When setting up a serious audio system, bookshelf speakers often provide the perfect balance of performance and practicality. Today, we're comparing two compelling options: the new SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf Speakers ($1,199.98) and the Klipsch RP-600M II ($359.00). Let's dive into what makes each special and help you decide which might be right for your setup.
Bookshelf speakers serve as the foundation of many high-quality audio systems. Despite their name, they're actually best placed on proper stands to achieve optimal sound. These compact performers can deliver surprisingly full-range sound while taking up minimal space, making them perfect for both dedicated listening rooms and multipurpose spaces.
Key factors to consider include:
The SVS Ultra Evolution, released in early 2024, represents a significant leap forward in speaker technology. Its diamond-coated tweeter (the small driver that handles high frequencies) is particularly noteworthy. Diamond coating helps prevent the tweeter from distorting at high volumes, resulting in clearer, more precise high frequencies. The cabinet (speaker housing) uses time-aligned geometry, which means all frequencies reach your ears simultaneously, creating a more natural sound.
The Klipsch RP-600M II, introduced in late 2022, takes a different approach. It uses Klipsch's signature horn-loaded tweeter design, which works like an acoustic megaphone to increase efficiency. This means the speaker can play louder with less power from your amplifier. The copper-colored woofer (for lower frequencies) is made from Cerametallic material, providing rigidity for clear bass and midrange sounds.
Having listened to both speakers extensively, they each offer distinct personalities:
Both speakers excel in home theater applications, but in different ways. The SVS Ultra Evolution provides incredible detail and accuracy, making movie dialogue crystal clear while handling explosive scenes with composure. Their precise imaging helps create a convincing three-dimensional soundfield.
The Klipsch RP-600M II brings a more cinematic experience, with its horn-loaded tweeter design providing that "big cinema" feeling. They're particularly good at handling dynamic swings in action movies, and their efficiency makes them easier to drive with mainstream AV receivers.
The price difference between these speakers is substantial, so let's break down what you're getting for your money:
Room size and shape significantly impact speaker performance. The SVS Ultra Evolution's precise sound makes them more sensitive to placement, but they reward careful setup with exceptional performance. They work best in medium to large rooms and benefit from high-quality amplification.
The Klipsch speakers are more forgiving of placement and room acoustics. Their higher efficiency makes them excellent partners for lower-powered amplifiers, and they can fill even large rooms with sound despite their compact size.
Consider these factors when making your choice:
Both speakers represent excellent choices in their respective price categories. The SVS Ultra Evolution offers state-of-the-art performance and technology, making them a fantastic choice for the discerning listener who can afford the investment. Their ability to reproduce music and movies with exceptional accuracy and detail justifies their premium price point.
The Klipsch RP-600M II delivers remarkable performance at a more accessible price point. Their engaging sound signature and practical benefits make them an excellent choice for most listeners, especially those using mainstream electronics or seeking high performance on a budget.
Remember that personal listening preferences play a crucial role in speaker selection. If possible, try to audition both speakers in person, as this will give you the best sense of which sound signature you prefer. Both manufacturers offer good return policies, making it easier to try them in your own space.
In the end, both speakers represent different approaches to high-quality sound reproduction, and both succeed admirably at their respective price points. Your choice should align with your budget, system capabilities, and personal preferences for how you want your music and movies to sound.
| SVS Ultra Evolution ($1,199.98) | Klipsch RP-600M II ($359.00) |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity - Determines how much power you need from your amplifier | |
| 88dB (requires more powerful amp) | 94dB (works well with lower power amps) |
| Frequency Response - Shows the range of sound the speaker can reproduce | |
| 24Hz-40kHz (exceptional bass for bookshelf) | 44Hz-25kHz (typical for this size) |
| Tweeter Design - Impacts clarity and detail of high frequencies | |
| Diamond-coated aluminum (superior detail, worth it for critical listening) | Titanium with horn loading (efficient, dynamic sound) |
| Power Handling - Maximum recommended amplifier power | |
| 20-300 watts (very flexible with amplification) | 100 watts (suitable for most home setups) |
| Cabinet Design - Affects sound accuracy and imaging | |
| Time-aligned curved cabinet (superior imaging, worth premium) | Traditional box design (proven performance) |
| Port Design - Impacts bass performance | |
| Wide-flared rear port (controlled, accurate bass) | Tractrix rear port (efficient bass output) |
| Binding Posts - Affects connection options | |
| Dual gold-plated (allows bi-wiring/bi-amping) | Dual posts (allows bi-wiring/bi-amping) |
| Weight - Indicates build quality and cabinet construction | |
| 20 lbs each (substantial build quality) | 18.1 lbs each (solid construction) |
| Warranty - Shows manufacturer confidence | |
| 5 years + 45-day trial (exceptional buyer protection) | 5 years (standard coverage) |
The SVS Ultra Evolution ($1,199.98) offers superior detail and accuracy for home theater, making dialogue incredibly clear and effects precise. However, the Klipsch RP-600M II ($359.00) provides excellent performance at a lower price point and works particularly well with standard AV receivers.
The SVS Ultra Evolution costs $1,199.98, while the Klipsch RP-600M II is priced at $359.00, making it significantly more affordable. The price difference reflects the SVS's premium components and advanced technology.
The Klipsch RP-600M II is more efficient (94dB sensitivity) and works well with modest amplifiers. The SVS Ultra Evolution (88dB sensitivity) benefits from higher-quality amplification to reach its full potential.
Both excel at music, but in different ways. The SVS Ultra Evolution offers more precise, detailed sound for critical listening, while the Klipsch RP-600M II provides a more dynamic, engaging experience that's especially good for rock and pop music.
Both speakers can work in small rooms, but the Klipsch RP-600M II might be more practical due to its higher efficiency and easier placement requirements. The SVS Ultra Evolution may be oversized for very small spaces.
Yes, both work excellently in surround systems. The SVS Ultra Evolution integrates perfectly with other SVS speakers, while the Klipsch RP-600M II matches well with other Klipsch Reference Premiere speakers.
The SVS Ultra Evolution reaches deeper bass (down to 24Hz) compared to the Klipsch RP-600M II (44Hz), though both will benefit from a subwoofer for full-range home theater use.
Yes, for optimal home theater performance, both speakers should be paired with a subwoofer to handle the lowest frequencies in movie soundtracks.
Both speakers are well-built, but the SVS Ultra Evolution features premium materials and construction. Both offer 5-year warranties, though SVS includes a 45-day home trial.
Neither speaker is designed for wall-mounting. Both perform best on proper speaker stands placed away from walls.
Both excel at movies, but the SVS Ultra Evolution offers more precise sound placement and detail, while the Klipsch RP-600M II provides more dynamic impact and efficiency.
Both speakers work great for streaming and gaming. The Klipsch offers more immediate impact for gaming, while the SVS provides more detail for discerning the subtleties in high-quality streaming content.
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: futureaudiophile.com - svsound.com - youtube.com - avgadgets.com - dreamediaav.com - dreamediaav.com - outlawaudio.com - svsound.com - audiolab.com - crutchfield.com - audioadvice.com - audioadvice.com - skybygramophone.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
