Speakers are an essential electronic device since they can make or break an ambiance. With a market saturated with speakers, it is tough to find the best one to match your needs.
Klipsch is a brand that brings quality, design, and efficiency at affordable pricing. The Klipsch RP-600m and RP-160m are equipped with the latest features and technology that make them suitable for buyers looking to invest in mid-range speakers.
The Klipsch RP-600m is popular for its impressive acoustics and bass that promises clarity, while the Klipsch RP-160m is better known for theater-like sound effects with an excellent soundstage.
So, if you’re confused between the two, it is better to have a closer look at each of the following factors to determine the product that best suits your requirements.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
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Klipsch RP-600M Reference Premiere Bookshelf Speakers - Pair (Ebony) | Check Latest Price | |
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Klipsch RP-160M Bookshelf Speaker - Ebony (Pair) | Check Latest Price |
Sound Quality
The sound quality is one of the quintessential factors that you must consider before purchasing it.
Klipsch RP-600m
The Klipsch RP-600m comes equipped with the exceptional Horn technology. The speaker’s cabinet features flared openings that channel the sound waves to a particular area. This stops the sound waves from spilling in various directions.
This technology enhances the dynamics and produces a theatre-like sound that does not scatter even when played at a very high volume. The RP-600m also sports a round throat that opens up to a square mouth. This innovative design makes for crystal-clear sound quality and offers a steady balance between vocals and instrumentals.
Overall, this bookshelf speaker produces a rock-solid bass and a smooth midrange through its advanced woofer. Plus, its horn-equipped tweeter ensures maximum detail and efficiency in the sound.
| Maximum Power | 400W |
| Maximum Frequency Response | 25KHz |
| Minimum Frequency Response | 45Hz |
| Woofer Size | 6.5 Inches |
| Tweeter Size | 1 Inch |
Klipsch RP-160m
The Klipsch RP-160m is yet another impressive bookshelf speaker that features a robust build and great design. It is equipped with Klipsch’s classic Horn technology that allows better airflow and reduced air turbulence.
Simply put, it’s innovative horn tweeter produces a very powerful and smooth bass with low-frequency distortion as well as a decreased port disturbance. Plus, this speaker also makes for extended, well-defined highs owing to its smartly-designed cabinet.
It also offers a fantastic mid-range and a realistic soundstage.
Moreover, the RP-160M features a high-quality Cerametallic woofer that offers an effortless midrange and prevents distortion. Essentially, this speaker is designed to offer great sound quality at a slightly cheaper price than the RP-600M. Although, its bass is not as good as the RP-600M and the sound is not as clean.
Overall, this bookshelf speaker produces a great soundstage and a smooth midrange through its advanced woofer. Plus, its horn-equipped tweeter ensures maximum detail and efficiency in the sound.
| Maximum Power | 400W |
| Maximum Frequency Response | 25KHz |
| Minimum Frequency Response | 45Hz |
| Woofer Size | 6.5 Inches |
| Tweeter Size | 1 Inch |
Build Quality
The build quality of a speaker determines not only its sound quality and performance but also its durability. Thus, you should be well aware of the speakers’ manufacturing process’s materials and techniques to make an ideal purchase.
Klipsch RP-600m
The RP-600m has an impressive walnut and ebony build. Its gorgeous wood cabinet has a scratch-resistant surface with magnetic grilles. This classic Klipsch design complements any kind of decor while remaining a sturdy addition to any setting.
This speaker features a copper-wound, dual-layer coil that offers impeccable conductivity resulting in seamless sound effects.
Moreover, the RP-600m’s woofer is placed within a non-resonating, steel enclosure that reduces distortion and produces high-quality acoustics.
Klipsch RP-160m
One of the reasons why Klipsch speakers are so popular is their unmatched design. The RP-160m is equipped with a top-quality wood grain polymer veneer along with a brushed polymer one. So, it easily blends with an array of home decors.
Plus, its Cerametallic spun-copper woofer allows for a build that is lightweight yet sturdy.
What’s more, the RP-160m features the high-end Klipsch Tractrix Horn-loaded LTS tweeter that ensures the best-quality bass.
Controls
Bookshelf speakers are not packed with too many control switches or buttons on the body. Instead, they come with remote control options and simple volume-control knobs next to the amplifier ports.
However, it is useful to determine the control options that a speaker has to offer before finalizing a purchase.
Klipsch RP-600m
The Klipsch RP-600 has a classic bookshelf build that can complement any home theatre with enhanced acoustics and powerful bass. While the speaker does not feature any buttons on its body, it offers dual-input terminals.
