Short answer: the Klipsch RP-600M II. It ranks #121 of 216 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $449.99. The KEF Q1 Meta ranks #64, rated 3.6/5, at $399.99, $50 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the KEF Q1 Meta: 12th generation Uni-Q coaxial driver places the 1” vented aluminium dome tweeter at the centre of the 5.25” aluminium woofer, with KEF’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology behind the tweeter. The catch: The only measurements are KEF’s own, not independently verified, and spinorama.org computes no preference score for them because the data is truncated at low frequencies.
What the Klipsch RP-600M II does well: Redesigned waveguide extends flush to the baffle edge, reducing diffraction compared to the original Klipsch RP-600M. Watch for: On-axis, the treble runs notably hot (even hotter than the original Klipsch RP-600M in some respects) and needs about 20° of toe-out or the grille installed to sound balanced.
Buy the Klipsch RP-600M II. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $50 with the KEF Q1 Meta does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Q1 Meta | Klipsch RP-600M II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.99 per pair | $449.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #64 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #121 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | Uni-Q: 130mm (5.25”) aluminium cone woofer, 25mm (1”) vented aluminium dome tweeter with MAT | 6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn |
| Frequency Response | 51Hz-20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) | 86dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.2 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) | 8 ohms nominal (3.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Recommended Power | 10-150W | - |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.1kHz | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported |
| Dimensions | 11.9”H x 7.1”W x 10.9”D (302 x 180 x 277 mm) | 15.7”H x 8”W x 12.5”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 317.5 mm) |
| Weight | 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg) each | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each |
| Cabinet Color | Satin Black, Satin White, Walnut | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65.1Hz (measured, KEF vendor data via spinorama.org) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 43.4Hz (measured, KEF vendor data via spinorama.org) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.64 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.77 |
| DIY Kit | - | No |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared. The two were measured by different sources, so small differences, especially in the bass, can come from the measurement setup rather than the speakers.
Measurement data: KEF Q1 Meta (measured by the manufacturer) and Klipsch RP-600M II (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner), via spinorama.org.
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
Related Speaker Comparisons
How KEF Q1 Meta compares with other leading options:
- KEF LS50 Meta vs KEF Q1 Meta
- ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 vs KEF Q1 Meta
- KEF Q1 Meta vs MartinLogan Motion B10
- KEF Q1 Meta vs PSB Alpha P5
- KEF Q1 Meta vs Triangle Esprit Titus EZ
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
KEF Q1 Meta: $399.99 per pair Amazon $399.99 eBay
Older models: the KEF Q150 (ranked higher, rated 3.7/5) and the KEF Q100 (ranked lower, rated 2.4/5). See every KEF Q Series generation.
Same family: the KEF Q4 Meta (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 3.4/5), the KEF Q3 Meta (larger bookshelf, rated 3.4/5), the KEF Q Concerto Meta (larger bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the KEF Q7 Meta (smaller floorstanding, estimated 3.5/5), the KEF Q11 Meta (larger floorstanding, rated 4/5), the KEF Q6 Meta (center, rated 3.9/5) and the KEF Q8 Meta (surround, rated 3.4/5).
Pros: 12th generation Uni-Q coaxial driver places the 1” vented aluminium dome tweeter at the centre of the 5.25” aluminium woofer, with KEF’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology behind the tweeter. KEF’s own Spinorama measurements, published on spinorama.org, hold the 300Hz to 5kHz response within 2.3dB with a flat on-axis trend, so the tonal balance is even. Measured bass reaches 65Hz (-3dB) and about 43Hz (-10dB), respectable for a compact bookshelf. Same cabinet size as the KEF Q150 it replaces. Measured bass extension of 65.1Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The only measurements are KEF’s own, not independently verified, and spinorama.org computes no preference score for them because the data is truncated at low frequencies. Sound power directivity is less even than the best in this class (3.16dB index deviation), so off-axis listeners and room reflections shift the balance more. Minimum impedance of 3.2 ohms is a harder load than the KEF Q150’s, and rated maximum output is a modest 108dB, so plan on a subwoofer for loud listening.
