Klipsch RP-600M II vs PS Audio Aspen FR5

Short answer: the PS Audio Aspen FR5 if sound quality matters most, the Klipsch RP-600M II if price matters most. The PS Audio Aspen FR5 ranks #71 of 130 bookshelf speakers at $3499. The Klipsch RP-600M II ranks #74 at $449.99, $3049.01 cheaper.

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 PS Audio Aspen FR5 offers: Deep-reaching compact design combining a 6.5-inch woofer, rear passive radiator and planar-magnetic tweeter. Erin’s data estimates 34Hz extension, a near-neutral +0.10dB/octave slope and a 5.37 preference score with a subwoofer. Watch for: Very low measured sensitivity near 81.6dB means it needs capable amplification despite its benign 5.6-ohm minimum. On-axis smoothness (0.217), directivity consistency (3.46) and predicted in-room smoothness (0.229) are respectable rather than exceptional at this price.

Buy the Klipsch RP-600M II if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the PS Audio Aspen FR5 if sound quality matters more than the price.

Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.

Specifications Side By Side

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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
  • Official Klipsch RP-600M II Website
• 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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PS Audio Aspen FR5: $3,499 per pair PS Audio eBay

Pros: Deep-reaching compact design combining a 6.5-inch woofer, rear passive radiator and planar-magnetic tweeter. Erin’s data estimates 34Hz extension, a near-neutral +0.10dB/octave slope and a 5.37 preference score with a subwoofer. Measured sensitivity of 83.5dB.

Cons: Very low measured sensitivity near 81.6dB means it needs capable amplification despite its benign 5.6-ohm minimum. On-axis smoothness (0.217), directivity consistency (3.46) and predicted in-room smoothness (0.229) are respectable rather than exceptional at this price.

Full PS Audio Aspen FR5 review and specifications →

Dimensions	14.5H x 8W x 13D in
Drivers	2.5" planar tweeter, 6.5" woofer
Enclosure	2-way passive with rear passive radiator
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 5.6 ohms minimum
Sensitivity	83.5dB specified; 81.6dB measured
Spinorama Preference Score	3.75
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.37
Weight	26.7 lbs (12.1 kg) each

• Links
  • PS Audio Aspen FR5 Official Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • PS Audio Aspen FR5 vs ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63