Short answer: the Polk Reserve R100 for better sound quality, the Klipsch RP-600M for the lower price. The Polk Reserve R100 ranks #70 of 100 bookshelf speakers at $649. The Klipsch RP-600M ranks #78 at $343.22, $305.78 cheaper.
The case for the Polk Reserve R100: Compact cabinet, unusually useful bass for its size and well-controlled woofer breakup. The tradeoff: Erin measured only about 85dB sensitivity and the impedance reaches 3.6 ohms, so it is neither efficient nor an entirely benign AVR load.
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).
Buy the Polk Reserve R100 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 Reserve R100 | Klipsch RP-600M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $649/pair | $343.22 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #70 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #78 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 73Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 3.6 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1" Pinnacle ring-radiator tweeter; 5.25" Turbine Cone midwoofer | 6.5" Cerametallic cone woofer, 1" titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn |
| Dimensions | 12.8"H x 6.5"W x 10.2"D | 15.7"H x 8"W x 11.9"D (398.8 x 203.2 x 302.3 mm) |
| Weight | 12.2 lb each | 16.1 lbs / 7.3 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear X-Port | ported |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Polk Reserve R100: $649/pair Amazon Polk Audio
Pros: Compact cabinet, unusually useful bass for its size and well-controlled woofer breakup. Erin measured F3/F10 points of 68Hz/49Hz, and the X-Port vent avoids much of the chuffing and pipe resonance common to budget rear ports. The 5.25-inch Turbine Cone woofer and 1-inch Pinnacle ring-radiator tweeter produce good detail at moderate levels, while listening roughly 20° off-axis reduces part of the elevated top octave.
Cons: Erin measured only about 85dB sensitivity and the impedance reaches 3.6 ohms, so it is neither efficient nor an entirely benign AVR load. The treble runs roughly 3dB above the midrange and becomes aggressive above about 85dB SPL. A directivity discontinuity through the woofer/tweeter crossover means EQ cannot fully repair the power response, and a 400Hz impedance feature plus 500Hz-1kHz response irregularity suggests a cabinet or system resonance. Substantial low-frequency compression at higher playback levels limits clean dynamics.
Full Polk Reserve R100 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 12.8"H x 6.5"W x 10.2"D |
| Drivers | 1" Pinnacle ring-radiator tweeter; 5.25" Turbine Cone midwoofer |
| Impedance | 3.6 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 12.2 lb each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear X-Port |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Polk Reserve R100 vs Polk R200
- Polk Reserve R100 vs JBL XPL-90
- Polk Reserve R100 vs Emotiva Airmotiv B2+
- Polk Reserve R100 vs Revel Performa M22
- Polk Reserve R100 vs Focal Aria 906
- Polk Reserve R100 vs Sonus Faber Lumina II
- Polk Reserve R100 vs Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2
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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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch RP-600M vs Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator
- Klipsch RP-600M vs Wharfedale Diamond 9.1
- 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+
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