Short answer: the Definitive Technology BP-9020. It ranks #33 of 59 floorstanding speakers by sound quality at $500; the Klipsch RP-8000F II ranks #45 and costs $1800, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Definitive Technology BP-9020: Integrated powered 8” side-firing subwoofer with a 150-watt Class D amplifier provides exceptional sub-bass extension down to an F3 of 35Hz and F10 of 29Hz without requiring a standalone subwoofer enclosure. Set against that: Significant high-frequency boost creates notable treble brightness and noticeable sibilance on vocal s-sounds.
What the Klipsch RP-8000F II offers: Highest sensitivity of the RP II floorstander line (~92dB measured) and the best dynamics/compression behavior of the three under load - the cleanest at high output. The catch: Mid-bass sounds lean despite the dual 8-inch woofers, and bass extension disappointed for its size - expected to reach 50Hz, didn’t get there in-room.
Buy the Definitive Technology BP-9020. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Klipsch RP-8000F II and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Klipsch RP-8000F II. It ranks near the bottom of the 59 floorstanding speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Definitive Technology BP-9020 | Klipsch RP-8000F II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500.00 Discontinued | $1800 |
| Ranked | #33 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #45 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 35.3"H x 11"W x 13"D (895.4 x 279.4 x 330.2 mm) | 43.1" x 10.8" x 18.3" (1095 x 275 x 464 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 87.7dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 92dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1 in. annealed aluminum dome tweeter, two 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (front), one 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (rear), 8 in. powered subwoofer | 1" titanium tweeter with 90x90 Tractrix horn, dual 8" cerametallic woofers |
| Weight | 30 lbs / 13.6 kg each | 61.3 lbs / 27.8 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, slot | ported, rear |
| Frequency Response | - | 35Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1630Hz |
| Output Power | - | 150W continuous, 600W peak |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Definitive Technology BP-9020: $500.00 Discontinued
Pros: Integrated powered 8” side-firing subwoofer with a 150-watt Class D amplifier provides exceptional sub-bass extension down to an F3 of 35Hz and F10 of 29Hz without requiring a standalone subwoofer enclosure. Forward-Focused Bipolar Array technology (dual 3.5” front midrange drivers + 1” annealed aluminum dome tweeter, plus a 3.5” rear-firing midrange driver) creates a remarkably wide, spacious soundstage with broad room envelopment. On-axis frequency response stays smooth and relatively neutral when listened to directly aligned with the tweeter. Measured average sensitivity of 87.7dB SPL (2.83V/1m) allows comfortable drive from standard multi-channel receivers.
Cons: Significant high-frequency boost creates notable treble brightness and noticeable sibilance on vocal s-sounds. Bipolar rear driver radiation creates a diffuse soundstage that compromises razor-sharp imaging focus and pinpoint instrument placement. DSP-based internal limiter aggressively compresses output below 80Hz at higher listening levels, causing lower mid-bass and sub-bass impact to diminish as volume increases. Midrange clarity shows slight ‘cuppiness’ and upper-frequency directivity irregularities due to front/rear driver interaction. Discontinued.
Full Definitive Technology BP-9020 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 35.3"H x 11"W x 13"D (895.4 x 279.4 x 330.2 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1 in. annealed aluminum dome tweeter, two 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (front), one 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (rear), 8 in. powered subwoofer |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 87.7dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 30 lbs / 13.6 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, slot |
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Klipsch RP-8000F II: $1800 Amazon
Pros: Highest sensitivity of the RP II floorstander line (~92dB measured) and the best dynamics/compression behavior of the three under load - the cleanest at high output. Dual 8-inch woofers and the highest power handling in the line.
Cons: Mid-bass sounds lean despite the dual 8-inch woofers, and bass extension disappointed for its size - expected to reach 50Hz, didn’t get there in-room. Has its own edgy upper-mid bump (2-6kHz) that’s harder to EQ out than the other two models’ issues, since it stems from the vertical horn/woofer offset rather than simple tonal balance. The most placement-critical of the three, with the narrowest horizontal (~40-50 degrees) and vertical (+5/-10 degrees) dispersion.
Full Klipsch RP-8000F II review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 33Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1630Hz |
| Dimensions | 43.1" x 10.8" x 18.3" (1095 x 275 x 464 mm) |
| Drivers | 1" titanium tweeter with 90x90 Tractrix horn, dual 8" cerametallic woofers |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Output Power | 150W continuous, 600W peak |
| Sensitivity | 92dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 61.3 lbs / 27.8 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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