Short answer: the Klipsch RP-600M II, if you are buying new. The Philharmonic BMR (v1) ranks higher than it (#40 vs #124 of 223 bookshelf speakers, 4.3/5 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 Philharmonic BMR (v1)’s replacement, the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, is rated 3.6/5 at $2,200.
The Klipsch RP-600M II is the more accurate pick. 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 4.86 for the Philharmonic BMR (v1). Watch for: 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 Philharmonic BMR (v1) is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. A large three way bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter, flat response, broad coverage, and an unusually expansive midrange. Its bass reaches about 62Hz before falling 3dB, against 70Hz for the Klipsch RP-600M II. Watch for: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification.
Buy the Klipsch RP-600M II new; the Philharmonic BMR (v1) is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
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 large three way bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter, flat response, broad coverage, and an unusually expansive midrange.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-600M II | Philharmonic BMR (v1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 per pair | $2,395 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #124 of 223 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #40 of 223 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website) |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 8”W x 12.5”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 317.5 mm) | 22H x 9W x 13.5D in |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn | RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.64 | 4.86 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.77 | 7.17 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Port Tuning | - | Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: Klipsch RP-600M II (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) and Philharmonic BMR (v1) (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner), via spinorama.org.
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