Let's dive into these two excellent bookshelf speakers and help you figure out which one might be right for your setup. I've spent time with both models and have some practical insights to share about how they perform in real-world situations.
The Klipsch RP-600M II ($449-649) and Polk Reserve R100 ($565-750) represent an important sweet spot in the audio market where you get serious performance without stepping into ultra-premium pricing. Both were released in the last few years as updates to previous models, with Klipsch launching the II version in 2022 and Polk introducing their Reserve series around the same time.
The RP-600M II uses Klipsch's signature horn-loaded tweeter design, which is basically a specially shaped opening that helps direct high-frequency sounds more efficiently toward your ears. Think of it like a megaphone for high notes. The latest version features an 18% larger horn opening than its predecessor, which helps create a wider "sweet spot" – the area where you get the best sound.
Their 6.5-inch woofer (the larger speaker that handles bass and midrange) uses what they call "Cerametallic" material, which is a fancy way of saying it's extremely rigid but lightweight. This new version has a 70% larger voice coil (the part that moves the speaker) than the original model, which helps it handle more power and produce cleaner bass.
The Polk R100 takes a more traditional approach with their Pinnacle Ring Radiator tweeter. Instead of using a horn, this design spreads high frequencies in a wide pattern naturally. Their 5.25-inch "Turbine Cone" woofer uses an interesting foam core with special ridges that help it stay rigid while moving air efficiently.
Having listened to both speakers extensively, here's what you can expect:
The Klipsch has what I'd call an "exciting" sound. It's like the difference between watching a movie at home versus in a theater – there's just more impact and drama. Bass hits harder, and high frequencies really sparkle. This can be great for rock music, action movies, and gaming, but some might find it a bit too energetic for long listening sessions.
The Polk takes a more balanced approach. Imagine a really good studio monitor – it's trying to reproduce exactly what was recorded without adding its own character. This makes it excellent for acoustic music, jazz, and classical, where accuracy is key.
For home theater, both speakers excel but in different ways:
The Klipsch RP-600M II is particularly good for home theater use because:
The Polk R100 offers:
The Klipsch speakers, being more sensitive, can fill larger rooms more easily. However, they're also more directional, meaning you'll need to position them more carefully to get the best sound.
The Polks are more forgiving with placement and work well in small to medium-sized rooms. Their wider dispersion pattern means you don't have to be sitting in exactly the right spot to get good sound.
Here's a practical tip: if you're using a lower-powered amplifier (under 100 watts), the Klipsch speakers will be easier to drive due to their higher sensitivity. The Polks really shine with more powerful amplifiers that can take advantage of their precision.
The Klipsch speakers often go on sale for significantly less than their MSRP, sometimes dropping to around $449. When you can find them at this price, they're an exceptional value. The Polks tend to hold their price more steadily but offer refined performance that justifies their cost.
Consider choosing the Klipsch RP-600M II if you:
Go for the Polk Reserve R100 if you:
Both speakers represent excellent value in their price range, but they serve different preferences. The Klipsch offers more excitement and drama, while the Polk delivers more accuracy and refinement. Your choice should ultimately depend on your listening preferences and how you plan to use them.
In my experience, the Klipsch speakers tend to wow people immediately with their dynamic sound, while the Polks are the type you grow to appreciate more over time as you notice their accuracy and detail. Neither choice is wrong – it's just about matching the speaker to your needs and preferences.
Remember, the best speakers are the ones that make you want to keep listening to your music and movies. Both of these options can do that; they just take different paths to get there.
| Klipsch RP-600M II ($449-649) | Polk Reserve R100 ($565-750) |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity - Determines how easily an amplifier can drive the speakers | |
| 94dB (excellent for lower-powered amps) | 86dB (requires more powerful amplification) |
| Driver Size - Impacts bass capability and overall volume potential | |
| 6.5" woofer (better bass extension) | 5.25" woofer (still capable but less bass) |
| Frequency Response - Shows the range of sounds the speaker can reproduce | |
| 44Hz-25kHz (deeper bass extension) | 58Hz-39kHz (higher treble extension) |
| Sound Character - The overall personality and presentation of music | |
| Dynamic, exciting with emphasized bass/treble | Neutral, balanced across all frequencies |
| Power Handling - How much amplifier power the speaker can safely use | |
| 100W RMS (suitable for most amplifiers) | 150W RMS (more headroom for powerful amps) |
| Size - Impacts placement flexibility and room integration | |
| 15.8" x 8" x 13" (larger cabinet) | 12.8" x 6.6" x 10.2" (more compact) |
| Off-Axis Performance - How good it sounds when not directly facing listener | |
| Good horizontal, limited vertical dispersion | Excellent in both planes, more flexible placement |
| Build Quality - Construction and finish durability | |
| Premium vinyl, ceramic drivers, magnetic grille | Similar quality level, slightly less robust feel |
The Klipsch RP-600M II generally performs better for home theater due to its higher sensitivity (94dB) and more dynamic sound signature. This makes it easier to drive with typical AV receivers and delivers more impactful movie effects. However, the Polk Reserve R100 offers better dialogue clarity and more precise sound positioning.
The Klipsch RP-600M II reaches deeper bass (44Hz) compared to the Polk R100 (58Hz). While both will benefit from a subwoofer for home theater, the Klipsch can perform better standalone for music listening.
It depends on your preferences. The Klipsch RP-600M II offers more exciting, dynamic sound that's great for rock and pop, while the Polk R100 provides more neutral, accurate reproduction that excels with classical and acoustic music.
The Klipsch RP-600M II is more efficient (94dB sensitivity) and works well with modest amplifiers. The Polk R100 (86dB sensitivity) benefits from more powerful amplification to perform its best.
The Polk R100 is more compact and has better off-axis performance, making it more suitable for small rooms. The Klipsch RP-600M II might be too powerful for very small spaces.
Yes, both can work as surrounds, but the Polk R100 is generally better suited due to its more neutral sound and smaller size. The Klipsch RP-600M II might be too powerful for surround duty.
Both speakers are well-built, but the Klipsch RP-600M II has slightly more premium materials with its Cerametallic woofers and robust cabinet. The Polk R100 is still well-constructed but feels slightly less substantial.
The Klipsch RP-600M II ($449-649) often sells for less than the Polk R100 ($565-750). The Klipsch typically offers better value, especially when on sale.
The Polk R100 is more forgiving with placement due to its better off-axis response and wider dispersion. The Klipsch RP-600M II requires more careful positioning to sound its best.
The Klipsch RP-600M II excels for gaming due to its dynamic sound and impact with effects. The Polk R100 provides more precise positional audio but with less dramatic effect.
Both represent excellent value. The Klipsch RP-600M II competes with speakers costing much more in terms of dynamics and impact, while the Polk R100 offers refinement typically found in more expensive speakers.
Both the Klipsch RP-600M II and Polk R100 come with 5-year warranties, which is standard for premium speakers in this price range.
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 - polkaudio.com - crutchfield.com - audioadvisor.com - forum.polkaudio.com - forums.whathifi.com - listenup.com - audioadvisor.com - polkaudio.com - youtube.com - audioadvisor.com
