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Klipsch Reference R-50M vs Klipsch RP-600M Bookshelf Speaker

The RP-600M is the better speaker and the one to buy for serious stereo or home theater use. It has a larger 6.5-inch Cerametallic woofer, a titanium vented tweeter, deeper bass to 45 Hz, higher 96 dB sensitivity, and bi-wire/bi-amp posts. The R-50M is a smaller, lighter 2-way with a 5.25-inch woofer and a vinyl woodgrain cabinet; it suits small rooms and low-power amps. Owners and reviewers consistently rate the RP-600M highly for dynamics and detail; the R-50M is the budget entry point in the Reference line.

  • Choose the Klipsch Reference R-50M if you have a small room or desk setup, a modest amplifier, and want the Klipsch horn sound in a compact cabinet.
  • Choose the KLIPSCH RP-600M if you want deeper bass, higher sensitivity, bi-amping flexibility and the Reference Premiere build for a main stereo or home theater system.

Prices

  • Klipsch Reference R-50M: $284.99 at Best Buy (last seen Nov 7)
  • Klipsch RP-600M Bookshelf Speaker: $769.00 at AVLgear.com (checked today)
  • Difference: the Klipsch Reference R-50M is $484.01 cheaper than the Klipsch RP-600M Bookshelf Speaker at the latest prices (Nov 7 and Nov 10)
Klipsch
Klipsch Reference R-50M

Klipsch Reference R-50M

$284.99at Best BuyChecked Nov 7
See all prices and details
Visit Best Buy
Pros
  • Compact cabinet fits shelves and small rooms
  • Easy to drive at 8 ohms nominal
  • Horn-loaded design gives lively dynamics
  • Magnetic grille and hidden fasteners for a clean look
Cons
  • Bass rolls off at 58 Hz, so a subwoofer helps
  • Single binding posts, no bi-wiring
  • Smaller woofer limits output in large rooms
  • Vinyl woodgrain finish is basic next to the Reference Premiere line
Klipsch
KLIPSCH Rp-600M Bookshelf Speaker - Walnut (Pair)

Klipsch RP-600M Bookshelf Speaker

KLIPSCH Rp-600M Bookshelf Speaker - Walnut (Pair)

5(1,200 ratings)
$769.00at AVLgear.comChecked 3 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit AVLgear.com
Pros
  • Deep bass down to 45 Hz from the 6.5-inch woofer
  • 96 dB sensitivity works well with low-power amps
  • Titanium tweeter with Tractrix horn gives clean highs
  • Dual binding posts allow bi-wire or bi-amp
  • Strong owner ratings and a solid Reference Premiere build
Cons
  • Large cabinet needs stands or deep shelves
  • Rear port needs breathing room from the wall
  • No wireless or Bluetooth input
  • Needs a capable amp to get the most from it

What separates them

Klipsch Reference R-50MKlipsch RP-600M Bookshelf Speaker
Woofer size5.25-inch woofer6.5-inch Spun Copper Cerametallic woofer
TweeterStandard horn-loaded tweeter1-inch Titanium LTS vented tweeter with Hybrid Tractrix horn
Low-frequency reach58 Hz (-3 dB)45 Hz
SensitivityNot published; 8 ohm nominal, 75 W RMS96 dB, 100 W RMS / 400 W peak
Binding postsSingle gold-plated pairDual posts for bi-wire or bi-amp
Cabinet finishVinyl woodgrain over MDF, texturedScratch-resistant walnut vinyl over MDF
Size and placementCompact bookshelf cabinet, easier to fit on a shelfLarger 15.69 x 7.95 x 11.85 in cabinet, needs more space
Wireless featuresBluetooth listed, but wired connection is the real inputWired only

Price history

$424.99$250.00
Nov 7Nov 10
  • Klipsch Reference R-50M: lowest $284.99 on Nov 7 at Best Buy; $424.99 on Nov 10.
  • Klipsch RP-600M Bookshelf Speaker: lowest $250.00 on Nov 10 at Reverb.

Prices at every store

Klipsch Reference R-50M

  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $284.99Free shippingChecked Nov 7
    Visit Best Buy
  • PARTS EXPRESSNew

    In stock

    $424.99Free shippingChecked 4 h ago
    Visit PARTS EXPRESS
  • CrutchfieldNew

    In stock

    $424.99Free shippingChecked Nov 7
    Visit Crutchfield
  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by crutchfield_electronics

    $424.99Free shippingChecked Nov 7
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 6 stores and price history →

