Short answer: the Klipsch RP-600M II, if you are buying new. The NHT C3 ranks higher than it (#114 vs #123 of 222 bookshelf speakers, 3.8/5 vs 3.7/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Klipsch RP-600M II is still sold new at $449.99.
The Klipsch RP-600M II is the more accurate choice. 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 4.45 for the NHT C3. 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 NHT C3 is the deeper-bass option. Sealed three-way bookshelf speakers with all aluminum drivers, smooth well-controlled sound around the room and tight bass. Its bass reaches about 63Hz before falling 3dB, against 70Hz for the Klipsch RP-600M II. The tradeoff: On-axis deviation of 0.427dB is middling, though the tonal balance itself is close to neutral (a slope of just 0.01dB per octave).
Buy the Klipsch RP-600M II if you want one new; the NHT C3 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
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.
Sealed three-way bookshelf speakers with all aluminum drivers, smooth well-controlled sound around the room and tight bass.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-600M II | NHT C3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 per pair | $1,250 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #123 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #114 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 41.3Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 63.0Hz (measured, ASR via spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 8”W x 12.5”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 317.5 mm) | 13.75H x 7.5W x 10.125D in |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87dB @ 2.83V/1m |
| Drivers | 6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn | 6.5” aluminum cone woofer, 2” aluminum dome midrange, 1” aluminum dome tweeter |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.64 | 4.45 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.77 | 6.86 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | Sealed (acoustic suspension), 3-way |
| Country | - | United States (design) |
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