Why the RP-600M Still Rules in 2025
Five years on, Klipsch’s original RP-600M (not the new “II”) remains the benchmark for best bookshelf speakers under $600 - and now they’re just $329. Their secret sauce?
- Explosive 96 dB sensitivity - reach cinematic SPLs with a 25 W tube amp.
- 1″ Titanium LTS Vented Tweeter + 90 × 90° Hybrid Tractrix® Horn - pinpoint imaging without horn glare.
- 6.5″ Cerametallic™ woofer & rear Tractrix port - punchy, 45 Hz-extended bass that embarrasses peers.
- Dual binding posts - bi-amp or bi-wire when you upgrade your rig.
- Premium cabinetry - Ebony, Walnut, or Piano Black with magnetic grilles for a clean façade.
Editor’s Note: This is the exact award-winning model reviewers called “super-highly recommended” and “a future classic.” ListenUp offers these at a limited-time price of $329/pair.
Who Should Buy the RP-600M?
| Listener Persona | Pain Point | How RP-600M Solves It |
|---|---|---|
| Audiophiles | Need fidelity & dynamics; fear horn harshness | Smooth titanium tweeter never crosses into brightness yet reveals micro-detail. |
| Home-Theater Fans | Want front-row impact without huge towers | 96 dB efficiency = thunderous explosions & crystal-clear dialogue on any AVR. |
| Gamers/Streamers | Precise positional audio; budget-friendly | Horn articulation makes footsteps pop; drives loud from a USB mini-amp. |
| Budget-Conscious Upgraders | “Hi-fi is too expensive” | $329 delivers sound once limited to $800+ speakers—no pricey amp required. |
Real-World Testimonials:
Stop shopping and buy these now. - ★★★★★ 5-Stars - Joe B Z - Klipsch Customer Review
Great pair of speakers! Highly efficient. They can handle a surprising amount of power and even at the highest volume that I care to listen at there is zero distortion. I have the low cut off at 80hz and a Klipsch RP sub and I can't be any happier.
A sonic boom !
Superior sound, crisp clarity, sounds like the band is in your apartment, great look and compact design, loud and proud!
Klipsch RP-600M Tech Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Klipsch RP-600M |
|---|---|
| Frequency Response | 45 Hz – 25 kHz (±3 dB) |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB @ 2.83 V/1 m |
| Impedance | 8 Ω compatible |
| Power Handling | 100 W continuous / 400 W peak |
| Crossover Frequency | 1.5 kHz |
| Dimensions (H×W×D) | 15.7″ × 8″ × 12.6″ |
| Weight (each) | 16 lb |
In-Depth Listening Impressions
Live-Concert Energy
The horn-loaded tweeter fires detail straight at you, minimizing wall reflections that smear vocals on dome tweeters. Cymbal shimmer, breathy sax lines, and game-dialogue cues land with scalpel-like precision-without the fatiguing edge older Klipsch designs were known for.
Bass That Defies “Bookshelf” Rules
Rear Tractrix port + Cerametallic rigidity = tight, musical slam down to the mid-40 Hz region. In most living rooms you can skip a subwoofer for two-channel music; add one later for blockbuster LFE.
Soundstage & Imaging
Toe-in 5–10° and sit ~3 ft out: you’ll hear a holographic stage with vocals rock-solid at center and effects panning far beyond the cabinets.
Home Theater & Gaming Performance
- Home-Theater: Pair with the newer Klipsch RP-504C II center speaker and Klipsch RP-1200SW Subwoofer for a seamless, 3.1 channel listening experience.
- Gaming/Streaming: Ultra-high sensitivity means you get explosive dynamics even from compact Class-D desk amps.
- Voice Clarity: The Tractrix horn focuses dialogue so speech cuts through chaotic action scenes—no more riding the volume during Netflix nights.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Thunderous output from low power
- Class-leading clarity and transient punch
- Rich yet controlled bass; sub optional
- Luxe finishes, magnetic grilles, dual posts
- Unbeatable $329 price with full warranty
Cons
- Rear port wants ~6″ of breathing room
- Larger than ultra-compact desktop cubes
- Lively voicing may expose bright recordings (easily tamed with warmer amp/DAC)
Expert Setup Tips
- Stand height: Align tweeter with ear level for best imaging.
- Wall distance: 6-24″ balances bass weight vs. boom.
- Toe-in: Aim horns just outside each ear for widest stage.
