No one can impersonate you Steve because you are the One and Only Audiophiliac singularly unique and cannot be copied. Besides, they don’t have cool shirts like you have. 👍🏻
I love mine! Cambridge Audio Topaz integrated amp, and pro-ject debut 3 turntable. All together, less than $800. I'm in the shallow end of the audiophile pool. 😁
Hi Steve, another great review! A brilliant watch and I appreciate the time and effort you have clearly made trying out the new 600M’s so all can have a trusted audiophile expert view. As always, an enjoyable worthwhile review. I bought the original 600M’s based on your dedicated enthusiasm for them and that they were within my budget about a year ago. I absolutely love them and I can not thank you enough for steering me towards buying them. It’s great to hear over the years you still give them the credit they deserve, not dismissing them over the new upgraded ones. I love your down to earth honest opinions and you are a joy to listen and learn from. I’ll stick with the originals for now but I can’t say I’m not intrigued with the new ones… Cheers again Steve and sending love from the U.K. 👍
Thanks Steve - You are the "reference speaker" when it comes to anything audio - I have been a follower in one way or another for more years than I am willing to admit.
I had my doubts between the 2 versions and from what our great teacher indicates (Steve G.), the best purchase I could make at the moment was the 600m. They are physically beautiful and their sound is very rich. Thanks for the comparison
Hello Steve, Martin Logan guy here, and former Klipschorn owner of 14 years. Yes, count me in on your first review and love of the original 600M for which I purchased on YOUR good word. They are the mains for my theater system., although a bit bright for my ears, as in a musical setting (2.0). I STILL love the RP-280 F towers with the Bang and Olufsen 6500 system in my livingroom setting (you have the photo). The RP line is really a great example of Klipsch 'today' outside of the resurgence of the Heritage line. Thanks for the review and thoughts on the updated model.
@@sspringss2727 Just my take- upper range smoother less shrill, less power to drive, cabinet stronger with same clear mid range. I tend to agree with review comments Steve made. Thanks.
Also took the plunge with the V1, RP-600m did not dissapoint. They are currently my mains, in living room. Might grab the RP-8000F on clearance to move the RP-600m to rear surround. Good reviews man thank you. o7!!!
Steve, Just received KLIPSCH RP-600M II, Sounds fantastic, been looking and listening for a while. A lot of people may think I'm nuts, but I sent back the Elac Debut B5.2, didn't like them. My original book shelf's were Polk Audio RTi A1, which I loved them, but wanted to upgrade. Thanks for the recommendation!!
Got them and they added so much more to my Cerwin Vegas. Listening to Paul Desmond’s “Pure Desmond” sounds like Ed Bickert is sitting at his guitar right in front of me!
MY newly purchased Mk-II are sounding really well. Am happy to upgrade from my original model. Very close to my KEF LS50- Meta, which are an "uptick" better! Very Happy to get the Mk II version! Thanks for a Great review!
There will always be another newer version of what we audiophile/home-theater enthusiasts have. At a point though for most of us(at least me). We will arrive sooner or later at a decision point. We will have to decide, do we keep spending and enjoy what we have. Or do we keep chasing the elusive carrot of never being able to do just that. Through several decades of chasing...it's now my time to enjoy. Although other "audiophiles" have more and more expensive setups. I have been fortunate enough to have two really awesome home-theaters and a music listening-station that my family and friends literally are in awe over. The average household would love to have what I have acquired. It's been a marvelous journey and it's not necessarily over. But it is time to realize what I have and just..ENJOY!!!
Truly. It seems like at a point it becomes more about purchasing the equipment and staring than actually using it. A lot of these guys buy equipment and then listen to the same 6 reference songs on it and the it collects dust most of the time. Pretty dumb.
Thumbs up on the improved internal bracing. My critique on the previous version included being able to “hear” the cabinet slightly. I wish that Klipsch would introduce a more expensive version using real wood.
I’m just going to say it it…I really like the RP600M OG and I have no real urge to upgrade to the new ones although I’m sure the minimal improvements can be heard. I actually doubled down on the RP600Ms and bought a second pair in piano black just because. And they were $350 btw so they were a steal. Klipsch struck an emotional chord with the 600s. They were aiming for a price point so yes there’s a measurable dip in FR and bracing could absolutely be improved but damn they’re still fun. A very fundamental fact about audio is there will always be comprise. I enjoy seeing the folks that tout “improving” the 600s and I couldn’t think of a bigger money suck. Just buy a different speaker if you want a different spec. A better array of crossover components don’t always equate to better and more pleasing sound. There are plenty of better measuring products out there that frankly don’t provide the fun that these do so yes, Klipsch has been evolving their lower lines in a positive and rewarding way.
