SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS by TYPE
    • Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    • Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    • Passive Center Channel Speakers
    • Passive In-wall Speakers
    • All Passive Speakers
    • Powered Subwoofers
    • Powered Stereo Speakers
  • AMPLIFIERS
  • SMART FIND

GoldenEar Aon 3 vs Klipsch RP-600M Comparison

x
Speaker to replace
Change

GoldenEar Aon 3

Passive Bookshelf | 38-35k Hz

GoldenEar Aon 3
CHECK PRICE
Change
    
Klipsch RP-600M

Passive Bookshelf | 45-25k Hz

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M
CHECK PRICE
GoldenEar Aon 3 GoldenEar Aon 3
See at AMAZON
Klipsch RP-600M Klipsch RP-600M
See at AMAZON
GoldenEar Aon 3
See at AMAZON
Klipsch RP-600M
See at AMAZON
GoldenEar Aon 3 vs Klipsch RP-600M Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor and RP-600M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from GoldenEar and Klipsch.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of GoldenEar Aon 3 and Klipsch RP-600M first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

GoldenEar Aon 3 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • " Folded Ribbon Tweeter
  • 7" Polypropylene Woofer
  • 38-35k Hz Frequency Response
  • 90 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:10-250watts
  • Weight:6.82kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 356.0" x 9" x 11-1/16"( 356.0 x 229.0 x 281.0mm )

Klipsch RP-600M Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 6.5" Cerametallic Woofer
  • 45-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 96 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:up to 100watts
  • Weight:7.30kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 399.0" x 7.9" x 11.8"( 399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm )

What size room are the GoldenEar Aon 3 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:

Listening Environment* GoldenEar Aon 3 Klipsch RP-600M
Near-field Poor Average
Small Room Poor Good
Mid-size Room Good Average
Large Room Good Poor
Very Large Room Average 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.)

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the GoldenEar Aon 3 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

Both Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor and RP-600M are 2-way speakers.

Driver GoldenEar Aon 3 Klipsch RP-600M
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter -inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 7-inch 1 x 6.5-inch

Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor features a " Folded Ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 7" Polypropylene 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

Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor has a frequency range of 38-35k Hz whereas RP-600M has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 38Hz, the Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-600M's min frequency of 45Hz.

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

Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor
RP-600M
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

GoldenEar Aon 3
Klipsch RP-600M
Min
Average
Max

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

Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor and RP-600M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the RP-600M's is at 96 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-600M a more sensitive speaker compared to GoldenEar Aon 3, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor
RP-600M
Min
Average
Max

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.

Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-600M has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 150 watts less than the Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor.

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. Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor has a 5-way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

GoldenEar Aon 3 Terminals
GoldenEar Aon 3's 5-way post terminals

Klipsch RP-600MDual binding posts/bi-wire/bi-amp 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 Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor 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  Port
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 GoldenEar Aon 3's and Klipsch RP-600M's external dimensions. GoldenEar Aon 3 has external dimensions of 356.0 x 229.0 x 281.0mm ( 14 x 9 x 11-1/16inch) whereas Klipsch RP-600M has external dimensions of 399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm ( 15.7 x 7.9 x 11.8inch) .

GoldenEar Aon 3 is 43mm shorter and 20mm less deeper than Klipsch RP-600M but it is also 27mm wider.

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 GoldenEar Aon 3 is approximately 643.5cm2 / 99.7inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-600M is approximately 608.0cm2 / 94.2inch2. The Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor requires 6% more surface area than the RP-600M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.

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 GoldenEar Aon 3 weighs 6.82kg / 15lbs and the Klipsch RP-600M weighs 7.30kg / 16.1lbs. This makes the RP-600M 7% heavier than the Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor.

Here is a comparison of how Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor and RP-600M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
GoldenEar Aon 3
Klipsch RP-600M
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of GoldenEar Aon 3?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor:
  • Bookshelf loudspeaker Key-hole hanger 2 Screws Owner's Manual
  • What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-600M?

    Here are the items that come with the RP-600M:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles (installed)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • 4 Terminal jumpers (installed)
  • User Manual
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information

  • Reasons to choose GoldenEar Aon 3 over Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M
    Max Input Power 250 watts vs 100 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Woofer Size 7 inches vs 6.5 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 38 Hz vs 45 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 35k Hz vs 25k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Mounting Bracket Yes vs No Allows mounting on walls
    Passive Radiator two 8-inch side-mounted vs None Increases the bass performance
    Height 356mm vs 399mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces

    Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M over GoldenEar Aon 3

    Sensitivity 96 dB vs 90 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring Yes vs No Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections
    Base Surface Area 608cm2 vs 643cm2 Takes less floor space
    GoldenEar Aon 3 vs Klipsch RP-600M Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General GoldenEar Aon 3 Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M
    Brand GoldenEar Klipsch
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 10-250 watts up to 100 watts
    Sensitivity 90 dB 96 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Frequency Response 38-35k Hz 45-25k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 7" 6.5"
    Woofer Composition Polypropylene Cerametallic
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size - 1"
    Tweeter Type Folded Ribbon Tractrix Horn
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency n/a 1500Hz
    Firing Direction rear rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 356.0mm (14") 399.0mm (15.7")
    Width 229.0mm (9") 202.0mm (8")
    Depth 281.0mm (11.1") 301.0mm (11.9")
    Weight 6.82kg (15lbs) 7.30kg (16.1lbs)
    Enclosure Acoustic Suspension Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Lacquer MDF/Wood-grain vinyl
    Available Colors Black Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black
    Mounting Bracket Yes No
    Recommended Stand Height 24-26" 22-26"
    Grille n/a Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs No Yes
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

    Most Popular Speakers
    Klipsch Reference R-51M
    Klipsch R-51M
    2-way | 93 dB | 8 ohms
    Wharfedale Elysian 2
    Wharfedale Elysian 2
    3-way | 89 dB | 4 ohms
    ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
    ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
    2-way | 87 dB | 6 ohms
    Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition
    B&W 606 S2
    2-way | 88 dB | 8 ohms
    KEF Q150
    KEF Q150
    2-way | 86 dB | 8 ohms
    Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M
    Klipsch RP-500M
    2-way | 93 dB | 8 ohms
    Wharfedale EVO4.1
    Wharfedale EVO4.1
    2-way | 87 dB | 8 ohms
    Bowers & Wilkins 606
    B&W 606
    2-way | 88 dB | 8 ohms
    Copyright © 2025 by SpeakerDecision
    About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision

    Report a Correction