Short answer: the Polk R200 for better sound quality, the Klipsch RP-600M for the lower price. The Polk R200 ranks #69 of 100 bookshelf speakers at $799. The Klipsch RP-600M ranks #78 at $343.22, $455.78 cheaper.
What the Polk R200 gets right: Two-way design with a 6.5” midwoofer and 1” ring radiator tweeter, giving reasonably tight, well-defined imaging. The catch: A resonance and associated distortion increase around 800Hz-1kHz creates a “tinny,” occasionally glaring quality on certain instruments and vocals.
The case for the Klipsch RP-600M: 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. The tradeoff: A strong, annoying resonance in the lower vocal range around 300Hz stands out clearly (though it can be EQ’d out).
Buy the Polk R200 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Klipsch RP-600M if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Klipsch RP-600M. It ranks near the bottom of the 100 bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Polk R200 | Klipsch RP-600M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.00 | $343.22 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #69 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #78 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 73Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.8 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB | 85.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 25mm soft dome + 165mm woofer | 6.5" Cerametallic cone woofer, 1" titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn |
| Weight | 31.3 lbs / 14.2 kg | 16.1 lbs / 7.3 kg each |
| Dimensions | 14.1"H x 7.5"W x 13.9"D (359.0 x 190.0 x 353.8 mm) | 15.7"H x 8"W x 11.9"D (398.8 x 203.2 x 302.3 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Polk R200: $799.00 Amazon
Pros: Two-way design with a 6.5” midwoofer and 1” ring radiator tweeter, giving reasonably tight, well-defined imaging. Neutral through most of the midrange (roughly 200Hz-1kHz). On-axis response holds within about 1.5dB up to 10kHz. About 20dB of usable dynamic range (76dB to 96dB) before more significant compression sets in. Reasonably close to a 4-ohm nominal load, giving some flexibility with amplifier choice, though a dedicated 4-ohm-capable amp is still recommended.
Cons: A resonance and associated distortion increase around 800Hz-1kHz creates a “tinny,” occasionally glaring quality on certain instruments and vocals, confirmed both by ear and in the frequency-response and distortion measurements. Above about 10kHz, the ring-radiator tweeter takes on an artificial, “digital-esque” quality, then falls off quickly above 16kHz. F3 of 74Hz and F10 of 50Hz mean there’s essentially no meaningful bass “thump” below about 60Hz - a subwoofer is strongly recommended even just to restore basic kick-drum presence. The ring radiator tweeter’s dispersion narrows sharply above about 8kHz, so the speaker should be aimed close to on-axis (no more than 5-10° of toe-out). Vertical listening position is fairly critical - moving more than a few degrees above or below the tweeter line causes a noticeable timbre shift due to a gap in the crossover region. Multitone distortion spikes substantially (to around 10%) in the 600Hz-1kHz region at higher output levels (around 96dB/1m), meaning the glare gets worse the louder it’s played. At the highest tested output (102dB, 26dB of dynamic range), the woofer shows clear signs of struggling; crossing to a subwoofer around 80-100Hz helps prevent bottoming out but doesn’t fully eliminate the compression.
Full Polk R200 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 14.1"H x 7.5"W x 13.9"D (359.0 x 190.0 x 353.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 25mm soft dome + 165mm woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.8 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB |
| Weight | 31.3 lbs / 14.2 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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