In this review, we will be comparing Debut 3.0 DB63 and RP-600M II, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from ELAC and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 and Klipsch RP-600M II first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 | Klipsch RP-600M II |
|---|
| Brand | ELAC
Germany · founded 1926 | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Hard-Dome | 1" Hybrid Tractrix Horn |
|---|
| Woofer | 6.5" Aramid fiber | 6.5" Cerametallic cone |
|---|
| Frequency response | 42 to 38K Hz | 44-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 87 dB | 94.5 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 20 - 140 watts | up to 100 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 7.86kg / 17.3lbs | 8.20kg / 18lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 13-3/8" x 7-3/4" x 12-1/4"
340.0 x 197.0 x 312.0mm | 15-13/16" x 8" x 13-1/16"
402.0 x 204.0 x 332.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 and Klipsch RP-600M II 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:
| Listening Environment* |
ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 |
Klipsch RP-600M II |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Average |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Bad |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both Debut 3.0 DB63 and RP-600M II are 2-way speakers.
ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63Klipsch RP-600M II
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 |
Klipsch RP-600M II |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Debut 3.0 DB63 features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aramid fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000Hz. On the other hand, the RP-600M II features a 1" titanium Hybrid Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Cerametallic cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500 Hz.
Frequency Response
Debut 3.0 DB63 has a frequency range of 42 to 38K Hz whereas RP-600M II has a frequency range of 44-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 42Hz, the Debut 3.0 DB63 can go slightly deeper then the RP-600M II's min frequency of 44Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Debut 3.0 DB63 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the RP-600M II which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Debut 3.0 DB63 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the RP-600M II's is rated at 94.5 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-600M II a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63, 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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
Debut 3.0 DB63 can handle a max power of 140 watts RMS, whereas RP-600M II has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 40 watts less than the Debut 3.0 DB63.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
RP-600M II features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Debut 3.0 DB63 has a 5-Way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63's 5-Way post terminals
Klipsch RP-600M II's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Debut 3.0 DB63 and RP-600M II 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
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63's and Klipsch RP-600M II's external dimensions. ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 has external dimensions of 340.0 x 197.0 x 312.0mm (13-3/8-inch x 7-3/4-inch x 12-1/4-inch) whereas Klipsch RP-600M II has external dimensions of 402.0 x 204.0 x 332.0mm (15-13/16 x 8 x 13-1/16inch).
Klipsch RP-600M II is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 7mm wider, 62mm taller and 20mm deeper than ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 and Klipsch RP-600M II in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 and Klipsch RP-600M II Size and External Dimensions
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 ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 is approximately 614.6cm2 / 95.3inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-600M II is approximately 677.3cm2 / 105.0inch2. The Debut 3.0 DB63 requires 9% less surface area than the RP-600M II which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 and Klipsch RP-600M II on a Media Console
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 ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 weighs 7.86kg / 17.3lbs and the Klipsch RP-600M II weighs 8.20kg / 18lbs. This makes the RP-600M II 4% heavier than the Debut 3.0 DB63.
Here is a comparison of how Debut 3.0 DB63 and RP-600M II's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-600M II?
Here are the items that come with the RP-600M II:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- 4 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
 Max Input Power |
140 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
42 Hz
vs
44 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
38k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
340mm
vs
402mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
614cm2
vs
677cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
449USD
vs
749USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
94 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
| General |
ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M II |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20 - 140 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
94.5 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
4.8 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
42 to 38K Hz |
44-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aramid fiber |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Hybrid Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2000Hz |
1500 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
340.0mm (13.4") |
402.0mm (15.8") |
| Width |
197.0mm (7.8") |
204.0mm (8") |
| Depth |
312.0mm (12.3") |
332.0mm (13.1") |
| Weight |
7.86kg (17.3lbs) |
8.20kg (18lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain Vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black,Walnut |
Walnut, Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
|
| Recommended Stand Height |
26-28" |
22-26" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |
These sit in different price classes - Klipsch RP-600M II costs roughly 1.7x what ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 does. Expect it to lead on paper; the question is whether the gap is audible enough in your room to be worth it.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | evenly matched | Much the same reach (42Hz vs 44Hz). |
| Amplifier needs | B | Klipsch RP-600M II is more sensitive (94dB vs 87dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Amplifier match | B | Klipsch RP-600M II is the easier load at 8 ohms. |
| Headroom | A | ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 takes more power (140W vs 100W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 is easier to place; Klipsch RP-600M II is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability | B | Klipsch RP-600M II: bi-amping. Klipsch RP-600M II sits in a wider range (10 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | A | ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 is cheaper - $449 against $749, about 40% less; arguably a different class. |
A ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 B Klipsch RP-600M II
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
The usual trade-off: Klipsch RP-600M II measures better, ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 costs about about 67% more% less. Whether that gap is worth the money is the call only you can make - and in a normal room it is often smaller than the numbers suggest. Match it to your room: we rate ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 the better fit for a mid-size room and a large room, and Klipsch RP-600M II for near-field listening and a small room. If your amplifier is modest, vintage or valve-based, Klipsch RP-600M II is the safer partner - the other will want more current or more watts to sound its best.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.