Short answer: the SVS Prime Bookshelf. It ranks #150 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.5/5) at $599 and is still sold new; the Klipsch RP-600M ranks #192 (rated 2.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Klipsch RP-600M’s replacement, the Klipsch RP-600M II, is rated 3.7/5 at $449.99.
The SVS Prime Bookshelf is the more accurate pick. Affordable bookshelf speakers with a sealed woofer compartment, wide even dispersion and reasonable sensitivity. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.17 against 3.66 for the Klipsch RP-600M. The tradeoff: A scooped mid-range paired with a boosted upper mid-range creates an audibly uneven tonal balance, and there’s an additional dip in the treble around 4-5kHz that reads as slightly tinny relative to the recessed mid-range.
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).
Buy the SVS Prime Bookshelf. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Klipsch RP-600M is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Klipsch RP-600M reaches 40 Hz (10 dB down) against 49 Hz for the SVS Prime Bookshelf, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the SVS Prime Bookshelf scores 7.8 against 5.6 for the Klipsch RP-600M on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
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Specifications Side By Side
| SVS Prime Bookshelf | Klipsch RP-600M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.00 per pair | $239.97 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #150 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #192 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 6.5” polypropylene cone woofer with aluminum shorting ring (sealed sub-compartment), 1” aluminum dome tweeter | 6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn |
| Weight | 15.5 lbs (7.03 kg) each | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) each |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 72Hz (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) |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 25kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.17 | 3.66 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.78 | 5.61 |
| Dimensions | 13.2”H x 8”W x 10.2”D (335.3 x 203.2 x 259.1 mm) | 15.7”H x 8”W x 11.9”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 302.3 mm) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
Where the Ratings Come From
- SVS Prime Bookshelf: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Klipsch RP-600M: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner, Audio Science Review and GR-Research.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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