In-depth review
Klipsch RP-600M II Review (2026)
In-depth review of the Klipsch RP-600M II: Tractrix horn dynamics, Cerametallic bass, and whether the sequel improves the original.
Klipsch RP-600M II
The lively one: a horn-loaded tweeter that plays loud with ease and makes films feel like an event.
Our verdict
The RP-600M II is the dynamics pick in this list, and it earns that title honestly. Its horn tweeter plays loud with ease, its woofer punches hard, and its revised crossover tames the original's forward edge without dulling the excitement. Buyers who want polite background music should look elsewhere, but buyers who want films and rock to feel alive will find little better at this size.
What we like
- The hybrid Tractrix horn makes the tweeter highly efficient, so even a modest amplifier drives these speakers to room-filling volume with headroom to spare.
- The Cerametallic woofer delivers punchy, articulate bass that suits drums, explosions, and action soundtracks without needing a subwoofer for every scene.
- Dynamics are the headline: quiet passages stay quiet and loud passages hit hard, which is exactly what film soundtracks and live recordings need.
What to watch out for
- The forward, energetic treble can feel too bright in a hard, reflective room, and it shows up harsh recordings rather than smoothing them over.
- The cabinets are larger and heavier than they look in photos, so check shelf depth and stand capacity before ordering.
- The ebony vinyl finish is smart but plain, and buyers wanting furniture-grade wood will find the look more functional than decorative.
Who it is for
Home theatre lovers and energetic music listeners who want dynamics, volume, and punch from a modest amplifier.
Why the horn matters
A horn loads the tweeter more efficiently, so a small amount of amplifier power produces a large amount of sound. That efficiency is why the RP-600M II plays loud without strain and why dialogue cuts through a busy room. The trade-off is character: horns sound direct and present, which thrills some listeners and tires others, especially in hard rooms with bare floors and little soft furnishing.
The II revision, explained
The second generation revises the crossover and the horn geometry, aiming to keep the original's excitement while smoothing the treble edge that some owners criticised. The result is a speaker that still sounds unmistakably Klipsch, but with less bite on bright recordings and a more even balance across the midrange. Owners of the original need not upgrade urgently, but new buyers should choose the II version.
How it stacks up
Against the Klipsch RP-600M original, the II wins on refinement and treble smoothness, while the original wins on price when discounted. Against the KEF Q150, the Klipsch wins on dynamics and volume, while the KEF wins on subtlety and imaging. Against the Polk ES20, the Klipsch wins on punch and efficiency, while the Polk wins on versatility and wall mounting.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Dynamics leap out of quiet passages in a way that makes action films feel genuinely exciting
- Modest amplifiers drive the pair to satisfying volume without any sense of strain
- Dialogue cuts through a busy living room with unusual directness and presence
Common complaints
- Treble can feel forward in a bare room with hard floors and little soft furnishing
- The cabinets are heavier and deeper than expected, so stand choice needs care
- Harsh recordings are exposed rather than smoothed over by the horn presentation
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Design
- Two-way bass reflex with Tractrix horn
- Tweeter
- 1 inch titanium with hybrid Tractrix horn
- Woofer
- 6.5 inch Cerametallic
- Sensitivity
- High, suited to modest amplifiers
- Amplifier
- External amplifier or receiver required
Also consider
Klipsch RP-600M
The high-sensitivity original: the first RP-600M, still the easiest pair here to drive loud from a small amplifier.
- Design: Two-way bass reflex with Tractrix horn
- Tweeter: 1 inch titanium with Tractrix horn
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20
The movie-night all-rounder: Hi-Res certified drivers, a Power Port for bass, and a cabinet built for a surround system.
- Design: Two-way bass reflex with Power Port
- Tweeter: 1 inch Terylene dome
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Is the RP-600M II too bright?
It can sound bright in a hard, reflective room or with harsh recordings, but the II revision softens the original's edge. Soft furnishings, a rug, and careful toe-in tame the treble further, and buyers who prefer a soft sound should choose the ELAC or KEF pairs instead.
What amplifier does it need?
Very little, thanks to horn efficiency. A modest receiver drives it to room-filling volume, which is part of the appeal. Spend the saved amplifier budget on a subwoofer or a better centre speaker instead.
Is it good for music as well as films?
Yes, especially for rock, pop, and live recordings, where dynamics and punch matter most. For quiet acoustic music and classical, the KEF Q150 or ELAC DB63 offer more subtlety, but the Klipsch remains enjoyable across most genres.