Klipsch RP-600M vs AsciLab C6B

Last updated: August 25, 2026

Short answer: the AsciLab C6B for better sound quality, the Klipsch RP-600M for the lower price. The AsciLab C6B ranks #7 of 131 bookshelf speakers at $1145. The Klipsch RP-600M ranks #108 at $343.22, $801.78 cheaper.

What the Klipsch RP-600M offers: More linear horizontal dispersion than the updated RP-600M II - as you move side-to-side, the tonal character changes less, a genuine advantage for off-axis listening consistency. Takes exceptionally well to EQ correction (miniDSP or similar), letting a knowledgeable owner fix its tonal shortcomings without needing to upgrade. Standard 6.5” woofer/horn-tweeter two-way design with reasonably gradual bass rolloff (F3 ~70Hz, F10 ~40Hz) rather than a steep vented-enclosure cutoff. Watch for: A strong, annoying resonance in the lower vocal range around 300Hz stands out clearly (though it can be EQ’d out). Overall tonal balance is notably less neutral than the newer RP-600M II, with a roughly 3-4dB suckout in the estimated in-room response. The waveguide doesn’t extend flush to the baffle edge, increasing diffraction compared to the redesigned version. Klipsch’s marketed sensitivity spec (about 96dB) is a half-space, in-room-style rating roughly 9dB above the true anechoic figure (closer to 85-86dB), which can mislead buyers comparing spec sheets. Elevated treble on-axis, similar to its successor, benefits from toe-out or careful placement. Vertical listening tolerance is limited to about ±10° from the tweeter axis. Still needs a subwoofer for real bass weight; a boost around 120Hz gives kick drums their “tambour” without the underlying “meat.”

What the AsciLab C6B offers: Two-way design pairing a 1” aluminum ceramic dome tweeter on a large waveguide with a 6” aluminum ceramic cone woofer, crossed over at 1.1kHz, plus a rear passive radiator. Unusual trait: horizontal radiation actually widens at higher frequencies instead of narrowing like most two-way designs, which keeps image focus and soundstage depth consistent whether you toe the speakers in or out (5-10° off-axis was the sweet spot in testing). Vertical radiation also stays wide straight through the 2kHz crossover region, so the sound doesn’t collapse when standing up - unusual at this price. CA2034 measurements show strong on-axis linearity, listening window, early reflections, and directivity. Midrange and tweeter distortion stay very low even at 96dB, holding up against a $5,900 Arendal speaker in that regard despite roughly a 5x price gap. At $935 (about $1,135 shipped to the US), the reviewer calls it the best-value bookshelf speaker he’s tested, rivaling speakers 2-5x the price. Watch for: Bass rolls off around 50Hz in-room (F3 54Hz, F10 35Hz), so a subwoofer is needed for real extension below that. Low-frequency harmonic distortion increases substantially at 96dB versus 86dB, though it’s second-order and less audible than it looks on paper. Minimum impedance dips to 2.6 ohms (EPDR as low as 1.2 ohms), so it wants an amplifier comfortable driving 4-ohm loads, ideally 100W or more. At 102dB, compression noticeably eats into midrange, bass, and some treble output. Shipping to the US adds roughly $200 on top of the $935 price. Against the reviewer’s reference Audiofirst Fidelia at a similar price, has slightly less lower-midrange body (about 1dB difference) and a smaller perceived soundstage size.

Buy the Klipsch RP-600M if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the AsciLab C6B if sound quality matters more than the price.

If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Klipsch RP-600M. It ranks near the bottom of the 131 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.

Buy the AsciLab C6B at Ascilab →Buy the Klipsch RP-600M at Amazon ($343.22) →

Klipsch RP-600M vs AsciLab C6B

Specifications Side By Side

Klipsch RP-600M AsciLab C6B
Price$343.22 Discontinued$1145
Ranked#108 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers#7 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers
Bass Extension (-10dB)40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)73Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Dimensions15.7"H x 8"W x 11.9"D (398.8 x 203.2 x 302.3 mm)15.7"H x 8"W x 10.4"D (398.8 x 203.2 x 264.2 mm)
Impedance8 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)4 ohms nominal, 2.6 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity85.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)85.6dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Drivers6.5" Cerametallic cone woofer, 1" titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn6" Aluminium Ceramic Cone with cast Aluminium Chassis woofer, 1" Aluminium Ceramic Dome tweeter
DiscontinuedYes-
Weight16.1 lbs / 7.3 kg each18.5 lbs / 8.4 kg each
Woofer Cabinetportedpassive radiator
Buy the AsciLab C6B at Ascilab →Buy the Klipsch RP-600M at Amazon ($343.22) →

