Short answer: the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX on measured sound quality, the Klipsch RP-600M II on price. The Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX ranks #51 of 223 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.2/5, at $1,499. The Klipsch RP-600M II ranks #124, rated 3.7/5, at $449.99, $1,049.01 cheaper.
The Klipsch RP-600M II is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. Bookshelf speakers with a large horn tweeter, wide soundstage, high efficiency and bi-amp ready terminals. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.64 against 4.89 for the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX. Its bass reaches about 70Hz before falling 3dB, against 80Hz for the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX. The catch: 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.
The Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX is the better-sounding choice. A THX certified bookshelf speaker with well controlled sound, strong midbass punch, and clean output for home theater. Watch for: Erin measured only 81.6dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, so substantial amplifier voltage is required.
Buy the Klipsch RP-600M II if the price is the priority over sound quality, or the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX if sound quality is the priority over the price.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Bookshelf speakers with a large horn tweeter, wide soundstage, high efficiency and bi-amp ready terminals.
A THX certified bookshelf speaker with well controlled sound, strong midbass punch, and clean output for home theater.
Prices on this page were last checked October 29, 2026 at 4:42 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-600M II | Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 per pair | $1,499 per pair |
| Ranked | #124 of 223 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #51 of 223 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 44.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | ~80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 8”W x 12.5”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 317.5 mm) | 15.2”H x 9.6”W x 12.6”D (385 x 245 x 320 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 81.6dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn | 6.5-inch woofer; 28mm waveguided soft-dome tweeter |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.64 | 4.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.77 | 7.68 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | HDF, sealed/ported |
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.
Measurement data: Klipsch RP-600M II (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) and Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner), via spinorama.org.
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