Klipsch is marking its 80th year with two pieces of news out of CEDIA Expo 2026 in Denver: the global debut of the Klipsch RP-500PM, the first powered monitor in the storied Reference Premiere line, and an exclusive first listen of the all-new Reference Signature Series, a six-model horn-loaded range set to launch this winter. Together the announcements span the brand’s range from an all-in-one desktop-to-living-room monitor to a flagship three-way loudspeaker platform, both rooted in the horn-loaded acoustic architecture Klipsch has refined since 1946.
Klipsch RP-500PM: A Complete Stereo System, No Receiver Required
The Klipsch RP-500PM pairs a new high-density axial Tractrix horn tweeter, flush-mounted to the cabinet to widen the sweet spot and improve off-axis response, with a 5.25-inch Cerametallic woofer tuned for deep bass from a compact enclosure. Matched built-in amplifiers drive each monitor directly, eliminating the need for an external receiver, while a dedicated subwoofer output leaves room to add a Reference Premiere subwoofer later. Connectivity covers HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, optical, RCA line-level and phono and 3.5mm auxiliary inputs, with an included IR remote handling volume, playback and input switching.
Visually, the RP-500PM carries the black-and-copper Reference Premiere design language, with a floating cloth grille, textured wood-grain cabinet and copper woofer trim ring, and is compatible with Klipsch’s KS-28 stand. It arrives in North America this December through Klipsch.com and authorized dealers at an MSRP of $799.99.
A First Listen of the Reference Signature Series
Alongside the RP-500PM, Klipsch used CEDIA for invitation-only demonstrations of the Reference Signature Series, a new three-way, horn-loaded range first previewed as a design concept at the brand’s 80th-anniversary CES 2026 presentation. The lineup spans six models: floorstanding RS-8301F and RS-6301F, monitor RS-8301M and RS-6301M, center-channel RS-6301C, and the two-way RS-6101SA Dolby Atmos surround/height module.
Every model separates high-, mid- and low-frequency reproduction across dedicated drivers, moving crossover points outside the ear’s most sensitive range. A new phase-aligned horn positions the midrange driver inside the tweeter horn itself, so both radiate from the same acoustic center, while Klipsch’s titanium-diaphragm Linear Travel Suspension tweeter anchors the top end. Spun-copper Cerametallic cones, a one-piece BMC front baffle and curved, steam-bent-style cabinets in Ebony or Walnut with a leather top panel round out a noticeably more upscale industrial design than earlier Reference lines. Select models add switchable tweeter trim and dual binding posts for bi-wire or bi-amp setups.
Pricing and Availability
The RP-500PM ships in December 2026 at $799.99 per pair. Reference Signature pricing is targeted at $1,600 to $3,000 per pair, with select models launching this winter; Klipsch says final pricing and full specifications will be confirmed at launch. Both lines build directly on the redesigned nine-model Reference Premiere III series Klipsch introduced earlier this year, extending that design language upward into a powered format and, with Reference Signature, into a new flagship tier. Full press materials are available via klipsch.com.
Key Specifications
- RP-500PM: powered monitor, Tractrix horn tweeter, 5.25″ Cerametallic woofer, matched built-in amps
- RP-500PM connectivity: HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, optical, RCA, phono, 3.5mm aux, IR remote
- RP-500PM: $799.99 MSRP, available December 2026 (North America)
- Reference Signature: 6 models — RS-8301F, RS-6301F, RS-8301M, RS-6301M, RS-6301C, RS-6101SA
- Reference Signature: 3-way horn-loaded design, titanium LTS tweeter, phase-aligned horn, Cerametallic cones
- Reference Signature: targeted $1,600–$3,000/pair, select models available winter 2026
