In this review, we will be comparing RTi A3 and RP-600M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk RTi A3 and Klipsch RP-600M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Polk RTi A3 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Polymer composite Woofer
- 50-26k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-150watts
- Weight:7.26kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 374.7" x 8.4" x 14.0"( 374.7 x 214.4 x 355.6mm )
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 Polk RTi A3 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* |
Polk RTi A3 |
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 Polk RTi A3 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.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both RTi A3 and RP-600M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk RTi A3 |
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
|
RTi A3 features a 1" silk polymer composite Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Polymer composite Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2800Hz. 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
RTi A3 has a frequency range of 50-26k 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 RTi A3's min frequency of 50Hz.
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
RTi A3 and RP-600M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RTi A3 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the RP-600M's is at 96 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-600M a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk RTi A3, 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.
RTi A3 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-600M has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the RTi A3.
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
Both RTi A3 and RP-600M features dual binding post speaker terminals for 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
RTi A3 has a back and front firing port whereas RP-600M has a rear firing ports.
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 Polk RTi A3's and Klipsch RP-600M's external dimensions. Polk RTi A3 has external dimensions of 374.7 x 214.4 x 355.6mm ( 14.7 x 8.4 x 14.0inch) 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 12.4mm narrower and 54.6mm less deeper than Polk RTi A3 but it is also 24.3mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk RTi A3 and Klipsch RP-600M in scale.
Comparison image of Polk RTi A3 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 Polk RTi A3 is approximately 762.4cm2 / 118.2inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-600M is approximately 608.0cm2 / 94.2inch2. The RTi A3 requires 25% more surface area than the RP-600M which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Polk RTi A3 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 Polk RTi A3 weighs 7.26kg / 16lbs and the Klipsch RP-600M weighs 7.30kg / 16.1lbs. This makes the RP-600M 1% heavier than the RTi A3.
Here is a comparison of how RTi A3 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 Polk RTi A3?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RTi A3:
2 Cherry bookshelf speakers 2 Self-tapping screws 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Owner's Manual Template Online registration sheet Polk Audio product brochure
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
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 High Frequency Response |
26k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Height |
374mm
vs
399mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
50 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Base Surface Area |
608cm2
vs
762cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
369USD
vs
465USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Polk Audio RTi A3 |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-150 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
50-26k Hz |
45-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polymer composite |
Cerametallic |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Butyl rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2800Hz |
1500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
back and front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
374.7mm (14.8") |
399.0mm (15.7") |
| Width |
214.4mm (8.4") |
202.0mm (8") |
| Depth |
355.6mm (14") |
301.0mm (11.9") |
| Weight |
7.26kg (16lbs) |
7.30kg (16.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
Real wood veneer |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black, Cherry |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
Keyhole |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-31" |
22-26" |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |