Short answer: the Klipsch RP-600M II. It ranks #74 of 130 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $449.99; the JBL 4349 ranks #82 and costs $7500, 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 JBL 4349 offers: A high-output studio-monitor design with a large 12-inch woofer, compression driver and front-panel high-frequency controls. Its local Spinorama scores are 3.53 raw and 5.26 with a subwoofer, with strong 36Hz measured extension. Watch for: Large, heavy and costly, with response/directivity imperfections that keep measured preference below less expensive neutral monitors. Four-ohm impedance and high output capability call for substantial amplification.
Buy the Klipsch RP-600M II. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL 4349 and costs less, which settles it without a real tradeoff to make.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-600M II | JBL 4349 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 per pair | $7,500 per pair |
| Ranked | #74 of 130 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #82 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) | 29.1H x 17.5W x 13.5D in |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | 91dB |
| Drivers | 6.5" Cerametallic cone woofer, 1" titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn | 1.5-inch compression driver, 12-inch woofer |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 82.9 lbs (37.6 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.75 | 3.53 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.88 | 5.26 |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way front-ported studio monitor |
| Frequency Response | - | 32Hz-25kHz (-6dB) |
| Power Handling | - | 200W |
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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
JBL 4349: $7,500 per pair eBay
Pros: A high-output studio-monitor design with a large 12-inch woofer, compression driver and front-panel high-frequency controls. Its local Spinorama scores are 3.53 raw and 5.26 with a subwoofer, with strong 36Hz measured extension.
Cons: Large, heavy and costly, with response/directivity imperfections that keep measured preference below less expensive neutral monitors. Four-ohm impedance and high output capability call for substantial amplification.
Full JBL 4349 review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 29.1H x 17.5W x 13.5D in |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 1.5-inch compression driver, 12-inch woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way front-ported studio monitor |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz-25kHz (-6dB) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Power Handling | 200W |
| Sensitivity | 91dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.53 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.26 |
| Weight | 82.9 lbs (37.6 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons