Short answer: the TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) if sound quality matters most, the Klipsch RP-600M II if price matters most. The TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) ranks #1 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.9/5, at $87,500. The Klipsch RP-600M II ranks #123, rated 3.7/5, at $449.99, $87,050.01 cheaper.
Why pick the Klipsch RP-600M II: Bookshelf speakers with a large horn tweeter, wide soundstage, high efficiency and bi-amp ready terminals. 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 TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) is the better-sounding choice. A superb bookshelf speaker, a large three way with a coaxial driver that keeps sound consistent around the room and incredibly low distortion. The catch: Extraordinarily expensive at $87500 per pair.
Buy the Klipsch RP-600M II when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Bookshelf speakers with a large horn tweeter, wide soundstage, high efficiency and bi-amp ready terminals.
A superb bookshelf speaker, a large three way with a coaxial driver that keeps sound consistent around the room and incredibly low distortion.
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 | TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 per pair | $87,500 per pair |
| Ranked | #123 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #1 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 69Hz (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) | 24.7”H x 13.4”W x 17.6”D (628 x 341 x 446 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal, 3.7 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85.5dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn | Coaxial 1.38” tweeter + 6.5” midrange, 8” woofer |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 101 lbs (45.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.64 | 5.45 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.77 | 7.79 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Power Handling | - | 200W max |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 250Hz, 2kHz |
| Frequency Response | - | 32Hz - 100kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Country | - | Japan |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX):