Short answer: the Perlisten S5m on measured sound quality, the Klipsch RP-600M II on price. The Perlisten S5m ranks #32 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.4/5, at $15,990. The Klipsch RP-600M II ranks #123, rated 3.7/5, at $449.99, $15,540.01 cheaper.
The case for the Klipsch RP-600M II: Bookshelf speakers with a large horn tweeter, wide soundstage, high efficiency and bi-amp ready terminals. The tradeoff: 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 Perlisten S5m is the more accurate choice. A large three way bookshelf speaker with a beryllium tweeter array, close to neutral sound, and praised bass precision and dynamics. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.41 against 5.64 for the Klipsch RP-600M II. Watch for: Listening-window smoothness (0.655) and sound-power smoothness (0.503) are middling for the price, with a bass-alignment Q of 2.0 pointing to a moderately resonant low-end rolloff, and at $15990/pair it’s priced closer to a flagship tower than a typical bookshelf speaker.
Buy the Klipsch RP-600M II when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the Perlisten S5m when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
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 large three way bookshelf speaker with a beryllium tweeter array, close to neutral sound, and praised bass precision and dynamics.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-600M II | Perlisten S5m | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 per pair | $15,990 per pair |
| Ranked | #123 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #32 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 38.7Hz (derived, log-interpolated between manufacturer spinorama -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 76.0Hz (manufacturer spinorama data, vented configuration) |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 8”W x 12.5”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 317.5 mm) | 23.6”H x 9.4”W x 15.7”D (600 x 240 x 400 mm), without stand |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal, 3.0 ohms minimum |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 89.6dB @ 2.83V/1m |
| Drivers | 6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn | 28mm beryllium dome tweeter, 2x 28mm Textreme TPCD dome midranges, 2x 180mm (7”) Textreme TPCD woofers |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 41.9 lbs (19.0 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.64 | 6.41 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.77 | 8.42 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 3-way, switchable bass reflex / acoustic suspension |
| Power Handling | - | 50-300W RMS recommended amplifier power |
| Frequency Response | - | 80Hz-20kHz +/-1.5dB |
| Certification | - | THX Dominus, THX Ultra |
| Warranty | - | 5 years, extendable to 6 with product registration |
| Country | - | Designed in the United States (Verona, Wisconsin) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 117dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Perlisten S5m: