When you're ready to step up your audio game, choosing between the Klipsch RP-600M II ($359) and KEF Q350 ($700) bookshelf speakers is like deciding between two excellent but different approaches to sound reproduction. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your setup.
Bookshelf speakers remain the sweet spot for many audio enthusiasts, offering an impressive balance of sound quality, room-friendly size, and value. Despite their name, these speakers actually perform best on dedicated stands, positioned away from walls when possible.
Modern bookshelf speakers have come a long way, incorporating advanced materials and design techniques that were once reserved for much more expensive speakers. Both of our contenders showcase this evolution, though they take different paths to sonic excellence.
The Klipsch RP-600M II, released in 2021, represents an update to Klipsch's popular Reference Premiere line. The most significant changes include a revised horn design for smoother treble and an updated woofer with better control. Klipsch's signature horn-loaded tweeter design (which uses a specially shaped opening to help direct sound) makes these speakers particularly efficient - they can play loud with minimal power.
The KEF Q350 takes a different approach with their Uni-Q driver array, where the tweeter sits in the center of the midrange cone. This design, which KEF has refined over many years, aims to create a more coherent sound field - imagine all the sound coming from a single point rather than separate drivers.
Having spent time with both speakers, their different characters become immediately apparent:
One of the biggest practical differences between these speakers is their sensitivity (how efficiently they convert power into sound):
The Klipsch RP-600M II has a sensitivity rating of 94dB, meaning they can play quite loud with minimal power. They'll work well with:
The KEF Q350 has a lower sensitivity of 87dB, requiring more power to reach the same volume. They prefer:
The price difference between these speakers is significant, with the Klipsch often available for nearly half the price of the KEFs. Both provide excellent value, but in different ways:
Klipsch RP-600M II value proposition:
KEF Q350 value proposition:
For home theater use, both speakers can work well, but they have different strengths:
The Klipsch's higher sensitivity makes them excellent for home theater, where dynamic range (the ability to go from quiet to loud quickly) is important. They're particularly good at reproducing movie effects and dialogue with clarity, even at lower volumes.
The KEFs excel at creating a seamless soundstage and precise imaging, which can make movies more immersive. However, they may require a more powerful receiver to deliver the same impact during action scenes.
After extensive listening to both speakers, here are some practical observations:
With rock and electronic music:
With acoustic and classical music:
For home theater:
Choose the Klipsch RP-600M II if:
Choose the KEF Q350 if:
Both speakers benefit from proper placement, but they have different requirements:
Klipsch RP-600M II:
KEF Q350:
Both speakers represent excellent choices in their price ranges, but they serve different audiences. The Klipsch RP-600M II offers exceptional value and exciting sound that works well for both music and movies. The KEF Q350 provides a more refined, accurate presentation that will satisfy critical listeners, particularly for music.
Remember that speakers are highly personal choices, and if possible, listening to both options in your space with your equipment is always the best way to decide. Both manufacturers have excellent reputations and support, so you can buy with confidence knowing you're getting a quality product either way.
| Klipsch RP-600M II ($359) | KEF Q350 ($700) |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity - Determines how much amplifier power you need | |
| 94dB (works great with lower powered amps) | 87dB (needs more powerful amplification) |
| Driver Configuration - Affects how sound spreads through your room | |
| 1" horn-loaded tweeter + 6.5" woofer (traditional design) | 6.5" Uni-Q coaxial driver (tweeter in center of woofer) |
| Frequency Response - Shows bass depth and treble extension | |
| 44Hz-25kHz (±3dB) (impressive bass for size) | 63Hz-28kHz (±3dB) (less deep bass but extended highs) |
| Power Handling - Maximum recommended amplifier power | |
| 100W RMS (plenty for most users) | 120W RMS (can handle more power) |
| Sound Character - How music and movies will actually sound | |
| Dynamic, forward, exciting (great for rock/home theater) | Neutral, precise, refined (excellent for acoustic/classical) |
| Port Design - Affects bass performance and placement flexibility | |
| Rear Tractrix port (needs some space from walls) | Rear CFD port (more placement sensitive) |
| Impedance - Important for amplifier compatibility | |
| 8 ohms (easy to drive) | 8 ohms nominal, 3.7 minimum (more demanding) |
| Size (HxWxD) - Consider your space | |
| 15.8" x 8" x 13.1" (standard bookshelf size) | 14.2" x 8.3" x 12" (slightly more compact) |
| Weight - Indicates cabinet construction | |
| 18.1 lbs each (solid build) | 16.8 lbs each (well-built) |
The Klipsch RP-600M II ($359) is generally better for home theater due to its higher sensitivity and dynamic sound. It handles movie effects and dialogue more effectively and requires less power from your AV receiver compared to the KEF Q350 ($700).
The KEF Q350 excels at music reproduction with more precise imaging and neutral sound, particularly for acoustic and classical music. The Klipsch RP-600M II offers more excitement for rock and electronic genres.
The Klipsch RP-600M II works well with modest amplifiers due to its 94dB sensitivity. The KEF Q350 requires more power (preferably 50W or more per channel) for optimal performance.
The Klipsch RP-600M II reaches slightly lower (44Hz vs 63Hz) and provides more impactful bass, though the KEF Q350 offers tighter, more controlled low frequencies.
Both can work without a subwoofer for music, but for home theater, a subwoofer is recommended. The Klipsch RP-600M II provides slightly fuller bass on its own.
The KEF Q350's more controlled dispersion pattern and slightly smaller size make it better suited for small rooms, while the Klipsch RP-600M II might be too dynamic for very small spaces.
Both work well in surround systems. The Klipsch RP-600M II matches particularly well with other Klipsch speakers, while the KEF Q350 creates a more seamless soundstage.
The Klipsch RP-600M II offers exceptional value at its lower price point. The KEF Q350 costs more but justifies its price with superior build quality and refined sound.
Yes, both speakers perform best on proper stands despite being called "bookshelf" speakers. Stand mounting improves sound quality and imaging significantly.
Both speakers use rear ports and need some space from walls. The KEF Q350 is more placement-sensitive and benefits from at least 12 inches of clearance, while the Klipsch RP-600M II is more forgiving.
The KEF Q350 might be considered more future-proof due to its neutral sound signature and superior build quality, though the Klipsch RP-600M II will remain an excellent performer for many years.
Both handle dialogue well, but the Klipsch RP-600M II's horn-loaded tweeter design provides excellent clarity and intelligibility for movie dialogue, even at lower volumes.
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: 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 - whatsthebest.co.uk - us.kef.com - youtube.com - perfectacoustic.co.uk - youtube.com - ooberpad.com - ca.kef.com - crutchfield.com - uk.kef.com - snapav.com
