In this review, we will be comparing Foundation B1 and RP-600M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from MartinLogan and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of MartinLogan Foundation B1 and Klipsch RP-600M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | MartinLogan Foundation B1 | Klipsch RP-600M |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Folded Motion Ribbon | 1" Tractrix Horn |
|---|
| Woofer | 5-1/2" Aluminum | 6.5" Cerametallic |
|---|
| Frequency response | 48-23k Hz | 45-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 89 dB | 96 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 5 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | up to 100 watts | up to 100 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 5.23kg / 11.5lbs | 7.30kg / 16.1lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 13-5/8" x 7-1/4" x 9-1/2"
347.0 x 185.0 x 242.0mm | 15.7" x 7.9" x 11.8"
399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the MartinLogan Foundation B1 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* |
MartinLogan Foundation B1 |
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.
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Drivers
Both Foundation B1 and RP-600M are 2-way speakers.
MartinLogan Foundation B1Klipsch 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 |
MartinLogan Foundation B1 |
Klipsch RP-600M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5-1/2-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Foundation B1 features a 1" Gen2 Obsidian Folded Motion Ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 5-1/2" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3400Hz. 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
Foundation B1 has a frequency range of 48-23k Hz whereas RP-600M has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the RP-600M can go slightly deeper then the Foundation B1's min frequency of 48Hz.
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
Foundation B1 is a 5 ohms speaker compared to the RP-600M which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Foundation B1 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the RP-600M's is rated at 96 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-600M a more sensitive speaker compared to MartinLogan Foundation B1, 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.
Foundation B1 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.
MartinLogan Foundation B1
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. Foundation B1 has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
MartinLogan Foundation B1's Binding 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 Foundation B1 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 MartinLogan Foundation B1's and Klipsch RP-600M's external dimensions. MartinLogan Foundation B1 has external dimensions of 347.0 x 185.0 x 242.0mm (13-5/8inch x 7-1/4inch x 9-1/2inch) 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 17mm wider, 52mm taller and 59mm deeper than MartinLogan Foundation B1.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of MartinLogan Foundation B1 and Klipsch RP-600M in scale.
Comparison image of MartinLogan Foundation B1 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 MartinLogan Foundation B1 is approximately 447.7cm2 / 69.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-600M is approximately 608.0cm2 / 94.2inch2. The Foundation B1 requires 26% less surface area than the RP-600M which gives it a small advantage 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 MartinLogan Foundation B1 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 MartinLogan Foundation B1 weighs 5.23kg / 11.5lbs and the Klipsch RP-600M weighs 7.30kg / 16.1lbs. This makes the RP-600M 40% heavier than the Foundation B1.
Here is a comparison of how Foundation B1 and RP-600M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Foundation B1
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
 Height |
347mm
vs
399mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
447cm2
vs
608cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
89 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
5-1/2 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
48 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
23k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Price per pair* |
369USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
MartinLogan Foundation B1 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M |
| Brand |
MartinLogan |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
5 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
48-23k Hz |
45-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5-1/2" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Cerametallic |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Folded Motion Ribbon |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
3400Hz |
1500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
347.0mm (13.7") |
399.0mm (15.7") |
| Width |
185.0mm (7.3") |
202.0mm (8") |
| Depth |
242.0mm (9.5") |
301.0mm (11.9") |
| Weight |
5.23kg (11.5lbs) |
7.30kg (16.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
n/a |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut,Black,Satin White |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
22-26" |
| 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 |
These sit in different price classes - MartinLogan Foundation B1 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 |
B |
Klipsch RP-600M digs deeper - 45Hz against 48Hz. A subwoofer would even that out. |
| Amplifier needs |
B |
Klipsch RP-600M is more sensitive (96dB vs 89dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Amplifier match |
B |
Klipsch RP-600M is the easier load at 8 ohms. |
| Headroom |
evenly matched |
Similar power handling (100W vs 100W). |
| Size |
depends |
MartinLogan Foundation B1 is easier to place; Klipsch RP-600M is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability |
B |
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 - $369 against $599, about 38% less; arguably a different class. |
A MartinLogan Foundation B1
B Klipsch RP-600M
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, placement 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 is the easier recommendation: it leads on most of the measured areas and costs less. Take MartinLogan Foundation B1 if its size, looks or fit in your room suit you better. In a large or open-plan room, Klipsch RP-600M has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, MartinLogan Foundation B1 is the easier speaker to get right. 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.
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.