In this review, we will be comparing Premier 200B and RP-600M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Paradigm and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Paradigm 200B and Klipsch RP-600M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Paradigm 200B Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Carbon-Infused Polypropylene Woofer
- 55-25k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:15-130watts
- Weight:8.18kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 342.0" x 7-13/16" x 12-7/8"( 342.0 x 199.0 x 328.0mm )
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 )
What size room are the Paradigm 200B 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* |
Paradigm 200B |
Klipsch RP-600M |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Average |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
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.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Paradigm 200B 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 Premier 200B and RP-600M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Paradigm 200B |
Klipsch RP-600M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Premier 200B features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Carbon-Infused 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
Premier 200B has a frequency range of 55-25k 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 Premier 200B'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.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Premier 200B and RP-600M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Premier 200B sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the RP-600M's is at 96 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-600M a more sensitive speaker compared to Paradigm 200B, 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.
Premier 200B can handle a max power of 130 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-600M has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 30 watts less than the Premier 200B.
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. Premier 200B has a Posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/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 Premier 200B 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 Paradigm 200B's and Klipsch RP-600M's external dimensions. Paradigm 200B has external dimensions of 342.0 x 199.0 x 328.0mm ( 13-7/16 x 7-13/16 x 12-7/8inch) whereas Klipsch RP-600M has external dimensions of 399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm ( 15.7 x 7.9 x 11.8inch) .
Paradigm 200B is 3mm narrower and 57mm shorter than Klipsch RP-600M but it is also 27mm deeper.
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 Paradigm 200B is approximately 652.7cm2 / 101.2inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-600M is approximately 608.0cm2 / 94.2inch2. The Premier 200B requires 7% more surface area than the RP-600M 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 Paradigm 200B weighs 8.18kg / 18lbs and the Klipsch RP-600M weighs 7.30kg / 16.1lbs. This makes the Premier 200B 12% heavier than the RP-600M.
Here is a comparison of how Premier 200B and RP-600M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Paradigm 200B?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Premier 200B:
Bookshelf loudspeaker
Grille
Owner's Manual
Online Registration 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