In this review, we will be comparing RP-600M and Motion 15, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and MartinLogan. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-600M and MartinLogan 15 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RP-600M and MartinLogan 15 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 and MartinLogan 15 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 and Motion 15 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Klipsch RP-600M |
MartinLogan 15 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1.0 x 1.4-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
RP-600M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz. On the other hand, the Motion 15 features a 1.0 x 1.4" Folded Motion Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2700Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-600M has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz whereas Motion 15 has a frequency range of 60-25k 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 Motion 15's min frequency of 60Hz.
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 is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the Motion 15 which has a nominal impedance of 5 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. RP-600M sensitivity is rated at 96 dB and the Motion 15's is rated at 92 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-600M a more sensitive speaker compared to MartinLogan 15, 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 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-600M has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS , 100 watts less than the Motion 15.
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. Motion 15 has a Custom 5-way tool-less binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-600M and Motion 15 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-600M's and MartinLogan 15's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-600M has external dimensions of 399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm ( 15.7 x 7.9 x 11.8inch) whereas MartinLogan 15 has external dimensions of 290.0 x 173.0 x 240.0mm ( 11.4 x 6.8 x 9.4inch) .
Klipsch RP-600M is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 29mm wider, 109mm taller and 61mm deeper than MartinLogan 15.
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 is approximately 608.0cm2 / 94.2inch2 and base area of the MartinLogan 15 is approximately 415.2cm2 / 64.4inch2. The RP-600M requires 46% more surface area than the Motion 15 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 weighs 7.30kg / 16.1lbs and the MartinLogan 15 weighs 5.40kg / 11.9lbs. This makes the RP-600M 35% heavier than the Motion 15.
Here is a comparison of how RP-600M and Motion 15'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?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-600M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Terminal jumpers (installed)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of MartinLogan 15?
Here are the items that come with the Motion 15:
Bookshelf loudspeaker Grille 4 Rubber feet Users Manual Warranty/Registration Information
Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
92 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
5 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
60 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
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 |
Height |
290mm
vs
399mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
415cm2 (173x240mm)
vs
608cm2 (202x301mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M |
MartinLogan Motion 15 |
Brand |
Klipsch |
MartinLogan |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
20-200 watts |
Sensitivity |
96 dB |
92 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
5 ohms |
Frequency Response |
45-25k Hz |
60-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Aluminum |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1.0 x 1.4" |
Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Folded Motion |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
1500Hz |
2700Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Suggested Break-in Period |
n/a |
Allow 72 hours of break-in at 90 dB |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
399.0mm (15.7") |
290.0mm (11.4") |
Width |
202.0mm (8") |
173.0mm (6.8") |
Depth |
301.0mm (11.9") |
240.0mm (9.4") |
Weight |
7.30kg (16.1lbs) |
5.40kg (11.9lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Piano Lacquer |
Available Colors |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
Gloss Black, Matt White, Red Walnut |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
22-26" |
24-30" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Yrs w/ Registration |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Yrs w/ Registration |