In this review, we will be comparing Motion XT B100 and RP-600M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from MartinLogan and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of MartinLogan Motion XT B100 and Klipsch RP-600M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | MartinLogan Motion XT B100 | Klipsch RP-600M |
|---|
| Brand | MartinLogan
United States · founded 1982 | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1.25 x 2.4" Folded Motion XT | 1" Tractrix Horn |
|---|
| Woofer | 6.5" Kevlar | 6.5" Cerametallic |
|---|
| Frequency response | 45-25k Hz | 45-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 93 dB | 96 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 20-250 watts | up to 100 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 9.30kg / 20.5lbs | 7.30kg / 16.1lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 14-1/2" x 8" x 12-1/2"
368 x 203 x 318mm | 15.7" x 7.9" x 11.8"
399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the MartinLogan Motion XT B100 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 Motion XT B100 |
Klipsch RP-600M |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Average |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Good |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Average |
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 Motion XT B100 and RP-600M are 2-way speakers.
MartinLogan Motion XT B100Klipsch 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 Motion XT B100 |
Klipsch RP-600M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.25 x 2.4-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Motion XT B100 features a 1.25 x 2.4" Folded Motion XT Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Kevlar Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2600Hz. 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
Motion XT B100 and RP-600M has exactly the same frequency range of 45-25k Hz.
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
Motion XT B100 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the RP-600M which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Motion XT B100 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Motion XT B100 sensitivity is rated at 93 dB and the RP-600M's is rated at 96 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-600M a more sensitive speaker compared to MartinLogan Motion XT B100, 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.
Motion XT B100 can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS, whereas RP-600M has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 150 watts less than the Motion XT B100.
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 Motion XT B100
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Both Motion XT B100 and RP-600M features dual binding post speaker terminals for bi-amping or bi-wiring.
MartinLogan Motion XT B100's Custom 5-way bi-wire tool-less binding posts 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 Motion XT B100 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 Motion XT B100's and Klipsch RP-600M's external dimensions. MartinLogan Motion XT B100 has external dimensions of 368 x 203 x 318mm (14-1/2-inch x 8inch x 12-1/2inch) 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 1mm narrower and 17mm less deeper than MartinLogan Motion XT B100 but it is also 31mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of MartinLogan Motion XT B100 and Klipsch RP-600M in scale.
Comparison image of MartinLogan Motion XT B100 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 Motion XT B100 is approximately 645.5cm2 / 100.1inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-600M is approximately 608.0cm2 / 94.2inch2. The Motion XT B100 requires 6% 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 MartinLogan Motion XT B100 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 Motion XT B100 weighs 9.30kg / 20.5lbs and the Klipsch RP-600M weighs 7.30kg / 16.1lbs. This makes the Motion XT B100 27% heavier than the RP-600M.
Here is a comparison of how Motion XT B100 and RP-600M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
MartinLogan Motion XT B100
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
 Max Input Power |
250 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Height |
368mm
vs
399mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
93 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Base Surface Area |
608cm2
vs
645cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
459USD
vs
1598USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
MartinLogan Motion® XT B100 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M |
| Brand |
MartinLogan |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-250 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
93 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
45-25k Hz |
45-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Kevlar |
Cerametallic |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.25 x 2.4" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Folded Motion XT |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2600Hz |
1500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
| Suggested Break-in Period |
Allow 72 hours of break-in |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
368.0mm (14.5") |
399.0mm (15.7") |
| Width |
203.0mm (8") |
202.0mm (8") |
| Depth |
318.0mm (12.5") |
301.0mm (11.9") |
| Weight |
9.30kg (20.5lbs) |
7.30kg (16.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Gloss Black, Walnut, and Satin White |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
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 - MartinLogan Motion XT B100 costs roughly 3.5x 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 (45Hz vs 45Hz). |
| Amplifier needs | B | Klipsch RP-600M is more sensitive (96dB vs 93dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Amplifier match | B | Klipsch RP-600M is the easier load at 8 ohms; the other is 4 ohms and wants an amplifier rated for it. |
| Headroom | A | MartinLogan Motion XT B100 takes more power (250W vs 100W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | Similar cabinet size - neither is easier to fit. |
| Expandability | depends | MartinLogan Motion XT B100: 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 $1,598, about 71% less; arguably a different class. |
A MartinLogan Motion XT B100 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. Match it to your room: we rate MartinLogan Motion XT B100 the better fit for a mid-size room, a large room and a very large room, and Klipsch RP-600M for near-field listening and a small room. 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.