Klipsch RP-500M II Bookshelf Speakers vs Klipsch RP-8060FA II Floorstanding Speaker

The RP-500M II is the better pick for most people: a compact two-way bookshelf that plays clean and loud from a modest amp, and owners rate it highly. The RP-8060FA II is a floorstander with a built-in up-firing Atmos module, so it suits a dedicated home theater room where you want height effects without ceiling speakers. Build quality favors the tower on cabinet volume and bass reach, but it is far larger, much heavier and needs more room around it. Buy the bookshelf for music in small to medium rooms; buy the tower for a surround setup with Atmos.

• Choose the RP-500M II if you want detailed, efficient sound from a small cabinet on a desk, shelf or stand, mostly for music or a compact two-channel setup.
• Choose the RP-8060FA II if you are building a Dolby Atmos home theater and want floorstanding fronts with height channels built in, with no ceiling speakers.