Short answer: the Klipsch RP-600M. It ranks #78 of 100 bookshelf speakers by sound quality; the Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 ranks #79.
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. Watch for: A strong, annoying resonance in the lower vocal range around 300Hz stands out clearly (though it can be EQ’d out).
What the Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 gets right: The first design was a pretty good sounding speaker. The catch: All current new ones sold today are the crap version.
Buy the Klipsch RP-600M if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 100 bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch RP-600M | Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $343.22 Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Ranked | #78 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #79 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 73Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Dimensions | 15.7"H x 8"W x 11.9"D (398.8 x 203.2 x 302.3 mm) | 11.7"H x 7.6"W x 10.9"D (296.0 x 194.0 x 278.0 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87dB |
| Drivers | 6.5" Cerametallic cone woofer, 1" titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn | 6.5" Kevlar cone woofer, 1" soft dome tweeter |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs / 7.3 kg each | 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg (good version), 9.9 lbs / 4.5 kg (bad version) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ vs Triangle Borea BR03
- Triangle Borea BR03 vs Yamaha NS-10
- KEF Q350 vs Triangle Borea BR03
- Klipsch RP-600M vs Triangle Borea BR03
- Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 vs Triangle Borea BR03
The Two Speakers In Full
Klipsch RP-600M: $343.22 Discontinued Amazon
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) |
| Dimensions | 15.7"H x 8"W x 11.9"D (398.8 x 203.2 x 302.3 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 6.5" Cerametallic cone woofer, 1" titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85.2dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs / 7.3 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch RP-600M vs Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator
- Klipsch RP-600M vs Triangle Borea BR03
- Klipsch RP-600M vs KEF Q350
- Klipsch RP-600M vs B&W 805S
- Klipsch RP-600M vs Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2
- Klipsch RP-600M vs Aperion Audio Verus V8B
- Klipsch RP-600M vs Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
- Klipsch RP-600M vs JBL XPL-90
- See all 12 comparisons
Wharfedale Diamond 9.1: Discontinued
Pros: The first design was a pretty good sounding speaker, the speaker was then outsourced to China and lost 1.5kg and was made with cheap parts and sounds much worse. Slightly rolled off in the treble by about 3dB
Cons: All current new ones sold today are the crap version. Discontinued.
Full Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 11.7"H x 7.6"W x 10.9"D (296.0 x 194.0 x 278.0 mm) |
|---|---|
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 6.5" Kevlar cone woofer, 1" soft dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 87dB |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg (good version), 9.9 lbs / 4.5 kg (bad version) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 vs Triangle Borea BR03
- Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 vs Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator
- Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 vs B&W 805S
- Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 vs KEF Q350
- Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 vs Aperion Audio Verus V8B
- Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 vs Triad In-Room Gold LCR
- Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 vs Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2
- Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 vs Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
- See all 11 comparisons