Short answer: the Polk Signature Elite ES20. It ranks #75 of 141 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.7/5) at $399 and is still sold new; the Klipsch RP-600M ranks #117 (rated 2.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Polk Signature Elite ES20 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. A full-size, efficient 6.5-inch bookshelf pair with unusually deep bass for the price. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.49 against 3.66 for the Klipsch RP-600M. Its bass reaches about 55.7Hz before falling 3dB, against 73Hz for the Klipsch RP-600M. The catch: Predicted in-room smoothness of 0.238 and directivity-index consistency of 3.81 are average rather than class-leading.
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. 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 Signature Elite ES20. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Klipsch RP-600M is discontinued.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Polk Signature Elite ES20 | Klipsch RP-600M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 per pair | $377.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #75 of 141 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #117 of 141 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way, Power Port bass-reflex | - |
| Drivers | 1” Terylene dome tweeter, 6.5” polypropylene woofer | 6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn |
| Dimensions | 14.8H x 8.5W x 13.8D in | 15.7”H x 8”W x 11.9”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 302.3 mm) |
| Weight | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) each |
| Sensitivity | 86dB | 85.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 4/8-ohm compatible | 8 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Country | United States (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.49 | 3.66 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.44 | 5.61 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, ASR via spinorama.org) | 73Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 4, 2026 at 9:58 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Polk Signature Elite ES20: $399 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Smaller model: the Polk Signature Elite ES15 (rated 3.5/5).
Larger model: the Polk Signature Elite ES60 (rated 3.4/5).
Pros: A full-size, efficient 6.5-inch bookshelf pair with unusually deep bass for the price. ASR measured 41Hz estimated in-room extension, a well-damped Q of 0.66, broad horizontal coverage to roughly +/-60 degrees and a 6.44 preference score with a subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 55.7Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Predicted in-room smoothness of 0.238 and directivity-index consistency of 3.81 are average rather than class-leading. The deep cabinet needs substantial shelf or stand space, and its Power Port still requires rear clearance.
Full Polk Signature Elite ES20 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, ASR via spinorama.org) |
| Country | United States (design) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14.8H x 8.5W x 13.8D in |
| Drivers | 1” Terylene dome tweeter, 6.5” polypropylene woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way, Power Port bass-reflex |
| Impedance | 4/8-ohm compatible |
| Sensitivity | 86dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.49 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.44 |
| Weight | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Polk Signature Elite ES20 vs Ascend CBM-170 SE2
- Polk Signature Elite ES20 vs Klipsch RP-600M II
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Klipsch RP-600M: $377.99 per pair Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Klipsch RP-600M II, ranked higher, rated 3.7/5.
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. Measured bass extension of 73Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85.2dB.
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) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 8”W x 11.9”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 302.3 mm) |
| 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) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.66 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.61 |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: The Truth about Klipsch’s “NEW” Sound. RP-600M Update. More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website Klipsch RP-600M
- GR-Research: We Bought The "NEW" RP-600M II Is KLIPSCH Listening?! More from GR-Research →
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
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