Klipsch RP-600M Bookshelf Speaker

  • AVLgear.comNew

    In stock

    $769.00Checked 3 h ago
    Visit AVLgear.com

Also available at

  • AmazonCheck price at Amazon
  • Back MarketCheck price at Back Market
  • CrutchfieldCheck price at Crutchfield
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecKlipsch Reference R-50MKlipsch RP-600M Bookshelf Speaker
OutdoorNoNo
BluetoothYesNo
Connectivity TechnologyWiredWired
Ports And InterfacesSingle Gold Plated Binding PostsDual binding posts
Speaker PlacementBookshelfBookshelf
Audio Configuration2-way2-way
Audio HighlightsBass reflex enclosure designStereo, High-resolution audio support, Surround…
Audio ChannelsStereo, 2.0Stereo
Design HighlightsLow-profile magnetic grilles, Edge-to-edge horn…Detachable Grilles, Magnetic Grilles
MaterialMDFMDF
StyleVinyl woodgrain finishRectangular prism
Driver Size5.25" (Woofers)6.5'' (woofer)
Show all 35 specsShow fewer specs
SpecKlipsch Reference R-50MKlipsch RP-600M Bookshelf Speaker
Driver ConfigurationRear-firing portsRear-firing Tractrix Port
Driver TypeWoofer, TweeterWoofer
Number Of DriversSingle (low frequency driver)2
Frequency Response58 - 21000 Hz (+/-3dB)45 Hz to 25 kHz
Crossover Frequency1560 Hz1500 Hz
Max Output Power300 Watts100 Watts
Nominal Output Power75 Watt100 W (continuous)
Max Wattage300 Watt400 W (peak)
Nominal Impedance8 Ohm8 Ohms

What reviewers say

Klipsch Reference R-50M

Owners of the Reference series generally praise the R-50M for punchy, detailed sound and easy amplification, and many use it in budget home theater setups. The most common complaints are forward treble and modest bass for the cabinet size.

What people mention
  • TrebleMixedOwners like the detail and sparkle but some find the horn tweeter bright over long sessions.
  • BassMixedThe rear port helps, but reviewers say a subwoofer is needed for real low end.
  • BuildPraisedBuyers describe the cabinet as solid and the finish as neat for the price.
  • AmplificationPraisedThe 8-ohm load and high sensitivity make them easy to drive with budget receivers.

Klipsch RP-600M Bookshelf Speaker

  • 5 / 51,200 ratings

Owners rate the RP-600M highly, with 1,200 ratings averaging 5 out of 5. Most praise the dynamic, detailed sound and the value it offers for the features.

What people mention
  • SoundPraisedOwners describe a lively, dynamic sound with strong detail and punch for the size.
  • TrebleMixedThe horn tweeter is praised for clarity but some find it bright on certain recordings.
  • BassPraisedThe 6.5-inch woofer and rear port give more low end than most bookshelf speakers.

Questions and answers

Which is better for a small room?
The R-50M. Its smaller 5.25-inch woofer and compact cabinet fit shelves and desks, and it is easier to place close to a wall. The RP-600M needs more space behind it for its rear port.
Which has more bass?
The RP-600M. It reaches 45 Hz against 58 Hz for the R-50M, and its 6.5-inch Cerametallic woofer moves more air. For music without a subwoofer, the RP-600M is the clear pick.
Do I need a powerful amplifier for either?
No. The RP-600M's 96 dB sensitivity means even a low-wattage amp drives it loudly. The R-50M is 8 ohms nominal and also easy to drive, though it will not play as loud in a big room.
Is the RP-600M worth stepping up to?
Yes for a main stereo or home theater system. You get a bigger woofer, a titanium tweeter, deeper bass, bi-amping and higher sensitivity. The R-50M only makes sense when space or a simple setup is the priority.
Can I bi-wire or bi-amp either speaker?
Only the RP-600M. It has dual binding posts with jumpers, so you can bi-wire or bi-amp. The R-50M has a single pair of gold-plated posts.
Which lasts longer?
Both use MDF cabinets with scratch-resistant finishes and should last many years. The RP-600M has the sturdier Reference Premiere build and heavier drivers, so it holds up better to high output over time.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best bookshelf speakers for stereo music systems
  • Best speakers
Smart FunctionsNo (wireless multi-room capability), No (app en…—
BandwidthLarger bandwidth of frequencies (controlled by …—
Tweeter—1” Titanium LTS Vented Tweeter with Hybrid Trac…
Woofer—6.5" Spun Copper Cerametallic™ Woofers
Bass reflex—Rear-Firing Tractrix® port
Binding posts—Dual binding posts for bi-wire/bi-amp
Grille—Strong, Flexible Removable Magnetic Grille
Dimensions—15.69” x 7.95” x 11.85”
Sold as—Sold in pairs
Power handling—100W RMS and 400W peak
Sensitivity—96 dB
Enclosure design—Bass reflex
Enclosure color—Ebony
Power Source—Corded Electric
  • PlacementMixedThe rear-firing port means the speakers need space behind them to sound their best.