In this review, we will be comparing Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim and RP-600M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from ELAC and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim and Klipsch RP-600M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim and Klipsch RP-600M 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 ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim and Klipsch RP-600M compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim is a 3-way design whereas the RP-600M is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim |
Klipsch RP-600M |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 4-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim features a 1" soft dome Tweeter , a 4" Midrange and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-600M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.
Frequency Response
Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim has a frequency range of 46-25k Hz whereas RP-600M has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the RP-600M can go slightly deeper then the Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim's min frequency of 46Hz.
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
Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the RP-600M which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the RP-600M's is rated at 96 dB. This 11 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-600M a more sensitive speaker compared to ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim, 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.
Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim can handle a max power of 140 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-600M has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 40 watts less than the Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim.
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
RP-600M features Dual binding posts/bi-wire/bi-amp posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim has a Post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim's Post terminals
Klipsch RP-600M's Dual binding posts/bi-wire/bi-amp terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim and RP-600M 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.
Klipsch RP-600M Tractrix horn-shaped Port
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 ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim's and Klipsch RP-600M's external dimensions. ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim has external dimensions of 340.0 x 180.0 x 328.0mm ( 13-3/8 x 7-1/16 x 12-7/8inch) whereas Klipsch RP-600M has external dimensions of 399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm ( 15.7 x 7.9 x 11.8inch) .
ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim is 22mm narrower and 59mm shorter than Klipsch RP-600M but it is also 27mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim and Klipsch RP-600M in scale.
Comparison image of ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim and Klipsch RP-600M 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 Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim is approximately 590.4cm2 / 91.5inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-600M is approximately 608.0cm2 / 94.2inch2. The Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim requires 3% less surface area than the RP-600M which gives it a small advantage 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:
Size Comparison image of ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim and Klipsch RP-600M 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 Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim weighs 7.50kg / 16.5lbs and the Klipsch RP-600M weighs 7.30kg / 16.1lbs. This makes the Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim 3% heavier than the RP-600M.
Here is a comparison of how Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim and RP-600M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles Operating Instructions
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-600M?
Here are the items that come with the RP-600M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Terminal jumpers (installed)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
140 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Height |
340mm
vs
399mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
590cm2 (180x328mm)
vs
608cm2 (202x301mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
46 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Price per pair* |
369USD
vs
735USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
ELAC Uni-Fi BS U5 Slim |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M |
| Brand |
ELAC |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
40-140 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
85 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
46-25k Hz |
45-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Cerametallic |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
soft dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
4" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
340.0mm (13.4") |
399.0mm (15.7") |
| Width |
180.0mm (7.1") |
202.0mm (8") |
| Depth |
328.0mm (12.9") |
301.0mm (11.9") |
| Weight |
7.50kg (16.5lbs) |
7.30kg (16.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-31" |
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 |