Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the JBL HDI-1600 is the better pick: it ranks #53 of 223 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5), against #193 (rated 2.9/5) for the Klipsch RP-600M. If you want one new, the Klipsch RP-600M II replaces the Klipsch RP-600M and is rated 3.7/5 at $449.99.
The case for the Klipsch RP-600M: A discontinued Klipsch bookshelf speaker with a horn tweeter, consistent side to side dispersion and a sound that responds very well to EQ. The catch: A strong, annoying resonance in the lower vocal range around 300Hz stands out clearly (though it can be EQ’d out).
The JBL HDI-1600 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. A bookshelf speaker with very flat mids and treble, smooth dispersion, and a slight bass lift that sounds full and natural. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.37 against 3.66 for the Klipsch RP-600M. Its bass reaches about 55.7Hz before falling 3dB, against 73Hz for the Klipsch RP-600M. Watch for: A dip appears above 10kHz on-axis.
Buy the JBL HDI-1600 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Klipsch RP-600M II, which replaces the Klipsch RP-600M.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A discontinued Klipsch bookshelf speaker with a horn tweeter, consistent side to side dispersion and a sound that responds very well to EQ.
A bookshelf speaker with very flat mids and treble, smooth dispersion, and a slight bass lift that sounds full and natural.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-600M | JBL HDI-1600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $239.97 per pair Discontinued | $1980 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #193 of 223 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #53 of 223 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 40Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 73Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 8”W x 11.9”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 302.3 mm) | 14.6”H x 9.1”W x 11.4”D (370.0 x 230.0 x 288.9 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 85.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn | 1” tweeter + 6.5” woofer |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) each | 53.4 lbs (24.2 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.66 | 5.37 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.61 | 7.32 (spinorama.org) |
| 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 (measured by Audio Science Review) and JBL HDI-1600 (measured by Audio Science Review), via spinorama.org.
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