In this review, we will be comparing LS50 and RP-600M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from KEF and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KEF LS50 and Klipsch RP-600M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
KEF LS50 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
- 1" Vented dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Magnesium/aluminum alloy Woofer
- 79-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 85 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:25-100watts
- Weight:7.20kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 302.0" x 7.8" x 10.9"( 302.0 x 200.0 x 278.0mm )
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 KEF LS50 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* |
KEF LS50 |
Klipsch RP-600M |
| Near-field |
Average |
Average |
| Small Room |
Good |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
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 KEF LS50 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.
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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both LS50 and RP-600M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
KEF LS50 |
Klipsch RP-600M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
LS50 features a 1" Aluminum Vented dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Magnesium/aluminum alloy Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz. 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
LS50 has a frequency range of 79-28k Hz whereas RP-600M has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the RP-600M can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the LS50's min frequency of 79Hz.
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
LS50 and RP-600M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. LS50 sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the RP-600M's is at 96 dB. This 11 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-600M a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF LS50, 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.
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. LS50 has a Post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
KEF LS50'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 LS50 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 KEF LS50's and Klipsch RP-600M's external dimensions. KEF LS50 has external dimensions of 302.0 x 200.0 x 278.0mm ( 11.8 x 7.8 x 10.9inch) 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 2mm wider, 97mm taller and 23mm deeper than KEF LS50.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of KEF LS50 and Klipsch RP-600M in scale.
Comparison image of KEF LS50 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 KEF LS50 is approximately 556.0cm2 / 86.2inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-600M is approximately 608.0cm2 / 94.2inch2. The LS50 requires 9% 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 KEF LS50 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 KEF LS50 weighs 7.20kg / 15.8lbs and the Klipsch RP-600M weighs 7.30kg / 16.1lbs. This makes the RP-600M 1% heavier than the LS50.
Here is a comparison of how LS50 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 KEF LS50?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of LS50:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Foam port plugs 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owner's Manual Warranty Registration Card
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
 High Frequency Response |
28k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
302mm
vs
399mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
556cm2
vs
608cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
79 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
| General |
KEF LS50 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M |
| Brand |
KEF |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-100 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
85 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.2 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
79-28k Hz |
45-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Magnesium/aluminum alloy |
Cerametallic |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Vented dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2200Hz |
1500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
302.0mm (11.9") |
399.0mm (15.7") |
| Width |
200.0mm (7.9") |
202.0mm (8") |
| Depth |
278.0mm (10.9") |
301.0mm (11.9") |
| Weight |
7.20kg (15.8lbs) |
7.30kg (16.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
Polymer/Lacquer |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black, High Gloss Piano Black, High Gloss Piano White |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
18-28" |
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 |