These terminals make setting up the system much easier since you can bi-amp or even bi-wire the speakers.
So, if you’re looking to create an unmatched sound system without breaking the bank, the RP-600m could feature on your list.
Klipsch RP-160m
The RP-160m is yet another Klipsch classic. It is great for creating enhanced audio effects without spending too much. This speaker does not come with specific buttons but can be connected to an amplifier using the back port.
Moreover, the RP-160m is built using cutting-edge technology to use it with almost all modern television sets.
Other Things to Consider
Price
Price is one of the most crucial factors to consider before buying a speaker. Some might want expensive speakers that take up less space, while some might have a specific budget in mind. So, it is wise to note the features that a particular brand offers at a certain price.
These are both in the price range of the R41M and R51M by Klipsch.
Klipsch RP-600m
The Klipsch RP-600m is a wonderful option for those looking for affordable, mid-range speakers. It is great for different kinds of decor settings and accommodates an amplifier to add to its performance.
Moreover, the RP-600m produces a clear sound with impressive bass and seamless highs. Overall, it is a great deal for those looking to build an entire home theatre without breaking the bank.
Klipsch RP-160m
The Klipsch RP-160m is yet another value-for-money product for people who want a sophisticated speaker that blends in with varied interiors. This product falls in the mid-range price category and is loaded with high-quality parts and unique Horn technology to produce high-quality sound.
The Klipsch RP-160m works with any setting and allows you to enjoy a powerful bass without breaking the bank. It’s a bit cheaper than the RP-600M too so if money is a concern this is something you’d need to consider.
Size
Size matters. Even if you buy the best speakers in the market and they end up bulky and inconvenient, their productivity reduces. So, you must take into account the size of the speakers before you buy them.
Klipsch RP-600m
The Klipsch RP-600m features dimensions of 8 x 118 x 157 inches and weighs 16.1 pounds. It is lightweight compared to other bookshelf speakers in the market. It is easy to lift, move around, and even clean.
Overall, it is compact and offers ultimate convenience since it is easy to maintain yet quite durable. Plus, it can withstand mild wear and tear without affecting the sound quality.
Klipsch RP-160m
The Klipsch RP-160m is slightly heavier compared to the RP-600m. It weighs 20.9 pounds and has dimensions of 12.86 x 8.81 x 16.67 inches. This is not an ideal choice for those looking for speakers to complement a compact space.
The speaker is great for large spaces and voluminous interior settings. Such spaces allow the speaker to operate optimally and produce booming sound effects. The only drawback of speakers that weigh beyond 18 pounds is the maintenance.
It requires some extra effort to clean, carry, or move around. However, it is a top-quality speaker at a reasonable price and worth accommodating the extra weight.
Pros and Cons
Klipsch RP-600m
Pros:
- It features an impressive soundstage and offers a great midrange.
- The speaker is equipped to accommodate a varied range of frequencies.
- This product produces a crisp sound with enhanced highs and a seamless bass.
- The speaker promises great sound quality, even at low levels.
- It is easy to set up and features a bi-amp connect option.
- The Ebony-finish design is loved by users and appreciated for its versatility and elegance.
Cons:
- Some users tend to find an unfocused sound delivery since the speakers fail to distinguish minute details well.
- Users have complained of excess focus on one or two main frequencies.
- The product’s woofer does not deliver as well as promised.
Klipsch RP-160m
Pros:
- It features a great design that fits with different interiors.
- It produces a clean sound with powerful bass.
- The tweeter produces impressive high frequencies.
- Users have praised the soundstage and mid-range offered by this product.
- The product is durable and does not show any cracks or peels despite prolonged use.
Cons:
- It is comparatively heavier than many speakers in the market. Users prefer to install it on the floor rather than television units or consoles.
- It is not easy to clean or carry around due to its bulky build.
Summing Up
Klipsch is one of the most popular bookshelf speaker manufacturers in the market. All Klipsch products are loved not just for their reasonable pricing and great features but also for their overall look and feel.
If you can afford the Klipsch RP-600M, I would recommend you choose that as the vented tweeter design reduces harshness and allows more detail to get through. It also has better bass so if you aren’t including a subwoofer in your budget this is something to consider. There is a reason the RP-600M is the updated version of the 160M after all.
However, the Klipsch RP-160M still produces excellent all-round sound, especially in the mid-range and when paired with a subwoofer it makes a great listening experience.
If budget is of concern, go with the RP160M, you won’t be disappointed. Although, if you can afford to splurge that bit extra, or alternatively, you can pick up the 600M on sale as it often is, go for that. Whatever option you choose – you won’t be disappointed.
