Short answer: the Klipsch RP-6000F II. It ranks #47 of 59 floorstanding speakers by sound quality; the Bose 901 Series V ranks #59.
On the Klipsch RP-6000F II side: Highest power handling and clean, well-behaved compression at typical volumes. 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.
What the Bose 901 Series V offers: Historically distinctive direct/reflecting architecture uses eight rear-firing and one front-firing full-range drivers to create a very large, room-filling presentation. Set against that: Even with the required EQ, Erin measured only about 81dB sensitivity, grossly non-flat response, numerous impedance/resonance irregularities and very high distortion.
Buy the Klipsch RP-6000F II if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Bose 901 Series V if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 59 floorstanding speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-6000F II | Bose 901 Series V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1500 | Used availability Discontinued |
| Ranked | #47 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #59 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 34.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 81dB/2.83V/1m with tested EQ setting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1" titanium tweeter with Tractrix horn, dual 6.5" cerametallic woofers | Nine full-range drivers: eight rear-firing, one front-firing |
| Weight | 49.4 lbs / 22.4 kg | - |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6.2 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Frequency Response | 38Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Crossover Frequency | 1770Hz | - |
| Output Power | 125W continuous, 500W peak | - |
| Dimensions | 39.6" x 9.3" x 17.6" (1006 x 236 x 446 mm) | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Bass Extension | - | Strongly dependent on supplied active equalizer and room (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
| DSP | - | External analog active equalizer required |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Klipsch RP-6000F II: $1500 Amazon
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 |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch RP-6000F II vs Dynaudio Emit 30
- Klipsch RP-6000F II vs Polk T50
- Klipsch RP-6000F II vs Klipsch RP-8000F II
- Klipsch RP-6000F II vs Focal Aria Evo X N°2
- Klipsch RP-6000F II vs Sony SS-CS3
- Klipsch RP-6000F II vs Infinity Reference 253
- Klipsch RP-6000F II vs JBL Stage 2 280F
- Klipsch RP-6000F II vs SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle
- See all 15 comparisons
Bose 901 Series V: Used availability Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Historically distinctive direct/reflecting architecture uses eight rear-firing and one front-firing full-range drivers to create a very large, room-filling presentation. Erin measured a benign 6.2-ohm minimum impedance, so the raw electrical load is easier than many modern four-ohm speakers. The supplied active equalizer offers user-adjustable tonal balance and is integral to obtaining usable bandwidth.
Cons: Even with the required EQ, Erin measured only about 81dB sensitivity, grossly non-flat response, numerous impedance/resonance irregularities and very high distortion. Output above roughly 90-95dB at his seat became audibly poor; multitone testing reached only about 98dB before the distortion limit. The reflection-dominant radiation prevents precise imaging and makes results strongly room-dependent. It requires the proprietary equalizer and substantial amplifier power despite its benign impedance. Discontinued.
Full Bose 901 Series V review and specifications →
| Bass Extension | Strongly dependent on supplied active equalizer and room (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.5Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.8Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| DSP | External analog active equalizer required |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | Nine full-range drivers: eight rear-firing, one front-firing |
| Impedance | 6.2 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 81dB/2.83V/1m with tested EQ setting (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Bose 901 Series V vs Triangle Esprit Antal Ez
- Bose 901 Series V vs JBL Studio 590
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- Bose 901 Series V vs Magnepan LRS+
- Bose 901 Series V vs JBL Stage 2 280F
- Bose 901 Series V vs Infinity Reference 253
- Bose 901 Series V vs Sony SS-CS3
- Bose 901 Series V vs Focal Aria Evo X N°2
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