When it comes to bookshelf speakers, Klipsch has long been a respected name in home audio. Today, we're comparing two popular models: the budget-friendly Klipsch Reference Series R-51M ($199) and the more premium Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M ($349). I've spent time with both models, and there's quite a bit to unpack in terms of their differences and which might be right for you.
Before diving into the specifics, let's talk about what makes bookshelf speakers special. These compact speakers are designed to deliver high-quality sound from a smaller footprint than floor-standing towers. They're versatile enough to work in a stereo music setup or as part of a larger home theater system.
The primary considerations for bookshelf speakers include:
The R-51M, released in 2018, represents Klipsch's entry-level Reference line. It features their signature copper-colored woofer and black vinyl wrap finish. The cabinet is well-built for the price point, though it's not quite as premium as its bigger brother.
The RP-600M, also from 2018, brings several upgrades to the table. The larger cabinet houses a more sophisticated driver design, and the build quality is noticeably better. You'll find upgraded materials throughout, from the cerametallic woofer to the premium binding posts that accept banana plugs (those convenient speaker wire connectors that make setup easier).
In my experience, the R-51M delivers a bright, energetic sound that works particularly well with rock and pop music. The 5.25-inch woofer provides tight bass, though it doesn't dig as deep as larger speakers. The horn-loaded tweeter (a special design that helps project high frequencies more efficiently) gives these speakers Klipsch's characteristic lively sound.
The RP-600M takes things up a notch with a more refined, balanced presentation. The larger 6.5-inch woofer reaches down to 45Hz (compared to the R-51M's 62Hz), providing noticeably more bass impact. The improved tweeter design delivers cleaner, more detailed high frequencies without becoming harsh.
Room size is crucial when choosing between these speakers. The R-51M works best in small to medium-sized rooms (up to about 200 square feet). Their smaller size makes them easier to position, and they don't need as much space behind them for the rear port to work effectively.
The RP-600M, with its larger cabinet and woofer, needs more room to breathe. They'll fill a medium to large room more effectively, but they also need more space behind them (at least 6-8 inches) for optimal bass performance.
The R-51M at $199 represents excellent value for those just getting into quality audio. They provide much of what makes Klipsch speakers special - dynamic sound, good efficiency (they don't need a powerful amp to play loud), and solid build quality - at an accessible price point.
The RP-600M at $349 offers significant upgrades that justify its higher price:
Both speakers work well in a home theater setup, but there are some important differences to consider.
The R-51M makes an excellent starting point for a budget home theater system. They work particularly well as surround speakers or as front speakers in a smaller room. However, you'll definitely want to add a subwoofer to handle the lower frequencies that these speakers can't reach.
The RP-600M can serve as main speakers in a more serious home theater setup. Their better bass extension means they'll blend more seamlessly with a subwoofer, and their higher power handling allows for more dynamic movie soundtracks. They're also more capable of standing on their own without a subwoofer if you're primarily watching dialogue-driven content.
Since both speakers were released in 2018, Klipsch has made some minor refinements to their production processes, but the basic designs remain unchanged. This speaks to the quality of the original engineering - they're still competitive with newer models from other manufacturers.
The most notable improvement has been in quality control and consistency. Early production runs of the RP-600M sometimes had slight variations in sound quality, but current production is very consistent.
Choose the R-51M if:
Choose the RP-600M if:
Both the R-51M and RP-600M are excellent speakers that showcase Klipsch's expertise in speaker design. The choice between them really comes down to your specific needs and budget.
If you're just getting started with quality audio, the R-51M provides an excellent entry point. They deliver engaging sound that will make you fall in love with your music all over again, and they're efficient enough to work well with modest amplification.
The RP-600M represents a step up in every way - better bass, more refined sound, superior build quality. They're worth the extra investment if you have the budget and space to let them perform their best.
Remember, whichever model you choose, proper placement and setup will be crucial to getting the best sound. Take time to experiment with positioning, and make sure your amplifier is up to the task of driving them properly.
| Klipsch R-51M ($199) | Klipsch RP-600M ($349) |
|---|---|
| Woofer Size - Larger woofers generally provide deeper bass and higher volume capability | |
| 5.25" copper-spun IMG | 6.5" cerametallic |
| Frequency Response - Determines bass depth and overall range of sound reproduction | |
| 62Hz - 21kHz (will need subwoofer for full range) | 45Hz - 25kHz (can work without subwoofer) |
| Power Handling - Higher power handling allows for more dynamic range and volume | |
| 85W continuous/340W peak | 100W continuous/400W peak |
| Sensitivity - Higher sensitivity means speakers play louder with less power | |
| 93dB @ 2.83V/1m (efficient) | 96dB @ 2.83V/1m (very efficient) |
| Cabinet Size - Impacts room placement flexibility and bass performance | |
| 13.3" x 7" x 8.5" (more flexible placement) | 15.7" x 8" x 11.9" (needs more space) |
| Binding Posts - Better connections can improve sound and offer more setup options | |
| Single pair (standard connection) | Dual pairs (allows bi-wiring/bi-amping) |
| Construction Quality - Better materials and build generally mean better sound and longevity | |
| Good (vinyl wrap, basic horn) | Premium (better finishes, improved horn design) |
| Recommended Room Size - Critical for proper speaker-room matching | |
| Small to medium rooms (up to 200 sq ft) | Medium to large rooms (200+ sq ft) |
The Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M ($349) is generally better for home theater use due to its superior power handling and deeper bass response. However, the Klipsch R-51M ($199) can work well in smaller rooms or as surround speakers in a home theater system.
The R-51M definitely needs a subwoofer for home theater use due to its 62Hz lower limit. The RP-600M can work without one for music and dialogue-heavy content, but a subwoofer is still recommended for full home theater impact.
The RP-600M offers more refined sound for music, with better bass and more balanced performance. The R-51M has a brighter, more energetic sound that works well with rock and pop music.
The R-51M handles 85W continuous power, while the RP-600M can handle 100W. Both are efficient speakers that don't require extremely powerful amplifiers to perform well.
Neither speaker is designed for wall-mounting. Both are rear-ported designs that need space behind them for optimal performance.
Both work well in surround setups. The R-51M is particularly good as a surround speaker due to its smaller size and lower cost, making it easier to buy multiple pairs.
The RP-600M offers more refined sound with better bass extension and smoother highs. The R-51M has a brighter, more forward presentation that some listeners prefer for certain music types.
The R-51M uses standard binding posts, while the RP-600M has dual binding posts allowing for bi-wiring or bi-amping if desired. Both accept standard speaker wire up to 12 gauge.
The RP-600M is better for movies due to its superior power handling and deeper bass response, making it more capable of reproducing movie soundtracks with impact and clarity.
The R-51M is better suited for near-field computer use due to its smaller size. The RP-600M might be too large for most desk setups and performs better with more space between the speaker and listener.
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: cnet.com - youtube.com - community.klipsch.com - klipsch.com - catchgroove.com - techx.com.my - audiovideoplus.ca - target.com - crutchfield.com - voitektv.com - d2um2qdswy1tb0.cloudfront.net - f072605def1c9a5ef179-a0bc3fbf1884fc0965506ae2b946e1cd.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com - erinsaudiocorner.com - stereophile.com - klipsch.com - adorama.com - assets.klipsch.com - bhphotovideo.com
