Short answer: the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 if sound quality matters most, the Klipsch RP-600M II if price matters most. The Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 ranks #38 of 130 bookshelf speakers at $1748. The Klipsch RP-600M II ranks #74 at $449.99, $1298.01 cheaper.
What the Klipsch RP-600M II offers: Redesigned waveguide extends flush to the baffle edge, reducing diffraction compared to the original 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 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. Watch for: On-axis, the treble runs notably hot - even hotter than the original 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 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.
What the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 offers: A RAAL true ribbon tweeter is paired with a custom SEAS Excel Curv woofer, with the crossover optimized against Klippel NFS measurement data. Listening window smoothness measures 0.45, a moderate but usable figure for a compact standmount. Pairs are hand matched within +/-1.5dB and shipped with their own individual frequency response printout, backed by a 7 year parts and labor warranty from direct USA assembly in Orange County, California. Watch for: On axis deviation (measured average absolute deviation 0.454) is the roughest of any speaker in this batch, meaning a listener sitting dead center may notice more on axis unevenness than the smoother AsciLab or Ascend tower models nearby. Bass extension is modest for the price class at a measured 51.3Hz at -6dB. Ascend sells direct only, with no dealer network or third party retailers for an in person audition.
Buy the Klipsch RP-600M II if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 if sound quality matters more than the price.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-600M II | Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 per pair | $1,748 per pair |
| Ranked | #74 of 130 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #38 of 130 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | 42.4Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | 58.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Dimensions | 15.7"H x 8"W x 12.5"D (398.8 x 203.2 x 317.5 mm) | 14.3"H x 7.5"W x 10.5"D (362 x 190 x 267 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | 85dB @ 2.83V/1m anechoic (manufacturer) |
| Drivers | 6.5" Cerametallic cone woofer, 1" titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn | RAAL 10mm true ribbon tweeter, 6" SEAS Excel Curv cone woofer |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 20.1 lbs (9.1 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.75 | 5.14 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.88 | 7.22 |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Power Handling | - | 150W continuous, 300W peak |
| Frequency Response | - | 51-27,000Hz +/-3dB (manufacturer) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | - | 51.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Warranty | - | 7 years parts and labor |
| Country | - | United States |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Klipsch RP-600M II: $449.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Redesigned waveguide extends flush to the baffle edge, reducing diffraction compared to the original 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 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 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 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 →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (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) |
| 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 | 4.75 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.88 |
| 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)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2: $1,748 per pair Ascend Acoustics eBay
Pros: A RAAL true ribbon tweeter is paired with a custom SEAS Excel Curv woofer, with the crossover optimized against Klippel NFS measurement data. Listening window smoothness measures 0.45, a moderate but usable figure for a compact standmount. Pairs are hand matched within +/-1.5dB and shipped with their own individual frequency response printout, backed by a 7 year parts and labor warranty from direct USA assembly in Orange County, California. Measured bass extension of 58.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: On axis deviation (measured average absolute deviation 0.454) is the roughest of any speaker in this batch, meaning a listener sitting dead center may notice more on axis unevenness than the smoother AsciLab or Ascend tower models nearby. Bass extension is modest for the price class at a measured 51.3Hz at -6dB. Ascend sells direct only, with no dealer network or third party retailers for an in person audition.
Full Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42.4Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 51.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 14.3"H x 7.5"W x 10.5"D (362 x 190 x 267 mm) |
| Drivers | RAAL 10mm true ribbon tweeter, 6" SEAS Excel Curv cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 51-27,000Hz +/-3dB (manufacturer) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 150W continuous, 300W peak |
| Sensitivity | 85dB @ 2.83V/1m anechoic (manufacturer) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.14 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.22 |
| Warranty | 7 years parts and labor |
| Weight | 20.1 lbs (9.1 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 vs Selah Audio Integrity
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 vs Emotiva Airmotiv XB2
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- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 vs ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 vs Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX
- Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 vs Perlisten A3m
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