Short answer: the StarkSound Beta 5. It ranks #61 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.1/5, at $499. The Klipsch RP-600M II ranks #123, rated 3.7/5, at $449.99, $49.01 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The case for the Klipsch RP-600M II: Bookshelf speakers with a large horn tweeter, wide soundstage, high efficiency and bi-amp ready terminals. 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 StarkSound Beta 5 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. An affordable bookshelf speaker with impressive bass for the money, good distortion control, and a solid, resonance damping build. Its bass reaches about 52Hz before falling 3dB, against 70Hz for the Klipsch RP-600M II. The catch: Sensitivity undershoots its own spec: rated 86dB, measured closer to 83dB.
Buy the StarkSound Beta 5. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $49.01 with the Klipsch RP-600M II does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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.
An affordable bookshelf speaker with impressive bass for the money, good distortion control, and a solid, resonance damping build.
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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-600M II | StarkSound Beta 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 per pair | $499.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #123 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #61 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 52Hz (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) | 11.9” x 7.2” x 13” (302 x 182 x 330 mm) |
| 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) | 83dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn | 1.15” tweeter, 5.25” dry-carbon woofer |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | Bass reflex, rear ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.64 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.77 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 45Hz - 23kHz (-3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2200Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 108dB (1m, Manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | - | 30W - 150W |
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