Short answer: the Klipsch RP-600M II. It ranks #124 of 223 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $449.99. The Cerwin Vega LA165 ranks #207, rated 2.5/5, at $269.99, $180 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Klipsch RP-600M II is the more accurate pick. 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 3.01 for the Cerwin Vega LA165. 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.
Why pick the Cerwin Vega LA165: An affordable bookshelf speaker with punchy midbass and a wide soundstage for fans of a lively, kick heavy sound. Watch for: Overall tonal balance is far from neutral: a 2-3dB cut through the vocal fundamental range gives a hollow midrange, while a dip around 2-4kHz removes attack, snap, and clarity from snares and other transient sounds.
Buy the Klipsch RP-600M II. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $180 you would save on the Cerwin Vega LA165 does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Bookshelf speakers with a large horn tweeter, wide soundstage, high efficiency and bi-amp ready terminals.
An affordable bookshelf speaker with punchy midbass and a wide soundstage for fans of a lively, kick heavy sound.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-600M II | Cerwin Vega LA165 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 per pair | $269.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #124 of 223 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #207 of 223 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 66.7Hz (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) | 13.7”H x 8”W x 12.4”D (348.0 x 203.2 x 315.0 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) | 86.2dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn | 1” tweeter + 6.5” woofer |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 26.5 lbs (12 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.64 | 3.01 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.77 | 5.48 |
| DIY Kit | No | 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.
Measurement data: Klipsch RP-600M II (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) and Cerwin Vega LA165 (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner), via spinorama.org.
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