Short answer: the SVS Ultra Bookshelf for better sound quality, the Klipsch RP-600M II for the lower price. The SVS Ultra Bookshelf ranks #47 of 100 bookshelf speakers at $1200. The Klipsch RP-600M II ranks #53 at $489.99, $710.01 cheaper.
The case for the SVS Ultra Bookshelf: Noticeably more tonally neutral than the cheaper SVS Prime Bookshelf, with response staying within about -3dB/+1.5dB on average - a genuine step up in linearity for roughly double the price. The tradeoff: Still has a boosted upper mid-range/mid-range area, though less severe than the Prime - the reviewer suspects a baffle-step or tweeter-level issue rather than a resonance, giving mixes a slightly forward.
What the Klipsch RP-600M II offers: Redesigned waveguide extends flush to the baffle edge, reducing diffraction compared to the original RP-600M. Watch for: On-axis, the treble runs notably hot - even hotter than the original RP-600M in some respects - and needs about 20° of toe-out or the grille installed to sound balanced.
Buy the SVS Ultra Bookshelf if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Klipsch RP-600M II if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| SVS Ultra Bookshelf | Klipsch RP-600M II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,200 | $489.99 |
| Ranked | #47 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #53 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 6.5" composite glass fiber cone woofer, 1" aluminum dome tweeter | 6.5" Cerametallic cone woofer, 1" titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn |
| Dimensions | 14.9"H x 8.5"W x 10"D | 15.7"H x 8"W x 12.5"D (398.8 x 203.2 x 317.5 mm) |
| Weight | 19 lbs each | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg each |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.8 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms nominal (3.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 87.8dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 69Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 32kHz (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Recommended Power | 20-150W | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported |
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The Two Speakers In Full
SVS Ultra Bookshelf: $1,200 Amazon
Pros: Noticeably more tonally neutral than the cheaper SVS Prime Bookshelf, with response staying within about -3dB/+1.5dB on average - a genuine step up in linearity for roughly double the price. Slightly higher sensitivity than the Prime (about 87.8dB) with similarly wide, consistent horizontal radiation. Toeing the speakers out about 30 degrees smooths the in-room response nicely if the on-axis tonal balance runs a bit forward for your taste. Distortion and dynamics hold up well; this is a mature, well-regarded design (roughly a decade old at review time) that’s aged better than many contemporaries.
Cons: Still has a boosted upper mid-range/mid-range area, though less severe than the Prime - the reviewer suspects a baffle-step or tweeter-level issue rather than a resonance, giving mixes a slightly forward, occasionally tinny character. Bass extension is modest for the price (F3 69Hz, F10 48Hz measured) - SVS is clearly counting on you pairing this with one of their subwoofers rather than expecting full-range performance from the bookshelf alone. Measured minimum impedance dips to about 3.8 ohms, so a 4-ohm-stable amplifier is recommended rather than a basic 8-ohm-only AVR. Radiation pattern is wide (around 80°), wider than the reviewer’s typical ~60° sweet spot preference, so acoustic treatment on nearby walls helps tame reflections and keep the off-axis response from diverging too much from on-axis.
Full SVS Ultra Bookshelf review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 48Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 69Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 14.9"H x 8.5"W x 10"D |
| Drivers | 6.5" composite glass fiber cone woofer, 1" aluminum dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 32kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 3.8 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Recommended Power | 20-150W |
| Sensitivity | 87.8dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 19 lbs each |
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Klipsch RP-600M II: $489.99 Amazon
Pros: Redesigned waveguide extends flush to the baffle edge, reducing diffraction compared to the original RP-600M. Roughly 10-20° wider horizontal radiation than the original, giving more soundstage envelopment while retaining precise imaging. A major step up in overall tonal neutrality compared to the original RP-600M, largely eliminating that model’s midrange resonance issues. Unusually, sounds better with the grille on - the grille smooths out the elevated treble rather than degrading the sound, a rare trait among speakers the reviewer has tested. More refined back-panel hardware, including anodized binding posts and jumper cables for optional bi-amping. Responds well to EQ correction (verified using measurement software and a miniDSP), letting the on-axis response be made genuinely linear.
Cons: On-axis, the treble runs notably hot - even hotter than the original RP-600M in some respects - and needs about 20° of toe-out or the grille installed to sound balanced. Horizontal dispersion is very slightly less linear across angles than the original RP-600M, a minor trade-off for the wider overall radiation pattern. Klipsch’s marketed sensitivity (about 94.5dB) is, like the original, a half-space rating roughly 9dB above the anechoic reality (closer to 85-86dB). In-room bass rolls off around 60Hz in practice, and a 120Hz boost paired with a midrange scoop gives kick drums their “tambour” without real low-end weight - a subwoofer is still recommended. Vertical listening tolerance is limited to about ±10° from the tweeter axis. Toeing the speaker out for better on-axis tonality (rather than using the grille) introduces slightly more diffuse imaging from added sidewall reflections.
Full Klipsch RP-600M II review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 15.7"H x 8"W x 12.5"D (398.8 x 203.2 x 317.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5" Cerametallic cone woofer, 1" titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 13 lbs / 5.9 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: The Truth about Klipsch’s “NEW” Sound. RP-600M Update.
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website Klipsch RP-600M II
- GR-Research: We Bought The “NEW” RP-600M II Is KLIPSCH Listening?!
- Erin’s Audio Corner: 5 AWESOME SPEAKERS Under $1000 You Won’t Regret
- Reddit Search for Klipsch RP-600M II Review
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