In this review, we will be comparing RP-400M and RP-160M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by Klipsch Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-400M and Klipsch RP-160M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
RP-400M and RP-160M are members of Klipsch's Reference Premiere (RP) series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Klipsch Reference Premiere (RP) Series History
What size room are the Klipsch RP-400M and Klipsch RP-160M 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 Klipsch RP-400M and Klipsch RP-160M 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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Drivers
Both RP-400M and RP-160M are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Klipsch RP-400M |
Klipsch RP-160M |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
RP-400M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz. On the other hand, the RP-160M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-400M has a frequency range of 52-25k Hz whereas RP-160M has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the RP-160M can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-400M's min frequency of 52Hz.
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
RP-400M and RP-160M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-400M sensitivity is rated at 93 dB and the RP-160M's is at 95 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-160M a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch RP-400M, 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.
RP-400M can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-400M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the RP-160M.
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-160M features Dual binding posts posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-400M has a Single binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-400M and RP-160M 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.
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 Klipsch RP-400M's and Klipsch RP-160M's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-400M has external dimensions of 298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm ( 11.7 x 5.6 x 7.5inch) whereas Klipsch RP-160M has external dimensions of 424.0 x 224.0 x 327.0mm ( 16.6 x 8.8 x 12.8inch) .
Klipsch RP-160M is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 80mm wider, 126mm taller and 136mm deeper than Klipsch RP-400M.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-400M and Klipsch RP-160M in scale.
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 Klipsch RP-400M is approximately 275.0cm2 / 42.6inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-160M is approximately 732.5cm2 / 113.5inch2. The RP-400M requires 62% less surface area than the RP-160M 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:
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 Klipsch RP-400M weighs 4.10kg / 9lbs and the Klipsch RP-160M weighs 9.03kg / 19.9lbs. This makes the RP-160M 120% heavier than the RP-400M.
Here is a comparison of how RP-400M and RP-160M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-400M?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-400M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet User Manual Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-160M?
Here are the items that come with the RP-160M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Detachable magnetic grilles User Manual Warranty Information Important Safety Instructions
Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
Height |
298mm
vs
424mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
275cm2 (144x191mm)
vs
732cm2 (224x327mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
50 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Sensitivity |
95 dB
vs
93 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
52 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-160M |
Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
up to 50 watts |
up to 100 watts |
Sensitivity |
93 dB |
95 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
52-25k Hz |
45-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
4" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Cerametallic |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Tractrix Horn |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
1500Hz |
1500Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
298.0mm (11.7") |
424.0mm (16.7") |
Width |
144.0mm (5.7") |
224.0mm (8.8") |
Depth |
191.0mm (7.5") |
327.0mm (12.9") |
Weight |
4.10kg (9lbs) |
9.03kg (19.9lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
Ebony, Cherry |
Mounting Bracket |
Keyhole |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
28-30" |
24-28" |
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 |