In this review, we will be comparing L52 Classic and RP-600M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from JBL and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL L52 Classic and Klipsch RP-600M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | JBL L52 Classic | Klipsch RP-600M |
|---|
| Brand | JBL
United States · founded 1946 | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 0.75" Dome | 1" Tractrix Horn |
|---|
| Woofer | 5.25" Pulp | 6.5" Cerametallic |
|---|
| Frequency response | 47-24k Hz | 45-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 85 dB | 96 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 10-75 watts | up to 100 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 5.00kg / 11lbs | 7.30kg / 16.1lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 13-1/16" x 7-13/16" x 8-11/16"
332.0 x 199.0 x 221.0mm | 15.7" x 7.9" x 11.8"
399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the JBL L52 Classic 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* |
JBL L52 Classic |
Klipsch RP-600M |
| Near-field |
Good |
Average |
| Small Room |
Good |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
No way |
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 L52 Classic and RP-600M are 2-way speakers.
JBL L52 ClassicKlipsch 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 |
JBL L52 Classic |
Klipsch RP-600M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
L52 Classic features a 0.75" Titanium Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Pulp Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2800Hz. 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
L52 Classic has a frequency range of 47-24k 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 L52 Classic's min frequency of 47Hz.
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
L52 Classic 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 L52 Classic can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. L52 Classic 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 JBL L52 Classic, 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.
RP-600M can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS, whereas L52 Classic has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the RP-600M.
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. L52 Classic has a Five-way gold-plated binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
JBL L52 Classic's Five-way gold-plated binding posts terminals
Klipsch RP-600M's Dual binding posts/bi-wire/bi-amp terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
L52 Classic has a front firing port whereas RP-600M has a rear firing ports. JBL L52 Classic's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Klipsch RP-600M with its rear-firing port.
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 JBL L52 Classic's and Klipsch RP-600M's external dimensions. JBL L52 Classic has external dimensions of 332.0 x 199.0 x 221.0mm (13-1/16 x 7-13/16 x 8-11/16inch) 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 clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 3mm wider, 67mm taller and 80mm deeper than JBL L52 Classic.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of JBL L52 Classic and Klipsch RP-600M in scale.
Comparison image of JBL L52 Classic 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 JBL L52 Classic is approximately 439.8cm2 / 68.2inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-600M is approximately 608.0cm2 / 94.2inch2. The L52 Classic requires 28% less surface area than the RP-600M 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 JBL L52 Classic 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 JBL L52 Classic weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs and the Klipsch RP-600M weighs 7.30kg / 16.1lbs. This makes the RP-600M 46% heavier than the L52 Classic.
Here is a comparison of how L52 Classic 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 JBL L52 Classic?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of L52 Classic:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- Owners 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
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Height |
332mm
vs
399mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
439cm2
vs
608cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 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
47 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Price per pair* |
459USD
vs
1000USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
JBL L52 Classic |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M |
| Brand |
JBL |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
10-75 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
85 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
47-24k Hz |
45-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Pulp |
Cerametallic |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
0.75" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2800Hz |
1500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
332.0mm (13.1") |
399.0mm (15.7") |
| Width |
199.0mm (7.8") |
202.0mm (8") |
| Depth |
221.0mm (8.7") |
301.0mm (11.9") |
| Weight |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
7.30kg (16.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
22-26" |
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 - JBL L52 Classic costs roughly 2.2x 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 | evenly matched | Much the same reach (47Hz vs 45Hz). |
| Amplifier needs | B | Klipsch RP-600M is more sensitive (96dB vs 85dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Amplifier match | B | Klipsch RP-600M is the easier load at 8 ohms; the other is 4 ohms and wants an amplifier rated for it. |
| Headroom | B | Klipsch RP-600M takes more power (100W vs 75W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | JBL L52 Classic is easier to place; Klipsch RP-600M is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability | B | Klipsch RP-600M: bi-amping. Klipsch RP-600M sits in a wider range (17 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
| Price | B | Klipsch RP-600M is cheaper - $459 against $1,000, about 54% less; arguably a different class. |
A JBL L52 Classic B Klipsch RP-600M
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?
Klipsch RP-600M is the easier recommendation: it leads on most of the measured areas and costs less. Take JBL L52 Classic if its size, looks or fit in your room suit you better. Match it to your room: we rate JBL L52 Classic the better fit for near-field listening; elsewhere the two are rated the same. In a large or open-plan room, Klipsch RP-600M has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, JBL L52 Classic is the easier speaker to get right.
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.