In this review, we will be comparing RP-600M II and XT20, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and Polk Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-600M II and Polk XT20 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RP-600M II and Polk XT20 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-600M II and Polk XT20 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-600M II and XT20 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Klipsch RP-600M II |
Polk XT20 |
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 XT20 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Bi-laminate paper Woofer .
Frequency Response
RP-600M II has a frequency range of 44-25k Hz whereas XT20 has a frequency range of 38-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 38Hz, the XT20 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-600M II's min frequency of 44Hz.
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-600M II and XT20 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 XT20's is at 87 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-600M II a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk XT20, 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-600M II can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-600M II has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the XT20.
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 II features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. XT20 has a 5-Way post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
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-600M II's and Polk XT20'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 Polk XT20 has external dimensions of 332.0 x 193.0 x 281.0mm ( 13-1/16 x 7-9/16 x 11-1/16inch) .
Klipsch RP-600M II is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 11mm wider, 70mm taller and 51mm deeper than Polk XT20.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-600M II and Polk XT20 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-600M II is approximately 677.3cm2 / 105.0inch2 and base area of the Polk XT20 is approximately 542.3cm2 / 84.1inch2. The RP-600M II requires 25% more surface area than the XT20 which gives it a small disadvantage 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-600M II weighs 8.20kg / 18lbs and the Polk XT20 weighs 5.45kg / 12lbs. This makes the RP-600M II 50% heavier than the XT20.
Here is a comparison of how RP-600M II and XT20'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 loudspeakers2 Grilles4 Terminal jumpers (pre-installed)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Polk XT20?
Here are the items that come with the XT20:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (attached)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
Sensitivity |
94 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Low Frequency Response |
38 Hz
vs
44 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
332mm
vs
402mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
542cm2 (193x281mm)
vs
677cm2 (204x332mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
299USD
vs
459USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M II |
Polk Audio Monitor XT20 |
Brand |
Klipsch |
Polk Audio |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
30-200 watts |
Sensitivity |
94.5 dB |
87 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
44-25k Hz |
38-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic cone |
Bi-laminate paper |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Hybrid Tractrix Horn |
Soft-Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
1500 Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
402.0mm (15.8") |
332.0mm (13.1") |
Width |
204.0mm (8") |
193.0mm (7.6") |
Depth |
332.0mm (13.1") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
Weight |
8.20kg (18lbs) |
5.45kg (12lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF, Vinyl |
Available Colors |
Walnut, Black |
Black |
Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
22-26" |
24-28" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |