ]

1 answer

The angle worked fine for me. I have recently changed mine to forward height speakers. And mouth them on the wall. Really opened up the sound

[ RICHARD Nov 04, 2020 ]

What type of speaker wire do these speakers require? I am currently using Audioquest Rocket 33 with the Klipsch front and center speakers. Is it good to use the Rocket 33's or can I use a less expensive version of the Audioquest speaker wire?

[ DOUGLAS Oct 28, 2020 ]

2 answers

I would use a heavy gauge speaker wire as opposed to a thin wire 24 gauge or higher. The smaller number wire gauges means a thinner wire.

[ DONALD Oct 29, 2020 ]

For these speakers I used 12 to 14 guage wire for long runs of wire and for short runs of wire I used 16 guage wire. Check the guage of the mentioned Rocket 33's....!

[ wesley Oct 28, 2020 ]

When mounting klipsch rp500sa on wall which banana plug works. Any clearance issue?

[ Jorge Oct 28, 2020 ]

2 answers

NOT ENOUGH CLEARANCE FOR BANANA PLUGS WHEN WALL MOUNTING. YOU WILL HAVE TO GO WITH A BARE WIRE CONNECTION. USE A HIGH END TWELVE GAUGE CABLE IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY PURCHASED THE CABLE. YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED.

[ wayne Oct 30, 2020 ]

Sorry Jorge, we didn't wall mount them. We placed them on top of our home entertainment cabinet.

[ SCOTT Oct 28, 2020 ]

What degree is the angle?

[ KEVIN Sep 10, 2020 ]

1 answer

Hello Kevin. The degree of the angle the Klipsch RP-500SA speakers have is not a published measurement. If you are planning to place these on top of a set of existing Klipsch tower speakers, their height is going to be 7.4375", overall. If you plan to mount these speakers to a wall, they will protrude from the wall by 7.4375", at their widest point. If you would like to obtain more detailed measurements, please contact Klipsch at 800-554-7724.

[ JESSICA Sep 25, 2020 ] Staff

What degree is the angle?

[ KEVIN Sep 10, 2020 ]

2 answers

Side A = 13.5, Side B = 12.5, Side C = 5. The angle that you're asking about is 21.738 degrees.

[ Timothy Jun 09, 2021 ]

I think the angle is close to 45 degrees

[ ED DE Sep 11, 2020 ]

my klipsch floor standing speakers are not reference premier, I'm completing my speaker system with rp's, will these speakers not function properly if not paired with rp floor speakers?

[ ROBERTO Aug 31, 2020 ]

6 answers

Sorry I do not know :( I purchased these to add dolby hieght to my system, and these did absolutely nothing. Apparently to get the dolby height sensation you have to physically mount them to the ceiling. I promptly returned these!

[ DONALD Sep 01, 2020 ]

These speakers are Dolby Atmos speakers so the sound is directed at the ceiling. They will work fine with any brand of front speakers. I'm using them with my Def Tech 9080 front speakers.

[ JAMES Sep 01, 2020 ]

Hi they will work fine . Jeff

[ JEFFREY Sep 01, 2020 ]

They should function properly as surround or atmos speakers. To have all the speakers of the same brand and line is ideal but not needed. Matching your front three speakers with the same brand and line is the most important thing. You can use surround and atmos speakers of other brand or line.

[ PEDRO PAGAN Sep 01, 2020 ]

They will work......with other speakers...! BUT...when you can afford to, do upgrade to the Reference system speakers...and you will notice the difference in sounds produced. I love the KLIPSCH systems......puts one right in the middle of the action in movies...and the music played thru them is wonderful. Good luck Roberto....!

[ wesley Sep 01, 2020 ]

Roberto, I have Polk Audio floor standing speakers with these Klipsch speakers sitting on top of them (aimed at ceiling). My center, sub, and two back surround speakers are also Polk Audio. They all work perfectly and sound great together.

[ Timothy Aug 31, 2020 ]

When positioned to fire sound upwards, how far away from the ceiling do these need to be, or how close to the ceiling can these be?

[ Kevin Aug 30, 2020 ]

2 answers

In many receivers you can set this distance in the settings. They can work at a range of distances.

[ JOHN Sep 13, 2021 ]

Except from Dolby Atmos setup. " Placement relative to listeners To avoid an unwanted proximity effect, make sure the speakers are at least 3 feet (0.9 meter) away from listening positions, ideally 5 feet (1.5 meters) or more. This distance may be less than 5 feet if the upward-firing driver(s) of the Dolby Atmos enabled speaker is placed well above the level of the closest listener's head. Positioning of add-on modules If you're using add-on modules, place them either on top of the front and surround (ideally, rear surround) speakers or within 3 feet (0.9 meter) of those speakers. Place on-wall or in-wall add-on modules in the same position. Dolby Atmos enabled speakers should be mounted so that the driver is facing toward the ceiling." I have mine setup at ~43" from the floor to a 10' ceiling with a listing position ~ 8' from speakers and the reflection works well. Unfortunately I can't supply a link but the whole document is on Dolby dot come under atmos setup.

