Short answer: the KEF R5 for better sound quality, the Klipsch RP-6000F II for the lower price. The KEF R5 ranks #10 of 71 floorstanding speakers at $2999. The Klipsch RP-6000F II ranks #54 at $1500, $1499 cheaper.
What the KEF R5 offers: Slim three-way tower with the acoustic advantages of KEF’s coincident Uni-Q midrange/tweeter: horizontal and vertical off-axis responses track the direct sound smoothly, producing stable imaging and a well-behaved directivity index. Erin measured deep low-frequency reach for the cabinet width—77Hz F3 but 33Hz F10—and less than 1% harmonic distortion at 86dB. At 96dB it remains clean when high-passed, and its mild response deviations are suitable for equalization because the radiation pattern stays orderly. Watch for: The unusual gap between 77Hz F3 and 33Hz F10 indicates a gradual bass contour rather than flat deep-bass output; a subwoofer and roughly 80Hz high-pass are recommended for high-level playback. Erin measured a minimum near 3.5 ohms around 150Hz, although most of the curve remains above 4 ohms, so amplifier quality still matters. Sensitivity is approximately 86dB/2.83V/1m. At 102dB, compression reaches roughly 1dB around 150Hz, showing the limits of the twin 5.25-inch woofers. This original model lacks the Meta version’s MAT rear-wave absorption.
What the Klipsch RP-6000F II offers: Highest power handling and clean, well-behaved compression at typical volumes. Precise imaging from the controlled horn directivity. Watch for: Worse baffle-step coloration than the smaller RP-5000F II (3-4dB swing vs 2dB), plus a sibilance issue the 5000F doesn’t have - a real regression in tonal balance despite the higher price. Bass extension is mixed - less deep at -3dB (67Hz) than the 5000F - and needs a subwoofer regardless. Narrow horizontal dispersion (~50-60 degrees).
Buy the KEF R5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Klipsch RP-6000F II if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Klipsch RP-6000F II. It ranks near the bottom of the 71 floorstanding speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF R5 | Klipsch RP-6000F II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,999/pair Discontinued | $1500 |
| Ranked | #10 of 71 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #54 of 71 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 90dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | Approximately 3.5 ohms minimum near 150Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1" aluminum tweeter coaxial with 5" midrange; dual 5.25" woofers | 1" titanium tweeter with Tractrix horn, dual 6.5" cerametallic woofers |
| Dimensions | 40.4"H x 6.9"W x 13.5"D | 39.6" x 9.3" x 17.6" (1006 x 236 x 446 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Weight | 59.5 lb each | 49.4 lbs / 22.4 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Frequency Response | - | 38Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1770Hz |
| Output Power | - | 125W continuous, 500W peak |
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The Two Speakers In Full
KEF R5: $2,999/pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: Slim three-way tower with the acoustic advantages of KEF’s coincident Uni-Q midrange/tweeter: horizontal and vertical off-axis responses track the direct sound smoothly, producing stable imaging and a well-behaved directivity index. Erin measured deep low-frequency reach for the cabinet width—77Hz F3 but 33Hz F10—and less than 1% harmonic distortion at 86dB. At 96dB it remains clean when high-passed, and its mild response deviations are suitable for equalization because the radiation pattern stays orderly.
Cons: The unusual gap between 77Hz F3 and 33Hz F10 indicates a gradual bass contour rather than flat deep-bass output; a subwoofer and roughly 80Hz high-pass are recommended for high-level playback. Erin measured a minimum near 3.5 ohms around 150Hz, although most of the curve remains above 4 ohms, so amplifier quality still matters. Sensitivity is approximately 86dB/2.83V/1m. At 102dB, compression reaches roughly 1dB around 150Hz, showing the limits of the twin 5.25-inch woofers. This original model lacks the Meta version’s MAT rear-wave absorption. Discontinued.
Full KEF R5 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 33Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 77Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 40.4"H x 6.9"W x 13.5"D |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1" aluminum tweeter coaxial with 5" midrange; dual 5.25" woofers |
| Impedance | Approximately 3.5 ohms minimum near 150Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 86dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 59.5 lb each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Klipsch RP-6000F II: $1500 Amazon eBay
Pros: Highest power handling and clean, well-behaved compression at typical volumes. Precise imaging from the controlled horn directivity.
Cons: Worse baffle-step coloration than the smaller RP-5000F II (3-4dB swing vs 2dB), plus a sibilance issue the 5000F doesn’t have - a real regression in tonal balance despite the higher price. Bass extension is mixed - less deep at -3dB (67Hz) than the 5000F - and needs a subwoofer regardless. Narrow horizontal dispersion (~50-60 degrees).
Full Klipsch RP-6000F II review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 33Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 1770Hz |
| Dimensions | 39.6" x 9.3" x 17.6" (1006 x 236 x 446 mm) |
| Drivers | 1" titanium tweeter with Tractrix horn, dual 6.5" cerametallic woofers |
| Frequency Response | 38Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum, measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Output Power | 125W continuous, 500W peak |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 49.4 lbs / 22.4 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch RP-6000F II vs Dynaudio Emit 30
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- Klipsch RP-6000F II vs Focal Aria Evo X N°2
- Klipsch RP-6000F II vs Sony SS-CS3
- Klipsch RP-6000F II vs SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle
- Klipsch RP-6000F II vs Klipsch RP-5000F II
- Klipsch RP-6000F II vs Infinity Reference 253
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