Short answer: the Klipsch RP-600M II. Both are rated 3.7/5 for sound quality (#123 and #122 of 222 bookshelf speakers), and the Klipsch RP-600M II costs $449.99 against $2,998 for the JBL 708i, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it.
The Klipsch RP-600M II is the more accurate option. 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 4.33 for the JBL 708i. 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.
The JBL 708i is the deeper-bass pick. A high-output 8 inch professional monitor with a compression driver and waveguide, designed to run bi-amplified with JBL processing. Its bass reaches about 43.9Hz before falling 3dB, against 70Hz for the Klipsch RP-600M II. The tradeoff: This is not self-powered: achieving the measured active-mode response requires compatible external amplification and JBL processing, adding substantial cost and complexity.
Buy the Klipsch RP-600M II. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $2,548.01 less than the JBL 708i.
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.
A high-output 8 inch professional monitor with a compression driver and waveguide, designed to run bi-amplified with JBL processing.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-600M II | JBL 708i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 per pair | $2,998 per pair |
| Ranked | #123 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #122 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | about 35.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 43.9Hz (measured active-mode, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 8”W x 12.5”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 317.5 mm) | 17.2H x 9.8W x 11.5D in |
| 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) | 90dB (1W/1m) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn | 1” compression driver, 8” woofer |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 25.4 lbs (11.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.64 | 4.33 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.77 | 6.21 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way passive/bi-amplified, dual front ports |
| Maximum SPL | - | 108dB continuous, 114dB peak |
| Amplifier Power | - | External Crown DCI amplifier and JBL DSP required for measured active configuration |
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