Full KEF Q1 Meta review and specifications →
| Released | Oct 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 43.4Hz (measured, KEF vendor data via spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65.1Hz (measured, KEF vendor data via spinorama.org) |
| Cabinet Color | Satin Black, Satin White, Walnut |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.1kHz |
| Dimensions | 11.9”H x 7.1”W x 10.9”D (302 x 180 x 277 mm) |
| Drivers | Uni-Q: 130mm (5.25”) aluminium cone woofer, 25mm (1”) vented aluminium dome tweeter with MAT |
| Frequency Response | 51Hz-20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.2 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | 10-150W |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 13.4 lbs (6.1 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Klipsch RP-600M II: $449.99 per pair Amazon $449.99 eBay
Older model: the Klipsch RP-600M (ranked lower, rated 2.9/5). See every Klipsch Reference Premiere generation.
Same family: the Klipsch RP-500M II (smaller bookshelf, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-5000F II (smallest floorstanding, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-6000F II (floorstanding, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-8000F II (floorstanding, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-8060FA II (largest floorstanding, estimated 3.8/5), the Klipsch RP-404C II (smallest center, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-500C II (center, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-504C II (largest center, rated 3.8/5), the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA II (smaller surround, estimated 3.5/5) and the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-502S II (larger surround, estimated 3.5/5).
Pros: Redesigned waveguide extends flush to the baffle edge, reducing diffraction compared to the original Klipsch RP-600M. Roughly 10-20° wider horizontal radiation than the original, giving more soundstage envelopment while retaining precise imaging. A major step up in overall tonal neutrality compared to the original Klipsch RP-600M, largely eliminating that model’s midrange resonance issues. Unusually, sounds better with the grille on: the grille smooths out the elevated treble rather than degrading the sound, a rare trait among speakers the reviewer has tested. More refined back-panel hardware, including anodized binding posts and jumper cables for optional bi-amping. Responds well to EQ correction (verified using measurement software and a miniDSP), letting the on-axis response be made genuinely linear. Measured bass extension of 70Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.
Cons: On-axis, the treble runs notably hot (even hotter than the original Klipsch RP-600M in some respects) and needs about 20° of toe-out or the grille installed to sound balanced. Horizontal dispersion is very slightly less linear across angles than the original Klipsch RP-600M, a minor trade-off for the wider overall radiation pattern. Klipsch’s marketed sensitivity (about 94.5dB) is, like the original, a half-space rating roughly 9dB above the anechoic reality (closer to 85-86dB). In-room bass rolls off around 60Hz in practice, and a 120Hz boost paired with a midrange scoop gives kick drums their “tambour” without real low-end weight: a subwoofer is still recommended. Vertical listening tolerance is limited to about ±10° from the tweeter axis. Toeing the speaker out for better on-axis tonality (rather than using the grille) introduces slightly more diffuse imaging from added sidewall reflections.
Full Klipsch RP-600M II review and specifications →
| Released | May 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 8”W x 12.5”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 317.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.64 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.77 |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: The Truth about Klipsch’s “NEW” Sound. RP-600M Update. More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website Klipsch RP-600M II
- GR-Research: We Bought The "NEW" RP-600M II Is KLIPSCH Listening?! More from GR-Research →
- Erin’s Audio Corner: 5 AWESOME SPEAKERS Under $1000 You Won’t Regret
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Erin’s Audio Corner: KEF Q1 Meta vs Emotiva vs Klipsch | The Real Differences
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Why I think the Klipsch RP-500M II is BETTER than RP-600M II.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch RP-600M II vs JBL 708i
- Klipsch RP-600M II vs PS Audio Aspen FR5
- Klipsch RP-600M II vs Theory Audio sb25
- Klipsch RP-600M II vs Polk Signature Elite ES20
- Klipsch RP-600M II vs Aoshida Audio Musician Knight I V2
- Klipsch RP-600M II vs MoFi SourcePoint 10 Master Edition
- Klipsch RP-600M II vs Dynaudio Emit 20
- Klipsch RP-600M II vs NHT C3
- See all 120 comparisons