In this review, we will be comparing Alpha AM5 and RP-600M, two Bookshelf speakers from PSB and Klipsch. The main difference between these two speakers is that the PSB Alpha AM5 is a Powered speaker which means that it has a built-in amplifier inside the speaker body so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp whereas the Klipsch RP-600M is a Passive speaker so has to be matched with an amplifier to get any sound from it.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of PSB Alpha AM5 and Klipsch RP-600M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
PSB Alpha AM5 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 100-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
- 0.75" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Polypropylene Woofer
- 55-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 48 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 5.0 Bluetooth
- Weight:9.75kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 292.1" x 6.75" x 11"( 292.1 x 171.5 x 279.4mm )
Klipsch RP-600M Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 6.5" Cerametallic Woofer
- 45-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 96 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:7.30kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 399.0" x 7.9" x 11.8"( 399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the PSB Alpha AM5 and Klipsch RP-600M 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 Alpha AM5 and RP-600M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
PSB Alpha AM5 |
Klipsch RP-600M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Alpha AM5 features a 0.75" Aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Polypropylene Woofer . 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
Alpha AM5 has a frequency range of 55-20k Hz whereas RP-600M has a frequency range of 45-25k 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 Alpha AM5's min frequency of 55Hz.
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.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Alpha AM5 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
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 PSB Alpha AM5's and Klipsch RP-600M's external dimensions. PSB Alpha AM5 has external dimensions of 292.1 x 171.5 x 279.4mm ( 11.5 x 6.75 x 11inch) 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 30.5mm wider, 106.9mm taller and 21.6mm deeper than PSB Alpha AM5.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of PSB Alpha AM5 and Klipsch RP-600M in scale.
Comparison image of PSB Alpha AM5 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 PSB Alpha AM5 is approximately 479.2cm2 / 74.3inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-600M is approximately 608.0cm2 / 94.2inch2. The Alpha AM5 requires 21% less surface area than the RP-600M which gives it a small advantage 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:
Size Comparison image of PSB Alpha AM5 and Klipsch RP-600M on a Media Console
What's in the Box of PSB Alpha AM5?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Alpha AM5:
Powered speaker Passive speaker 2 Grilles AC power adapter (attached 45-inch DC cord) 4-feet AC power cord Remote control (PSR-1) 2 AAA batteries 8-feet Speaker cable 58-inch Stereo minijack cable 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Connection Diagram Warranty Card
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-600M?
Here are the items that come with the RP-600M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (installed)8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Terminal jumpers (installed)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information