More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:

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The Two Speakers In Full

Klipsch RP-600M: $343.22 Discontinued Amazon eBay

Klipsch RP-600M ranking card

Pros: More linear horizontal dispersion than the updated RP-600M II - as you move side-to-side, the tonal character changes less, a genuine advantage for off-axis listening consistency. Takes exceptionally well to EQ correction (miniDSP or similar), letting a knowledgeable owner fix its tonal shortcomings without needing to upgrade. Standard 6.5” woofer/horn-tweeter two-way design with reasonably gradual bass rolloff (F3 ~70Hz, F10 ~40Hz) rather than a steep vented-enclosure cutoff.

Cons: A strong, annoying resonance in the lower vocal range around 300Hz stands out clearly (though it can be EQ’d out). Overall tonal balance is notably less neutral than the newer RP-600M II, with a roughly 3-4dB suckout in the estimated in-room response. The waveguide doesn’t extend flush to the baffle edge, increasing diffraction compared to the redesigned version. Klipsch’s marketed sensitivity spec (about 96dB) is a half-space, in-room-style rating roughly 9dB above the true anechoic figure (closer to 85-86dB), which can mislead buyers comparing spec sheets. Elevated treble on-axis, similar to its successor, benefits from toe-out or careful placement. Vertical listening tolerance is limited to about ±10° from the tweeter axis. Still needs a subwoofer for real bass weight; a boost around 120Hz gives kick drums their “tambour” without the underlying “meat.”. Discontinued.

Full Klipsch RP-600M review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)40Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)73Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Dimensions15.7"H x 8"W x 11.9"D (398.8 x 203.2 x 302.3 mm)
DiscontinuedYes
Drivers6.5" Cerametallic cone woofer, 1" titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn
Impedance8 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Sensitivity85.2dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Weight16.1 lbs / 7.3 kg each
Woofer Cabinetported
Check current price at Amazon ($343.22) →Search eBay for Klipsch RP-600M →

AsciLab C6B: $1145 Ascilab eBay

AsciLab C6B ranking card

Pros: Two-way design pairing a 1” aluminum ceramic dome tweeter on a large waveguide with a 6” aluminum ceramic cone woofer, crossed over at 1.1kHz, plus a rear passive radiator. Unusual trait: horizontal radiation actually widens at higher frequencies instead of narrowing like most two-way designs, which keeps image focus and soundstage depth consistent whether you toe the speakers in or out (5-10° off-axis was the sweet spot in testing). Vertical radiation also stays wide straight through the 2kHz crossover region, so the sound doesn’t collapse when standing up - unusual at this price. CA2034 measurements show strong on-axis linearity, listening window, early reflections, and directivity. Midrange and tweeter distortion stay very low even at 96dB, holding up against a $5,900 Arendal speaker in that regard despite roughly a 5x price gap. At $935 (about $1,135 shipped to the US), the reviewer calls it the best-value bookshelf speaker he’s tested, rivaling speakers 2-5x the price.

Cons: Bass rolls off around 50Hz in-room (F3 54Hz, F10 35Hz), so a subwoofer is needed for real extension below that. Low-frequency harmonic distortion increases substantially at 96dB versus 86dB, though it’s second-order and less audible than it looks on paper. Minimum impedance dips to 2.6 ohms (EPDR as low as 1.2 ohms), so it wants an amplifier comfortable driving 4-ohm loads, ideally 100W or more. At 102dB, compression noticeably eats into midrange, bass, and some treble output. Shipping to the US adds roughly $200 on top of the $935 price. Against the reviewer’s reference Audiofirst Fidelia at a similar price, has slightly less lower-midrange body (about 1dB difference) and a smaller perceived soundstage size.

Full AsciLab C6B review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)35Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)54Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Dimensions15.7"H x 8"W x 10.4"D (398.8 x 203.2 x 264.2 mm)
Drivers6" Aluminium Ceramic Cone with cast Aluminium Chassis woofer, 1" Aluminium Ceramic Dome tweeter
Impedance4 ohms nominal, 2.6 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Sensitivity85.6dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Weight18.5 lbs / 8.4 kg each
Woofer Cabinetpassive radiator
Check current price at Ascilab →Search eBay for AsciLab C6B →