In this review, we will be comparing BRX and RP-600M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from GoldenEar and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of GoldenEar BRX and Klipsch RP-600M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | GoldenEar BRX | Klipsch RP-600M |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | Folded Ribbon | 1" Tractrix Horn |
|---|
| Woofer | 6" Polypropylene | 6.5" Cerametallic |
|---|
| Frequency response | 40-35k Hz | 45-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 90 dB | 96 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 20-250 watts | up to 100 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 5.45kg / 12lbs | 7.30kg / 16.1lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 12-1/8" x 8-1/8" x 12-5/16"
308.0 x 207.0 x 313.0mm | 15.7" x 7.9" x 11.8"
399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the GoldenEar BRX 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 BRX |
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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both BRX and RP-600M are 2-way speakers.
GoldenEar BRXKlipsch RP-600M
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
GoldenEar BRX |
Klipsch RP-600M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
BRX features a " Folded Ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 6" 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
BRX has a frequency range of 40-35k Hz whereas RP-600M has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 40Hz, the BRX can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-600M's min frequency of 45Hz.
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
BRX and RP-600M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. BRX 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 BRX, 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.
BRX can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS, whereas RP-600M has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 150 watts less than the BRX.
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 features Dual binding posts/bi-wire/bi-amp posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. BRX has a 5-way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
GoldenEar BRX's 5-way 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 BRX 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
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 GoldenEar BRX's and Klipsch RP-600M's external dimensions. GoldenEar BRX has external dimensions of 308.0 x 207.0 x 313.0mm (12-1/8 x 8-1/8 x 12-5/16inch) whereas Klipsch RP-600M has external dimensions of 399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm (15.7 x 7.9 x 11.8inch).
Klipsch RP-600M is 5mm narrower and 12mm less deeper than GoldenEar BRX but it is also 91mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of GoldenEar BRX and Klipsch RP-600M in scale.
Comparison image of GoldenEar BRX 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 GoldenEar BRX is approximately 647.9cm2 / 100.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-600M is approximately 608.0cm2 / 94.2inch2. The BRX requires 7% more surface area than the RP-600M which gives it a small disadvantage 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 GoldenEar BRX 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 GoldenEar BRX weighs 5.45kg / 12lbs and the Klipsch RP-600M weighs 7.30kg / 16.1lbs. This makes the RP-600M 34% heavier than the BRX.
Here is a comparison of how BRX 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 GoldenEar BRX?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of BRX:
- Bookshelf loudspeaker
Grille
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
 Max Input Power |
250 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
40 Hz
vs
45 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
two rectangular side-mounted
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
308mm
vs
399mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
|
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
6 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Base Surface Area |
608cm2
vs
647cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
369USD
vs
1598USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
GoldenEar BRX |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M |
| Brand |
GoldenEar |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-250 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
40-35k Hz |
45-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6" |
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 |
308.0mm (12.1") |
399.0mm (15.7") |
| Width |
207.0mm (8.1") |
202.0mm (8") |
| Depth |
313.0mm (12.3") |
301.0mm (11.9") |
| Weight |
5.45kg (12lbs) |
7.30kg (16.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Lacquer |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-26" |
22-26" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
These sit in different price classes - GoldenEar BRX costs roughly 4.3x what Klipsch RP-600M 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 |
A |
GoldenEar BRX digs deeper - 40Hz against 45Hz. A subwoofer would even that out. |
| Amplifier needs |
B |
Klipsch RP-600M is more sensitive (96dB vs 90dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Headroom |
A |
GoldenEar BRX takes more power (250W vs 100W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size |
depends |
Similar cabinet size - neither is easier to fit. |
| Cabinet |
depends |
Passive Radiator vs Ported. |
| Expandability |
B |
Klipsch RP-600M: bi-amping. |
| Price |
B |
Klipsch RP-600M is cheaper - $369 against $1,598, about 77% less; arguably a different class. |
A GoldenEar BRX
B Klipsch RP-600M
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, placement 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?
Neither runs away with it - they trade advantages. Let the "depends" rows and your own room settle it. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 45Hz anyway, which makes the cheaper Klipsch RP-600M much easier to justify. Match it to your room: we rate GoldenEar BRX the better fit for a mid-size room, a large room and a very large room, and Klipsch RP-600M for near-field listening and a small room.
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.