Bookshelf speakers remain one of the most versatile and popular choices for both music and home theater. Unlike soundbars or portable speakers, these compact but capable speakers can deliver genuine hi-fi sound while fitting into most living spaces. Today, we're comparing two popular but very different options: the entry-level JBL Stage 2 240B at $240 and the premium Klipsch RP-600M II at $649.
Let's dive into what makes these speakers different and who each might be perfect for. I'll help you understand the technical details in plain language, so you can make an informed choice based on your needs and budget.
Both speakers launched within the last two years, with the JBL Stage 2 line representing their latest entry-level audiophile offering, while the Klipsch RP-600M II updated their already popular RP-600M with several meaningful improvements.
The JBL Stage 2 240B takes a compact approach, standing just 10.7 inches tall with a 4.5-inch woofer (the larger speaker that handles bass and midrange). This smaller size makes it ideal for desktop use or smaller rooms. The speaker uses JBL's latest HDI (High-Definition Imaging) waveguide technology, which helps direct sound more precisely to your ears and reduces unwanted reflections off walls.
The Klipsch RP-600M II is notably larger at 15.8 inches tall and features a 6.5-inch woofer. Klipsch uses their signature horn-loaded tweeter design, which is highly efficient (meaning it can play louder with less power) and provides a distinctive, dynamic sound character that many listeners love.
The JBL takes a more neutral, studio-monitor-like approach. It aims to reproduce music exactly as recorded, without adding its own character to the sound. In my listening tests, this translates to excellent clarity and precision, especially for vocals and acoustic instruments. However, due to its smaller woofer, it needs a subwoofer to reproduce deep bass.
Klipsch's approach is more dramatic and engaging. The RP-600M II produces a lively, dynamic sound that makes rock and electronic music particularly exciting. The larger woofer delivers impressive bass for a bookshelf speaker, and the horn tweeter gives a sense of immediacy to high frequencies that many find engaging. While not strictly neutral, many listeners prefer this more exciting presentation.
For music, your choice might depend on your preferred genres and listening style:
The JBL Stage 2 240B excels with:
The Klipsch RP-600M II shines with:
Both speakers can work well in a home theater setup, but they serve different needs:
The JBL Stage 2 240B makes an excellent choice for:
The Klipsch RP-600M II is better suited for:
The price difference between these speakers is significant, but both offer good value in their respective categories:
The JBL Stage 2 240B ($240) provides:
The Klipsch RP-600M II ($649) offers:
Consider these key factors when choosing between the JBL Stage 2 240B and Klipsch RP-600M II:
Room Size and Placement:
Budget and System Planning:
Sound Preference:
The good news is that both speakers represent strong choices in their respective price categories. The JBL Stage 2 240B delivers remarkable performance for its price point, while the Klipsch RP-600M II justifies its higher cost with superior build quality and more powerful sound reproduction.
Remember, speaker choice is ultimately personal, and if possible, trying to hear both in person would be ideal. However, if you follow the guidelines above, you'll likely be very happy with either choice for your specific needs.
| JBL Stage 2 240B - $240 | Klipsch RP-600M II - $649 |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity - Determines how loud speakers get with given power, higher is more efficient | |
| 85dB (needs more power for volume) | 94dB (very efficient, gets louder with less power) |
| Woofer Size - Larger woofers generally produce better bass response | |
| 4.5" Polycellulose (suitable for near-field) | 6.5" Cerametallic (fuller bass, better for rooms) |
| Power Handling - Higher power handling enables higher volumes without distortion | |
| 20-125W (good for modest amplifiers) | Up to 100W RMS (handles powerful amps well) |
| Frequency Response - Shows bass extension capability | |
| 53Hz-25kHz (requires subwoofer for deep bass) | 44Hz-25kHz (can work without subwoofer) |
| Size (HxWxD) - Important for placement flexibility | |
| 10.7" x 6.9" x 8.5" (very compact) | 15.8" x 8" x 13" (needs more space) |
| Weight - Indicates build quality and cabinet reinforcement | |
| 10.1 lbs per pair (lighter build) | 36.2 lbs per pair (substantial construction) |
| Tweeter Design - Affects high frequency detail and dispersion | |
| 1" Aluminum dome with HDI waveguide (neutral, precise) | 1" Titanium with Tractrix horn (dynamic, engaging) |
| Value Proposition - Price to performance ratio | |
| Excellent value for small rooms and near-field | Premium performance, justified if space allows |
For home theater use, the Klipsch RP-600M II offers better performance with its higher sensitivity and larger drivers, making it ideal for medium to large rooms. However, the JBL Stage 2 240B is a great budget choice for smaller rooms or when using multiple speakers in a surround setup.
The JBL Stage 2 240B costs $240 per pair, while the Klipsch RP-600M II is priced at $649 per pair, representing a $409 difference.
The JBL Stage 2 240B definitely benefits from a subwoofer for home theater use due to its 53Hz low-end limit. The Klipsch RP-600M II can work without one in some setups, reaching down to 44Hz, but a subwoofer is still recommended for full home theater impact.
The JBL Stage 2 240B is ideal for small rooms due to its compact size and near-field performance. The Klipsch RP-600M II might be oversized for very small spaces.
The JBL Stage 2 240B needs more power due to its 85dB sensitivity, requiring 20-125W. The Klipsch RP-600M II is more efficient at 94dB sensitivity, working well with even lower-powered amplifiers.
The JBL Stage 2 240B offers more neutral sound ideal for accurate music reproduction. The Klipsch RP-600M II provides more dynamic sound that works especially well for movies and action scenes.
The JBL Stage 2 240B includes wall-mounting brackets and is lighter, making it easier to mount. The Klipsch RP-600M II is significantly heavier and requires separate mounting solutions.
The JBL Stage 2 240B is more practical for surround systems due to its lower cost when buying multiple pairs. The Klipsch RP-600M II would make excellent front speakers with cheaper surrounds.
The Klipsch RP-600M II works better with budget receivers due to its high sensitivity. The JBL Stage 2 240B might need a more powerful receiver for best performance.
The Klipsch RP-600M II has superior bass response with its larger 6.5" woofer. The JBL Stage 2 240B has more limited bass output due to its smaller 4.5" woofer.
Both speakers handle dialogue well, but the JBL Stage 2 240B offers more neutral midrange reproduction. The Klipsch RP-600M II provides more forward, dynamic dialogue presentation.
The JBL Stage 2 240B offers exceptional value for smaller rooms and budget setups. The Klipsch RP-600M II justifies its higher price with superior performance but only if you can utilize its capabilities in an appropriate space.
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: bestbuy.com - jbl.com - erinsaudiocorner.com - crutchfield.com - mm.jbl.com - audioadvice.com - crutchfield.com - nfm.com - jbl.com - kh.jbl.com - av-connection.com - erinsaudiocorner.com - crutchfield.com - walts.com - audiosciencereview.com - therobinsonbrand.com - youtube.com - klipsch.com - abt.com - qobuz.com - bhphotovideo.com - youtube.com - support.klipsch.com
