In this review, we will be comparing RP-600M II and RP-600M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-600M II and Klipsch RP-600M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Klipsch RP-600M II | Klipsch RP-600M |
|---|
| Brand | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Hybrid Tractrix Horn | 1" Tractrix Horn |
|---|
| Woofer | 6.5" Cerametallic cone | 6.5" Cerametallic |
|---|
| Frequency response | 44-25k Hz | 45-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 94.5 dB | 96 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | up to 100 watts | up to 100 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 8.20kg / 18lbs | 7.30kg / 16.1lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 15-13/16" x 8" x 13-1/16"
402.0 x 204.0 x 332.0mm | 15.7" x 7.9" x 11.8"
399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the Klipsch RP-600M II 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* |
Klipsch RP-600M II |
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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both RP-600M II and RP-600M are 2-way speakers.
Klipsch RP-600M IIKlipsch 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 |
Klipsch RP-600M II |
Klipsch RP-600M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
RP-600M II features a 1" titanium Hybrid Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Cerametallic cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500 Hz. 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
RP-600M II has a frequency range of 44-25k Hz whereas RP-600M has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 44Hz, the RP-600M II can go slightly deeper then 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
RP-600M II and RP-600M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-600M II sensitivity is rated at 94.5 dB and the RP-600M's is at 96 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-600M a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch RP-600M II, 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 II and RP-600M have the same power range of up to 100 watts.
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
Both RP-600M II and RP-600M features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
Klipsch RP-600M II's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Klipsch RP-600M's Dual binding posts/bi-wire/bi-amp terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-600M II 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 Klipsch RP-600M II's and Klipsch RP-600M's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-600M II has external dimensions of 402.0 x 204.0 x 332.0mm (15-13/16 x 8 x 13-1/16inch) whereas Klipsch RP-600M has external dimensions of 399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm (15.7 x 7.9 x 11.8inch).
Klipsch RP-600M II is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 2mm wider, 3mm taller and 31mm deeper than Klipsch RP-600M.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-600M II and Klipsch RP-600M in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-600M II 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 Klipsch RP-600M II is approximately 677.3cm2 / 105.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-600M is approximately 608.0cm2 / 94.2inch2. The RP-600M II requires 11% 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 Klipsch RP-600M II 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 Klipsch RP-600M II weighs 8.20kg / 18lbs and the Klipsch RP-600M weighs 7.30kg / 16.1lbs. This makes the RP-600M II 12% heavier than the RP-600M.
Here is a comparison of how RP-600M II 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 Klipsch RP-600M II?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-600M II:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- 4 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)
- User Manual
- Important Safety Instructions
- Warranty Information
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
 Low Frequency Response |
44 Hz
vs
45 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
94 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Height |
399mm
vs
402mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
608cm2
vs
677cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
459USD
vs
749USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M II |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
94.5 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
44-25k Hz |
45-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
Cerametallic |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hybrid Tractrix Horn |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1500 Hz |
1500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
402.0mm (15.8") |
399.0mm (15.7") |
| Width |
204.0mm (8") |
202.0mm (8") |
| Depth |
332.0mm (13.1") |
301.0mm (11.9") |
| Weight |
8.20kg (18lbs) |
7.30kg (16.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
22-26" |
22-26" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
These sit in different price classes - Klipsch RP-600M II costs roughly 1.6x 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 (44Hz vs 45Hz). |
| Amplifier needs | B | Klipsch RP-600M is more sensitive (96dB vs 94dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Headroom | evenly matched | Similar power handling (100W vs 100W). |
| Size | depends | Similar cabinet size - neither is easier to fit. |
| Expandability | depends | Klipsch RP-600M II: bi-amping; 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 $749, about 39% less; arguably a different class. |
A Klipsch RP-600M II 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 has the edge on paper, though the margin is not large. The rows marked "depends" may matter more to you than the score does. If your amplifier is modest, vintage or valve-based, Klipsch RP-600M is the safer partner - the other will want more current or more watts to sound its best. Think about the whole system, not just the speakers: the roughly $290 saved by taking the cheaper pair would buy a subwoofer or a better amplifier, and either usually does more for the sound than the difference between these two.
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.