Today's bookshelf speakers represent a sweet spot between performance and practicality. While floorstanding towers might offer more bass impact, quality bookshelf speakers like the Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 ($550) and Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M ($332) can deliver remarkable sound in smaller spaces. Let's explore how these two popular models stack up against each other.
These speakers showcase distinctly different approaches to sound reproduction. The 606 S3, released in 2023, represents B&W's latest refinement of their audiophile-oriented design. It features their new Titanium dome tweeter, replacing the previous aluminum version, and retains their signature Continuum cone technology for the mid/bass driver.
The RP-600M, introduced in 2018, exemplifies Klipsch's horn-loaded design philosophy. Its Tractrix horn-loaded tweeter and high-sensitivity design stem from founder Paul Klipsch's principles of high efficiency and low distortion.
The B&W offers what many would call a "British" sound – refined, detailed, and remarkably transparent. The new titanium tweeter provides exceptional clarity without the occasional harshness of its predecessor. The Continuum cone delivers midrange frequencies with stunning accuracy, making vocals and acoustic instruments sound incredibly lifelike.
Klipsch takes a different path with their horn-loaded design. The RP-600M presents a more forward, dynamic sound that many find exciting and engaging. The horn-loaded tweeter projects high frequencies with remarkable efficiency, creating an immediate, front-row-seat feeling that rock and pop fans often prefer.
Here's where things get interesting. The 606 S3 has a sensitivity rating of 88dB, while the RP-600M boasts 96dB sensitivity. This 8dB difference is huge – it means the Klipsch needs only about one-eighth the amplifier power to reach the same volume level. In practical terms:
Both speakers use rear-firing ports, which means they need some space behind them to breathe. However, they handle room placement differently:
B&W 606 S3:
Klipsch RP-600M:
At nearly $220 less per pair, the RP-600M presents compelling value. However, the 606 S3 justifies its premium with:
For pure music enjoyment, your preferences should guide the choice:
Classical and Jazz:
Rock and Pop:
Both speakers work well in home theater applications, but with different strengths:
B&W 606 S3:
Klipsch RP-600M:
After extensive listening, some key observations emerge:
Bass Response:
Midrange:
Treble:
Choose the B&W 606 S3 if you:
Choose the Klipsch RP-600M if you:
The final choice often comes down to personal preference and system matching. The B&W 606 S3 represents the pinnacle of refined, accurate sound reproduction, while the Klipsch RP-600M offers exceptional value and an engaging, dynamic presentation. Both are excellent speakers that serve different preferences and needs.
Consider auditioning both if possible – there's no substitute for hearing them in your space with your favorite music. Remember that speaker choice is highly personal, and either of these models could be the perfect match for the right listener.
| Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 | Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M |
|---|---|
| Price - Key consideration for value assessment | |
| $550/pair | $332/pair |
| Sensitivity - Determines how much amplifier power is needed | |
| 88dB (requires more powerful amp) | 96dB (very efficient, works with lower power amps) |
| Frequency Response - Indicates bass depth and overall range | |
| 52Hz-28kHz ±3dB (tighter, more controlled) | 45Hz-25kHz ±3dB (deeper bass extension) |
| Power Handling - Shows amplifier compatibility range | |
| 30-120W recommended | 100W continuous/400W peak |
| Tweeter Design - Affects high frequency performance | |
| 1" Titanium Dome (decoupled mount, refined sound) | 1" Titanium LTS with Tractrix Horn (dynamic, efficient) |
| Woofer Design - Impacts midrange and bass quality | |
| 6.5" Continuum cone (neutral, detailed) | 6.5" Cerametallic cone (punchy, dynamic) |
| Impedance - Affects amplifier compatibility | |
| 8 ohms (easier load for amplifiers) | 8 ohms compatible (similarly easy load) |
| Cabinet Design - Influences bass performance | |
| Bass reflex with rear Flowport (needs space from wall) | Bass reflex with rear Tractrix port (more placement flexible) |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) - Important for shelf placement | |
| 13.7" x 7.5" x 13" | 15.7" x 8" x 11.9" |
| Weight - Consider for mounting/placement | |
| 15.5 lbs each | 16 lbs each |
| Warranty - Indicates manufacturer confidence | |
| 5 years | 5 years |
The Klipsch RP-600M at $332 offers better value purely on price-to-performance ratio. However, the B&W 606 S3 at $550 justifies its higher price with more refined sound quality and newer technology.
The Klipsch RP-600M is more efficient (96dB sensitivity) and works well with modest amplifiers. The B&W 606 S3 (88dB sensitivity) requires more power and benefits from higher quality amplification.
The B&W 606 S3 excels with acoustic, classical, and jazz due to its detailed, neutral sound. The Klipsch RP-600M is more dynamic and engaging, making it better for rock and pop music.
Both work well, but the Klipsch RP-600M is often preferred for home theater due to its higher efficiency and dynamic sound. The B&W 606 S3 offers better detail for dialogue and subtle effects.
The Klipsch RP-600M reaches slightly lower (45Hz vs 52Hz) and has more impactful bass. The B&W 606 S3 offers tighter, more controlled bass response.
Both work well in small rooms, but the B&W 606 S3 might be better suited due to its more controlled sound. The Klipsch RP-600M can sometimes be overwhelming in very small spaces.
Both speakers benefit from 20-30 hours of break-in time. The B&W 606 S3 particularly needs this period for the Continuum cone to settle, while the Klipsch RP-600M shows less dramatic changes after break-in.
The Klipsch RP-600M is generally more forgiving of placement due to its horn design. The B&W 606 S3 requires more careful placement for optimal performance.
Neither speaker is designed specifically for wall mounting, but both can be shelf-mounted. Both the B&W 606 S3 and Klipsch RP-600M have rear ports that need space to breathe.
The B&W 606 S3 has slightly superior build quality with premium materials. The Klipsch RP-600M is still well-built but uses more conventional materials to hit its lower price point.
Both speakers perform well with streaming music. The B&W 606 S3 might reveal more flaws in lower quality streams, while the Klipsch RP-600M is more forgiving of source material.
Both speakers come with 5-year warranties and are built to last. The B&W 606 S3 and Klipsch RP-600M are from reputable manufacturers with good track records for reliability.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: futureaudiophile.com - headphones.com - therobinsonbrand.com - higherhz.com - audioadvisor.com - crutchfield.com - bowerswilkins.com - crutchfield.com - vinylrevival.com.au - audioadvisor.com - worldwidestereo.com - f072605def1c9a5ef179-a0bc3fbf1884fc0965506ae2b946e1cd.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com - erinsaudiocorner.com - stereophile.com - klipsch.com - adorama.com - assets.klipsch.com - bhphotovideo.com
