As someone who's spent countless hours testing speakers, I've found that bookshelf speakers often provide the sweet spot between performance and practicality. Today, we're comparing two popular options: the newer ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 ($450) and the established Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M ($350).
Bookshelf speakers serve as the backbone of many home audio systems. Despite their modest size (typically under 16 inches tall), they can deliver impressive sound quality that rivals larger towers in many situations. They're particularly great for small to medium-sized rooms or as part of a larger home theater setup.
The key things to consider when choosing bookshelf speakers are:
The ELAC DB63 takes a more neutral approach, aiming to reproduce music exactly as it was recorded. Its aluminum dome tweeter (the small driver that handles high frequencies) and aramid fiber woofer (the larger driver for mid and low frequencies) work together to provide accurate, detailed sound without adding any artificial coloration.
In contrast, the Klipsch RP-600M delivers a more energetic presentation. Its signature Tractrix horn design (a special way of shaping how high frequencies spread into the room) and cerametallic woofer create a dynamic, engaging sound that many find exciting, especially for movies and modern music.
Here's where things get interesting. The Klipsch has a sensitivity rating of 96dB, while the ELAC sits at 87dB. This 9dB difference means the Klipsch needs significantly less power to play at the same volume. In practical terms, the Klipsch will sound louder and more dynamic with budget amplifiers or receivers, while the ELAC needs more powerful (and often more expensive) amplification to reach its full potential.
The ELAC, being newer (released in 2023), incorporates more recent developments in speaker design. Its cabinet features extensive internal bracing to reduce unwanted vibrations, and the drivers use updated materials and designs compared to previous generations.
The Klipsch (released in 2018) relies more on proven technologies, including their well-regarded horn design and copper-colored cerametallic woofers. While slightly older, these technologies have been refined over decades and continue to perform excellently.
In my testing, the ELAC DB63 excels with acoustic music, jazz, and classical recordings. Its neutral presentation lets you hear subtle details like the breath of a saxophone player or the natural decay of piano notes. The soundstage (how the speakers create a three-dimensional space for the music) is wide and precise, though not particularly deep.
The Klipsch RP-600M brings more excitement to rock, pop, and electronic music. Bass notes hit with more impact, and the horn tweeter adds a sense of air and space to high frequencies. Some listeners might find this presentation slightly less accurate but more fun and engaging.
Both speakers work well in home theater setups, but they have different strengths. The Klipsch's higher sensitivity means it can play louder with less power, making it excellent for movie dynamics and special effects. The horn design also helps with dialog clarity.
The ELAC's neutral presentation works particularly well for movies with subtle soundtracks and dialogue-heavy scenes. Its accuracy means you won't miss any details in the sound mix, though you might want to add a subwoofer for more impact during action scenes.
The Klipsch RP-600M at $350 represents excellent value, especially if you have a modest amplifier or receiver. Its high sensitivity means you'll get great performance even with budget electronics.
The ELAC DB63 at $450 costs more but offers superior build quality and more neutral sound. For critical listeners with good amplification, the extra investment might be worthwhile.
Choose the ELAC DB63 if:
Choose the Klipsch RP-600M if:
Having spent time with both speakers, I've found that the choice often comes down to personal preference and system matching rather than absolute performance. In my own living room, I slightly prefer the ELAC's more neutral presentation, but I can absolutely understand why someone would choose the Klipsch's more dynamic sound.
Both speakers are well-built and should last many years. The Klipsch's proven design has demonstrated its longevity, while the ELAC's newer technology and robust construction suggest excellent durability.
Remember that both speakers will benefit from proper placement (at least a foot from walls) and some break-in time (about 20-30 hours of normal use) to sound their best. Also consider that your room acoustics will play a significant role in how either speaker performs in your space.
When making your final decision, try to listen to both if possible. If you can't, consider your existing equipment, room size, and listening preferences carefully. Both are excellent speakers that represent different approaches to sound reproduction, and either could be the perfect choice depending on your specific needs and preferences.
| ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 ($450) | Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M ($350) |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity - Determines how much amplifier power you need | |
| 87dB (needs more powerful amp) | 96dB (works well with budget amps) |
| Frequency Response - Shows bass capability and overall range | |
| 42Hz - 38kHz (slightly deeper bass) | 45Hz - 25kHz (standard range) |
| Power Handling - Important for system matching and volume capabilities | |
| 20-140W (more flexible range) | 100-400W (better for high-power systems) |
| Tweeter Design - Affects high-frequency detail and dispersion | |
| 1" Aluminum dome (more neutral, detailed) | 1" Titanium with horn (more dynamic, directive) |
| Woofer Material - Influences mid-bass character | |
| 6.5" Aramid fiber (tighter, more controlled) | 6.5" Cerametallic (punchier, more impactful) |
| Cabinet Construction - Affects sound clarity and resonance | |
| Heavily braced MDF (superior resonance control) | Standard MDF (good but less rigid) |
| Impedance - Affects amplifier compatibility | |
| 6 ohms (more demanding on amplifiers) | 8 ohms (easier to drive) |
| Size (HxWxD inches) - Consider your space | |
| 13.3 x 7.7 x 17.3 (more depth needed) | 15.7 x 8 x 11.9 (more standard sizing) |
| Sound Signature - Personal preference is key | |
| Neutral, accurate (better for critical listening) | Dynamic, energetic (better for home theater) |
The Klipsch RP-600M ($350) is generally better for home theater due to its higher sensitivity and more dynamic sound signature. It handles movie effects and dialogue particularly well, though the ELAC DB63 ($450) offers more accurate sound reproduction if that's your priority.
The Klipsch RP-600M is significantly easier to power, with 96dB sensitivity compared to the ELAC's 87dB. This means it will play louder with less power, making it ideal for basic AV receivers.
For full home theater impact, yes. Both speakers extend to mid-40Hz bass response, but a subwoofer is recommended for movie effects. The ELAC DB63 and Klipsch RP-600M both integrate well with subwoofers.
The ELAC DB63 reaches slightly lower (42Hz vs 45Hz), but the Klipsch RP-600M delivers punchier, more impactful bass. For music, both are satisfactory, but home theater users will want to add a subwoofer.
Yes, both excel at both. The ELAC DB63 offers more neutral sound ideal for accurate music reproduction, while the Klipsch RP-600M provides more dynamic performance that works especially well for movies.
The Klipsch RP-600M has an edge here due to its horn-loaded tweeter design, which helps project clear dialogue. The ELAC DB63 is also good but more neutral in presentation.
Yes, though they're typically used as front speakers due to their size. If space allows, both make excellent surround speakers, with the Klipsch RP-600M being slightly more compact.
Both work well in small to medium rooms, but the ELAC DB63 might be better suited due to its more controlled dispersion pattern. The Klipsch RP-600M can sometimes sound aggressive in very small spaces.
Yes, both benefit from 20-30 hours of normal use to sound their best. The ELAC DB63 particularly benefits from break-in time for the aramid fiber woofer to reach optimal performance.
Both are well-built, but the ELAC DB63 has more extensive internal bracing and newer materials. The Klipsch RP-600M uses proven technology that's known to last for many years.
Yes, both speakers offer bi-wiring/bi-amping capabilities through dual binding posts, allowing for more flexible setup options in higher-end systems.
The Klipsch RP-600M at $350 offers excellent value, especially for home theater use and with basic amplification. The ELAC DB63 at $450 justifies its higher price with superior build quality and more neutral sound, but requires better amplification to perform its best.
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: youtube.com - elac.com - crutchfield.com - youtube.com - hifiplus.com - audioadvice.com - elac.com - musicdirect.com - creativeaudio.net - elac.com - f072605def1c9a5ef179-a0bc3fbf1884fc0965506ae2b946e1cd.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com - erinsaudiocorner.com - stereophile.com - klipsch.com - adorama.com - assets.klipsch.com - bhphotovideo.com
