Short answer: the Klipsch RP-600M II. It ranks #74 of 130 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $449.99; the HUMAN Speakers 81 DK ranks #111 and costs $1397, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
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 HUMAN Speakers 81 DK offers: Hand-built in the US with an 8-inch woofer, simple crossover, real oak veneer and strong 41Hz measured extension. The easy 89dB specified sensitivity and 175W rating support useful output. Watch for: Local Spinorama scores of 1.54 raw and 3.49 with a subwoofer show major response/directivity shortcomings. The cabinets are large and visually traditional, and direct-order production may involve lead time.
Buy the Klipsch RP-600M II. It ranks higher for sound quality than the HUMAN Speakers 81 DK and costs less, which settles it without a real tradeoff to make.
The HUMAN Speakers 81 DK is not a sound-quality pick. It sits near the bottom of the 130 bookshelf speakers; there are better options higher up.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-600M II | HUMAN Speakers 81 DK | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 per pair | $1,397 per pair |
| Ranked | #74 of 130 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #111 of 130 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| 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) | 18.5H x 11.5W x 14.5D in |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | 89dB |
| Drivers | 6.5" Cerametallic cone woofer, 1" titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn | HUMAN tweeter and 8-inch woofer |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.75 | 1.54 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.88 | 3.49 |
| Enclosure | - | Passive 2-way |
| Frequency Response | - | 38Hz-26kHz +/-2dB |
| Power Handling | - | 175W |
| 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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- Klipsch RP-600M II vs JBL Studio 630
- Klipsch RP-600M II vs PS Audio Aspen FR5
- Klipsch RP-600M II vs Behringer B2030P
- Klipsch RP-600M II vs Theory Audio sb25
- See all 116 comparisons
HUMAN Speakers 81 DK: $1,397 per pair HUMAN Speakers eBay
Pros: Hand-built in the US with an 8-inch woofer, simple crossover, real oak veneer and strong 41Hz measured extension. The easy 89dB specified sensitivity and 175W rating support useful output.
Cons: Local Spinorama scores of 1.54 raw and 3.49 with a subwoofer show major response/directivity shortcomings. The cabinets are large and visually traditional, and direct-order production may involve lead time.
Full HUMAN Speakers 81 DK review and specifications →
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 18.5H x 11.5W x 14.5D in |
| Drivers | HUMAN tweeter and 8-inch woofer |
| Enclosure | Passive 2-way |
| Frequency Response | 38Hz-26kHz +/-2dB |
| Power Handling | 175W |
| Sensitivity | 89dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.54 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 3.49 |
| Weight | 29.1 lbs (13.2 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons