Short answer: the Klipsch RP-600M II. It ranks #124 of 223 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $449.99; the Zu Audio Method ranks #221, rated 2.0/5, and costs $700, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Klipsch RP-600M II is the more accurate, deeper-bass 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 0.25 for the Zu Audio Method. Its bass reaches about 70Hz before falling 3dB, against 92Hz for the Zu Audio Method. 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.
Why pick the Zu Audio Method: A very easy to drive bookshelf speaker with an 8 inch coaxial driver that plays loud from small amplifiers. The catch: A severe suckout in the 1.5-3kHz range (down as much as 19dB below the mean at its worst) removes attack and clarity from brass, woodwinds, and snares, and gives an overall laid-back, unengaging character.
Buy the Klipsch RP-600M II. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Zu Audio Method and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
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 very easy to drive bookshelf speaker with an 8 inch coaxial driver that plays loud from small amplifiers.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-600M II | Zu Audio Method | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 per pair | $700 per pair |
| Ranked | #124 of 223 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #221 of 223 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 92Hz (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) | 15”H x 8.7”W x 11”D (381.0 x 222.0 x 280.0 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 91dB |
| Drivers | 6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn | 8” coax HE (Eminence/Zu) woofer, Eminence ASD-1001 tweeter |
| Weight | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, front |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.64 | 0.25 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.77 | 3.05 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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 Zu Audio Method (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner), via spinorama.org.
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