- Break-in: Cerametallic woofers relax after ~20 hrs-don’t judge them cold.
- Amp match: Even a 25 W tube-integrated will get loud; avoid ultra-bright Class-D if you’re treble-sensitive.
What the Industry Is Saying About the RP-600M
“The RP-600M’s horn-loaded tweeter lets every note ‘rev and float effortlessly, like orbs of light’ and builds a mile-deep sound-stage few speakers near this price can touch.” - Stereophile – Herb Reichert (Mar 21 2019)
"Peppy and punchy, it's one of the most characterful affordable speakers I've heard in a long time – one that could almost have come from another era." - Hi-Fi News – David Price (Nov 19 2019)
“Nice open sound with all sorts of music at all sorts of volumes. Can rock hard and convey subtle details with equal measure.” - Hi-Fi Pig – Adam Billingham (Apr 30 2019)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What size room—and how much space behind them—do the Klipsch RP-600M need?
The RP-600M thrives in small-to-medium rooms (≈ 120–300 ft²). Give each speaker 6–24 inches of breathing room from the rear wall so the Tractrix® port can reinforce bass without boom. For the widest soundstage, toe them in 5–10° with the tweeters at ear height.
2. Do I need a powerful (or expensive) amplifier to drive them?
No. With a 96 dB sensitivity, the RP-600M gets loud on as little as 25–50 watts per channel—even budget AVRs or entry-level tube amps are plenty. Dual binding posts let enthusiasts bi-amp later, but it’s optional.
3. Will the horn tweeter sound bright or harsh?
Klipsch’s 1″ Titanium LTS tweeter sits in a 90 × 90° hybrid Tractrix horn that damps resonances and vents the back wave. Listeners describe the highs as crystal-clear and detailed without the glare of older horn designs.
4. Do I still need a subwoofer?
For two-channel music, the 6.5″ Cerametallic™ woofer reaches down to about 45 Hz, giving plenty of low-end heft. Home-theater fans who want true infrasonics below 40 Hz can add a sub, but it isn’t mandatory for everyday listening.
5. How is the original RP-600M different from the newer RP-600M II?
The original model (on this page) is the award-winner that built the RP-600M’s cult following. It retains a slightly warmer midrange than the II and - thanks to our exceptional deal - costs $329 vs. $769 MSRP. The RP-600M II adds crossover tweaks, internal bracing, new drivers and cosmetic updates.
6. Are the RP-600M good for home-theater fronts or surrounds?
Absolutely. Their explosive dynamics, 96 dB efficiency, and tight dispersion let them hit cinematic SPLs on modest AVRs, while horn directivity keeps dialogue locked to the screen. Match them with any Klipsch RP center and sub for seamless timbre.
7. Can I use them on a desk for near-field or gaming?
Yes - just elevate the tweeters to ear level (stands or isolation pads) and sit about 3-4 ft away. Gamers love the pinpoint imaging for footsteps and positional cues, even at low volume. Maintain at least 6″ behind the cabinets to control bass bloom.
8. Is there a break-in period?
The Cerametallic woofers loosen up after roughly 20 hours of play - expect slightly deeper bass and a smoother midrange once they’re exercised.
9. What if I have more questions?
Use our live-chat or email support for personalized setup tips, bundle advice, or inventory checks. We’re here to make sure your RP-600M experience is flawless from cart to concert.
Limited-Time Offer - Save $440 Today
$329 / pair - while current stock lasts
Was $769 MSRP
✓ Full Klipsch Warranty
ListenUp Exclusive: Looking to buy the Klipsch RP-600M with a Home Theater Receiver? Check out our exclusive Onkyo TX-NR6100 + Klipsch RP-600M Bundle today!
Looking for more Klipsch Speakers? Check out the Klipsch Brand Page on Authorized Online Dealer ListenUp!
Get the Klipsch RP-600M Bookshelf Speakers Today
If you crave live-concert energy, holographic imaging, and chest-thumping bass without dropping a month’s rent on speakers or amplification, the Klipsch RP-600M is the 2025 no-brainer. Our exclusive pricing flips the value equation - grab a pair before this batch is gone and experience what thousands of reviewers have called a future classic.
Partner with one of our Hi-Fi Experts at ListenUp to tailor a RP-600M Setup to your specific needs. Receive expert setup assistance, guaranteeing that your Klipsch System reaches new heights of excellence in your home. Visit one of our showrooms or chat with us online to learn more.
