Short answer: the JBL XPL-90 for better sound quality, the Klipsch RP-600M for the lower price. The JBL XPL-90 ranks #71 of 100 bookshelf speakers at $1298. The Klipsch RP-600M ranks #78 at $343.22, $954.78 cheaper.
The case for the JBL XPL-90: Nearly ruler-flat on-axis response up to 1kHz with even horizontal directivity until the tweeter beams above 10kHz. The tradeoff: Crossover region peaking around 3kHz and treble peaking above 10kHz color the top end, and poor vertical directivity means the tweeter needs to be at ear level.
What the Klipsch RP-600M gets right: More linear horizontal dispersion than the updated RP-600M II - as you move side-to-side, the tonal character changes less, a genuine advantage for off-axis listening consistency. The catch: A strong, annoying resonance in the lower vocal range around 300Hz stands out clearly (though it can be EQ’d out).
Buy the JBL XPL-90 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Klipsch RP-600M if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Klipsch RP-600M. It ranks near the bottom of the 100 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL XPL-90 | Klipsch RP-600M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,298 used, discontinued (vintage, late 1980s) | $343.22 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #71 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #78 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 6.5" bass/mid driver, 1" titanium dome tweeter | 6.5" Cerametallic cone woofer, 1" titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn |
| Dimensions | 15.5"H x 9.5"W x 9.8"D (394 x 241 x 248 mm) | 15.7"H x 8"W x 11.9"D (398.8 x 203.2 x 302.3 mm) |
| Weight | 20.1 lbs / 9.1 kg each | 16.1 lbs / 7.3 kg each |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 85.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 8 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Power Handling | 100W nominal, 400W max | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 73Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL XPL-90: $1,298 used, discontinued (vintage, late 1980s)
Pros: Nearly ruler-flat on-axis response up to 1kHz with even horizontal directivity until the tweeter beams above 10kHz. The reviewer found real strength with vocals and simpler instrumentation, calling it “the first speaker I have liked that has some clear response errors” and “an enjoyable speaker” despite the flaws. Titanium tweeter and internal Monster cable wiring reflect JBL’s higher-end late-1980s engineering.
Cons: Crossover region peaking around 3kHz and treble peaking above 10kHz color the top end, and poor vertical directivity means the tweeter needs to be at ear level. Distortion rises at 96dB SPL, especially around 3kHz. Long discontinued; only available on the used market.
Full JBL XPL-90 review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 15.5"H x 9.5"W x 9.8"D (394 x 241 x 248 mm) |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 6.5" bass/mid driver, 1" titanium dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Power Handling | 100W nominal, 400W max |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 20.1 lbs / 9.1 kg each |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Klipsch RP-600M: $343.22 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: More linear horizontal dispersion than the updated RP-600M II - as you move side-to-side, the tonal character changes less, a genuine advantage for off-axis listening consistency. Takes exceptionally well to EQ correction (miniDSP or similar), letting a knowledgeable owner fix its tonal shortcomings without needing to upgrade. Standard 6.5” woofer/horn-tweeter two-way design with reasonably gradual bass rolloff (F3 ~70Hz, F10 ~40Hz) rather than a steep vented-enclosure cutoff.
Cons: A strong, annoying resonance in the lower vocal range around 300Hz stands out clearly (though it can be EQ’d out). Overall tonal balance is notably less neutral than the newer RP-600M II, with a roughly 3-4dB suckout in the estimated in-room response. The waveguide doesn’t extend flush to the baffle edge, increasing diffraction compared to the redesigned version. Klipsch’s marketed sensitivity spec (about 96dB) is a half-space, in-room-style rating roughly 9dB above the true anechoic figure (closer to 85-86dB), which can mislead buyers comparing spec sheets. Elevated treble on-axis, similar to its successor, benefits from toe-out or careful placement. Vertical listening tolerance is limited to about ±10° from the tweeter axis. Still needs a subwoofer for real bass weight; a boost around 120Hz gives kick drums their “tambour” without the underlying “meat.”. Discontinued.
Full Klipsch RP-600M review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 73Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 15.7"H x 8"W x 11.9"D (398.8 x 203.2 x 302.3 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 6.5" Cerametallic cone woofer, 1" titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85.2dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs / 7.3 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
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