In this review, we will be comparing BW 606 and RP-400M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Bowers Wilkins and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of B&W 606 and Klipsch RP-400M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the B&W 606 and Klipsch RP-400M speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the B&W 606 and Klipsch RP-400M compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both BW 606 and RP-400M are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
B&W 606 |
Klipsch RP-400M |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
BW 606 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-400M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.
Frequency Response
BW 606 has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz whereas RP-400M has a frequency range of 52-25k Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
BW 606 and RP-400M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. BW 606 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the RP-400M's is at 93 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-400M a more sensitive speaker compared to B&W 606, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
BW 606 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-400M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS, 70 watts less than the BW 606.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
BW 606 features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-400M has a Single binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both BW 606 and RP-400M have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare B&W 606's and Klipsch RP-400M's external dimensions. B&W 606 has external dimensions of 345.0 x 190.0 x 324.0mm ( 13.5 x 7.4 x 12.7inch) whereas Klipsch RP-400M has external dimensions of 298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm ( 11.7 x 5.6 x 7.5inch) .
B&W 606 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 46mm wider, 47mm taller and 133mm deeper than Klipsch RP-400M.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of B&W 606 and Klipsch RP-400M in scale.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the B&W 606 is approximately 615.6cm2 / 95.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-400M is approximately 275.0cm2 / 42.6inch2. The BW 606 requires 124% more surface area than the RP-400M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The B&W 606 weighs 6.90kg / 15.2lbs and the Klipsch RP-400M weighs 4.10kg / 9lbs. This makes the BW 606 68% heavier than the RP-400M.
Here is a comparison of how BW 606 and RP-400M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of B&W 606?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of BW 606:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Two-piece foam port plugs8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)ManualBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-400M?
Here are the items that come with the RP-400M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet User Manual Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
50 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
Height |
298mm
vs
345mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
275cm2 (144x191mm)
vs
615cm2 (190x324mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
899USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Bowers & Wilkins 606 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M |
Brand |
Bowers Wilkins |
Klipsch |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
30-120 watts |
up to 50 watts |
Sensitivity |
88 dB |
93 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Impedance |
3.7 ohms |
n/a |
Frequency Response |
52-28k Hz |
52-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
4" |
Woofer Composition |
Continuum |
Cerametallic |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1500Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Suggested Break-in Period |
allow up to a week for the temperature effects to stabilise and 15 hours of average use for the parts to attain their intended design characteristics. |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
345.0mm (13.6") |
298.0mm (11.7") |
Width |
190.0mm (7.5") |
144.0mm (5.7") |
Depth |
324.0mm (12.8") |
191.0mm (7.5") |
Weight |
6.90kg (15.2lbs) |
4.10kg (9lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Black, White, Oak |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
Keyhole |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
28-30" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |