Short answer: the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2. It ranks #49 of 223 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.2/5, at $549. The Klipsch RP-600M II ranks #124, rated 3.7/5, at $449.99, $99.01 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Airmotiv XB2 is the more neutral bookshelf. Its AMT folded-ribbon tweeter and 6-inch woofer give a very linear response at the recommended toe-out, with better directivity than the ELAC DB63 and bass reaching 62Hz before falling 3dB. It sounds bright pointed straight at you, so toe it out 10 to 20 degrees, and its mids get grainy when pushed.
The RP-600M II is the horn-loaded, more dynamic option. Its redesigned waveguide gives wide dispersion and precise imaging, and its preference score of 5.64 nearly matches the XB2. Its treble runs hot on-axis, so it needs about 20 degrees of toe-out or the grille, and its bass rolls off at 70Hz (-3dB).
Buy the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $99.01 you would save on the Klipsch RP-600M II does not close the gap.
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 great value bookshelf speaker with neutral sound, an AMT ribbon tweeter, and decent bass for its size.
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 | Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 per pair | $549 per pair |
| Ranked | #124 of 223 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #49 of 223 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 62Hz (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) | 12.8” x 8.5” x 11.5” (325 x 216 x 292 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal (safe with 8-ohm rated amps) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86dB (2.83V/1m, Manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn | 1x 6” woven cone woofer, 1x 25x32mm AMT folded ribbon tweeter |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 18.1 lbs (8.2 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | Bass reflex, rear ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.64 | 5.65 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.77 | 7.93 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 48Hz - 27kHz (+3/-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.6kHz |
| Power Handling | - | 125W continuous, 200W peak |
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 Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner), via spinorama.org.
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
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