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- Highly accurate surround-sound field
- Small satellite speakers
- Excellent sound quality
- Bass could be better
- Not a good choice for a big room
- Can be difficult to set up
Experts say the 5.1-channel Klipsch HD Theater 500 is a terrific-sounding speaker -- particularly with movies -- with the ability to create a more accurate surround-sound field than many of its competitors. The secret is a horn-loaded tweeter that "beams" high frequencies directly to a seating position without interacting with room acoustics as much as conventional designs do. While some reviewers aren't as enamored, most critics say music performance is pretty good. The strength of the HD Theater 500 really comes through in movies with a sound field that's so convincing, you might duck for cover when the action in a Hollywood blockbuster amps up.
While the Klipsch HD Theater 500 is more than powerful enough to fill a small or moderate-sized room with sound, most reviewers say these home theater speakers aren't quite up to the challenge of a larger space. Some praise the value, but others say the speakers are a little pricey. Critics have no such reservations about the Energy Take Classic 5.1 (*Est. $400) , which is priced a little lower than the HD Theater 500. Reviewers like its performance (especially the ability to deliver sound without any coloration) and love the value.
The 5.1-channel Klipsch HD Theater 500 has been extensively reviewed. The best evaluation comes from Home Theater magazine, which backs its detailed hands-on report with a technical report from the test bench. CNET's review is also testing-based but isn't quite as detailed. The reports at Wired, EngadgetHD.com and DigitalTrends.com are also testing-based but briefer still.
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| Klipsch HD 500 Compact 5.1 Home Theater System (Set of Six, Black) | |
(42 reviews) In Stock. |
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Our Sources
1. Home Theater MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Mark Fleischmann says that while the subwoofer is merely good for this class of home theater speakers, the satellites in the Klipsch HD Theater 500 are among the best he has ever heard. Together, that equals a home theater speaker system that outperforms many more-expensive options.
Review: Klipsch HD Theater 500 Speaker System, Mark Fleischmann, May 4, 2009
2. CNET
Although Steve Guttenberg likes a now-discontinued home theater system a bit more, he praises the performance of the Klipsch HD Theater 500, saying it "prioritizes sound quality over cosmetic glitz." Performance is good with music for the most part, but it soars with movies. Bass is rated higher than at Home Theater magazine. One quibble is the use of spring-clip speaker connectors instead of more secure binding posts.
Review: Klipsch HD Theater 500, Steve Guttenberg, July 12, 2011
While brief and breezy, this review of the Klipsch HD Theater 500 is backed by obvious testing. Rachel Cericola says music performance is great, but movies are where "these noisemakers really shined." The accuracy of the sound field is particularly complimented, and Cericola adds that it's so realistic, it scared her dog. The most significant complaint is that setting up the subwoofer can be a chore for nonaudiophiles, and there's some grousing that the price could be lower.
Review: Recession Ready HD Theater Rocks the House, Rachel Cericola, March 9, 2009
4. Engadget.com
The Klipsch HD Theater 500 is praised for its ability to handle music and movies. Value takes a hit here when the reviewer says other good home theater systems are less expensive. The lack of any included extras -- even hookup wire -- is also a disappointment.
Review: Klipsch HD Theater 500 5.1-Channel Sound System Impressions, Darren Murph, March 29, 2009
While some other reviewers complain about cost, DigitalTrends.com calls the Klipsch HD Theater 500 an "outstanding value." The reviewer says the subwoofer struggles a bit with the lowest bass frequencies and that best results will likely be had in smaller rooms, but overall the speakers deliver an "engaging home theater experience and a satisfying movie experience."
Review: Klipsch HD Theater 500 (HDT500) Review, Caleb Denison, July 23, 2009
Home Theater Speakers Runners Up:
4 picks including: Amazon.com, Home Theater Magazine…
2 picks including: Engadget.com, Home Theater Magazine…
2 picks including: Amazon.com, Home Theater Magazine…
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Klipsch HD 500 Compact 5.1 Home Theater System (Set of Six, Black)
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