In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers. Revel Concerta M8 SP2 is a On-wall speaker whereas the RP-600M is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Revel M8 SP2 and Klipsch RP-600M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Revel M8 SP2 | Klipsch RP-600M |
|---|
| Brand | Revel
United States · founded 1996 | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Hard-Dome | 1" Tractrix Horn |
|---|
| Woofer | 2 x 3" Micro Ceramic Composite | 6.5" Cerametallic |
|---|
| Frequency response | 110-21k Hz | 45-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 88 dB | 96 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 10-125 watts | up to 100 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 1.57kg / 3.5lbs | 7.30kg / 16.1lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 11-11/16" x 4-1/4" x 4-5/8"
297.0 x 108.0 x 118.0mm | 15.7" x 7.9" x 11.8"
399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm |
|---|
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both M8 SP2 and RP-600M are 2-way speakers.
Revel M8 SP2Klipsch 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 |
Revel M8 SP2 |
Klipsch RP-600M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 3-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
M8 SP2 features a 1" MCC (Micro Ceramic Composite) Hard-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 3" Micro Ceramic Composite 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
M8 SP2 has a frequency range of 110-21k 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 M8 SP2's min frequency of 110Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the On-wall class in our database.
Low Frequency
On-wall 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
M8 SP2 and RP-600M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. M8 SP2 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the RP-600M's is at 96 dB. This 8 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-600M a more sensitive speaker compared to Revel M8 SP2, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
On-wall 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.
M8 SP2 can handle a max power of 125 watts RMS, whereas RP-600M has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the M8 SP2.
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.
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. M8 SP2 has a 5-way post 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 M8 SP2 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 Revel M8 SP2's and Klipsch RP-600M's external dimensions. Revel M8 SP2 has external dimensions of 297.0 x 108.0 x 118.0mm (11-11/16 x 4-1/4 x 4-5/8inch) whereas Klipsch RP-600M has external dimensions of 399.0 x 202.0 x 301.0mm (15.7 x 7.9 x 11.8inch).
Klipsch RP-600M is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 94mm wider, 102mm taller and 183mm deeper than Revel M8 SP2.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
Klipsch RP-600M needs about 377% more floor or shelf area. Klipsch RP-600M is 183mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. Klipsch RP-600M is 102mm taller.
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 Revel M8 SP2 is approximately 127.4cm2 / 19.7inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-600M is approximately 608.0cm2 / 94.2inch2. The M8 SP2 requires 79% less surface area than the RP-600M which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Revel M8 SP2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of M8 SP2:
- 2 Satellite loudspeakers
- 2 Wall-brackets
- 4 Wall-mount end-caps
- 2 Rubber foot pads
- Hex-key
- Owners Manual
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