[ THOMAS Aug 30, 2020 ]

Are these good speakers?

[ MIKE Nov 18, 2019 ]

5 answers

These speakers are meant for some specific sounds; cracks, plane sound, consuming fire sounds etc. Remember you should have a receiver which has Dolby Atmos capability. Again, they are smaller than what l was expecting but their sounds are clearly noticeable. Good Luck

[ BRIGHT Nov 18, 2019 ]

Oh yeah they are really good speakers!Enter

[ Mark Nov 18, 2019 ]

They are a solid choice. I'd definitely buy them again. After extensive use I do recommend wall mounting them vs having them on top of your floorstanding speakers, but that may be do to my very high ceilings. I found I just wasn't getting a lot of sound when pointed up

[ JASON Nov 18, 2019 ]

Excellent. They make everyone in the room (including the dog) look up and around expecting to see what they just heard from above . ??

[ WESLEY L Nov 18, 2019 ]

I have 4. Great speakers for dolby atmos.

[ JIM Nov 18, 2019 ]

How to best mount these speakers to the wall? Are brackets included? Holes in rear panel?

[ RONALD Oct 25, 2019 ]

4 answers

I HAVE EIGHT OF THESE BEAUTIES. I USED DRYWALL ANCHORS AND SCREWS TO AFFIX THEM TO THE WALL. THEY ARE PART OF TWO AURO 3D SYSTEMS I HAVE INSTALLED IN THE MUSIC ROOM AND HOME THEATER. I CAN'T SPEAK HIGHLY ENOUGH ABOUT THESE SPEAKERS. THEY WORK IN CONCERT WITH ALL THE OTHER KLIPSCH SPEAKERS IN MY SYSTEMS FOR A BEAUTIFUL MUSICAL AND HOME THEATER EXERIENCE. HAVE FUN!!

[ wayne Oct 26, 2019 ]

I set mine on top of the front speakers. I didn't mount them on the wall.

[ Michael Oct 26, 2019 ]

No brackets included or required. There is a mounting hole. The speakers are heavy try to hit a stud with the screw.

[ Jason Oct 25, 2019 ]

My speakers are not wall mounted. However, there is a keyhole type bracket on the back. You should be able to put a single screw in the wall to hold the speaker. Provided you can put the screw into a stud or find a suitable Anchor.

[ JAMES Oct 25, 2019 ]

Dolby Atmos versus DTS-HD 7.1? I have three classification of Blue rays and wondering if all three will play via these speakers. They are Dolby Atmos(obviously yes) DTS-HD 7.1 and THX. I have a Denon X2500 receiver. Amp selection would be Dolby Front but there are multiple possibilities for sound mode (Dolby Audio-Dolby Sound; DTX Neural:X; DTX Virtual:X; Multi Ch Stereo. Which Sound Mode setting for DTS-HD 7.1 and THX. For those not familiar with THX it's used on Star Wars and Indiana Jones movies. Thanks, David

[ DAVID Aug 22, 2019 ]

2 answers

These speakers will play whatever signal you give them. They are designed with Atmos in mind, but can be used with other formats. The speaker itself will play the signal it is given. You would need to assign the speaker layout within the receiver settings, and properly place the speakers.

[ Thomas Sep 13, 2019 ] Staff

I would suggest doing an internet search for 'Surround Sound Formats - Dolby Digital vs DTS vs THX'. This may help answer your question.

[ MATTHEW Sep 11, 2019 ]

can I use 2 pair of these speakers as both my back and rear surrounds ans set all four to Dolby Atmos in conjunction with a Klipsch RP8060FA in front?

[ James Aug 10, 2019 ]

2 answers

If you already own them sure, but Klipsch sells bookshelf speakers about the same size and quality for a much lower price than these specialty speakers.

[ TROY Aug 10, 2019 ]

Yes. You can set them up however you wish using your receiver's menus. Keep in mind these speaker are actually bigger than the pictures lead you to believe. They sound amazing

[ Matt Aug 10, 2019 ]

What is the sensitivity of this speaker? There is no specific information about this any where

[ Sriram Nov 30, 2018 ]

1 answer

I've searched too and only found where they said it conforms to dolby atmos specifications(whatever these are).

[ CRAIG Dec 05, 2018 ]

Can you mount on the ceiling facing down for atmos?

[ Christopher Nov 19, 2018 ]

2 answers

As long as the speakers are aimed at your head, and you have them set up as Atmos overhead speakers, it shouldn't matter whether your bouncing the sound off the ceiling or not. However, they do work great bouncing the sound off the ceiling; that is how mine are set up. But if you mounted them to the ceiling, where the angle of the speaker is aimed at your head, I would think that would be better than bouncing the sound off a wall or ceiling. The sound is going directly to your ear that way.

[ Timothy Jun 09, 2021 ]

Sorry no; there is no provision for the speakers to be ceiling mounted. They can be placed on top of your front left & right (tower or bookshelf) speakers, firing upwards to bounce the effects off the ceiling (and back down into the listening area) or they can be wall-mounted for use as side or rear surround sound speaker. They have a rear-panel crossover switch that changes between Atmos and Surround speaker modes for optimized performance.

[ Ryan Nov 24, 2018 ] Staff

I have a Marantz 8015 and I am curious to what input connection would work best with these? I am assuming in Dolby Atmos mode using the height input would be optimal while in Surround mode the front/rear height input would be better, Can anyone confirm this?

[ ROBERT Aug 30, 2021 ]

2 answers

Hi Robert I have two sets of these set up in Our theater and we are happy with them I have them set up on the sides, Yes they work best with Dolby Atmos set up.But we are also running a 13.2 surround sound. Regards Jeremy

[ JEREMY Aug 30, 2021 ]

Yes, you would use these on your height channel inputs or surround, but I would leave it full range speaker mode with either selection. Reason being is your Marantz has Audyssey EQ, and if you set it up as an uprising Atmos speaker, it will send it a calibrated EQ signal (essentially a small boost on top end, followed by a dip and then a slow roll off). If you set the speaker switch in atmos mode, it will be trying to replicate the same uprising atmos sound curve that is already being sent to it once you EQ it and will exaggerate the curve. Look further unto it, but your Marantz can give it the uprising atmos curve best. If using as a surround speaker, same principle applies and leaving it in surround mode switch is best. This is how I have mine set up.

[ PATRICK Aug 30, 2021 ]

Can i just set these on top of my rear surround bookshelf speakers (RP-600m's) to get good atmos sound in the rear? I'm planning to use the reference premier floor speakers for the front atmos sound. I'll be running a 5.1.4 system if these work like I hope.

[ CRAIG Dec 11, 2020 ]

2 answers

It should work out just fine. I have mine on an older set of Klipsch tower speakers. I run a 5.1.4 setup with a Denon X4400H and the sound is exceptional. Try to find them when they are on sale.

[ THOMAS W Dec 12, 2020 ]

As long as you have the clearance, I would think so. I also use bookshelf speakers for my surround. But, I have them mounted high on the wall. Thus, I don't have the clearance to put them on top. But, if you can put them on top, it will enhance the sound of your system.

[ DOMINICK Dec 11, 2020 ]

Any comparison between these and the Polk own 3? I currently have the polks as front and rear height channels. Extremely underwhelming sound... my mains are JBL310ii. Very efficient speakers. Yamaha Aventage 2080 Receiver.

[ Jesse Dec 22, 2019 ]

1 answer

Thanks for your question. For information on comparing two or more models I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences and help you make the best choice for your system and your budget.

[ KRISTINA Jan 03, 2020 ] Staff

Why pick the more expensive reference premier vs the reference line?

[ Bob Oct 22, 2019 ]

2 answers

Simple choice for me since I purchased the RP-500SA for $399 last year, not sure why they have gone up so much. At that time the Reference were going for $379. In addition the RP uses a 5.25" driver where as the Reference uses a 4" driver and wanted the larger size to keep up with my dual center setup and the larger towers.

[ THOMAS Oct 22, 2019 ]

For my use the upgrade was based on 3 factors: 1. And most important my wife wanted a wood grain color and not black. 2. The sound quality is noticeably better than the reference line. I have a set of R625FA for my front and wish I ad purchased a set of RP280FA but my budget was tight. I am extremely happy with my RP 404C center channel speaker. 3. I purchased the pair as scratch and dent from Crutchfield. The cost savings made these speakers fit into my budget as a birthday gift to me. I will add that this was the third purchase of a scratch and dent item from Crutchfield. All three items had no surface scratches, dents, or surface mars and all three items performed well right out of the box and 7 months later still have no performance issues.

[ THOMAS W Oct 22, 2019 ]

If I install them as elevated Atmos speakers, do I leave the switch on Atmos or do I change it to surround?

[ Felix Dec 28, 2018 ]

4 answers

Enter an answer to this The Atmos mode switch enables a special crossover that adds a "squiggle" in the high frequency response to enhance the bounce effect. This should ONLY be used when they are up-firing. If used in a normal direct-firing application the switch should be set to the other position. In the AVR they will he called "heights".question.

[ Mike Sep 22, 2019 ]

Leave it on Atmos

[ Matt Dec 30, 2018 ]

i'm sorry,i can't answer that question because i put the Atmos on top of the front speakers.

[ ADONIS H Dec 28, 2018 ]

I currently have my speakers on surround while elevate on my wall because my receiver does not have atmos. But when it is upgraded I will change the switch to atmos.

[ LaTasha Dec 28, 2018 ]

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Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA (Ebony)

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA II (Ebony)

Klipsch Reference R-40SA

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA

Dolby Atmos® enabled add-on speakers (Walnut)

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Since 1974

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About the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA

3-dimensional Klipsch surround sound