I believe John Atkinson of Stereophile measured the sensitivity of the first version of the speaker to be something closer to 89 DB so it’s nice to see that they are going a little bit closer to the truth for this version but they could still probably stand for a little bit of outside scrutiny when it comes to specs.
i got a pair of the 600m in 2020 off the back of all the great reviews. I really liked the lateral imaging of the horn loaded tweeter, but ive always had larger floorstanding size speakers and couldnt dig the little sound of bookshelves. I have vintage Celestion Ditton speakers. For a few hundred they can blitz any bookshelf imo. Saying that I sold the Klipsch and wish Id kept them, but they just didnt cut it for me. Love you Steve ! Always enjoy your content and your old pics as Im a long hair too haha
I'm so happy with the original RP-600M that I have no plans to upgrade as I'd rather that money go elsewhere in my system. From Steve's review it sound like you really can't go wrong with either the original or new version. For those that have a limited budget, this may be the perfect time to watch for close-out sales on the original RP-600Ms. For those that aren't satisfied knowing a slightly better latest-greatest product is out there, the RP-600M II might be your better option. Either way, I really like the idea of new iterations of the 600M being introduced. We might be seeing the 600M as a "classic" that with improved versions introduces every few years. RP-600M VI may be what my son buys for his house.
The new one is FAR better overall, although not perfect either. The original version has a rising high end and big dip between 1-2 kHz., and some other issues.
I wonder how each would compare between KLIPSCH RP-600M II and the smaller RP-500M II as to tonality, separation and imaging and stage depth? Seemed some people thought the older 500M did better in those areas vs the 600M. A bigger woofer may get you more low end, low mids...but then again?
Steve, I purchased Klipsch RB-61-II and found the at blow-out prices just prior to the release of the RP-160M's and I must say the I enjoy the front facing bass port. All said, Klipsch makes some pretty amazing bookshelf/stand speakers.
So glad I could get my system immortalised on this channel even if you got some of the pronunciations and names a bit wrong! Hahaha awesome vid keep it up!
Hey Steve- my wife bought me a pair of 600Ms for our anniversary about 3 weeks ago. She knew I have been wanting a set for my third system to be powered by a Reisong A10. Saw this video (early release on 5-13 BTW). Just traded up to the Mark II today- night and day. Thanks for the initial review …. I had no idea an upgrade was on the horizon. Thanks - I’m sold.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thank you! The last six audio gear products I have purchased have all been based on your reviews.....I am once again a happy vinyl analog guy. Working my way through playing all of my LPs I have owned since the first Beatles LP was issued.
The only concern for loading speakers with amplifiers of Very Low Wattage is a Possibility of driving the amplifier into Clipping Distortion on heavy music program, and this might cause speaker coil heating. So, it's good to feed light music program to Very Low Wattage amplifiers. Don't overload the amp.
My favourite upgrade is the binding post layout. I regret not having the same WBT locking bananas that I use on my bi-wired Yamaha 803 stereo receiver because the plastic speaker nuts are always coming loose from my WBT spades at the speakers, where there is no room to crank tighter. The new spacious layout and metel nuts will be my immediate deciding factor for an upgrade for my AQ Rocket 33s.
Hello!I tried several ls what needed in a mid-sized room with a simple stereo amp.(marantz pm7005)Finally I found a cheap but good ls the polk signature elite 20.Not a high-end or audiophile,but I do not like "dry" or "neutral" or "flat"..So the polks do it,they could handle the power,have enough bass without sub,very clear and detailed at vocals-dialogues,and a little cheated-lifted at highs but not tiring. I loved the diamond 11.2s before them,but they could not handle the power and the dialogues sinked into the bass so were muddy not clear. If could be: I choose the mix of the es20 and the diamond 11.2s: the shape and the kevlar woofer from the 11.2s and the more power,clear vocals,opened sound of the polks.👍My dream is the R200 or evo4.2 but the tweeter's direction,narrow dispersion not my choice ☹️
I was going to buy the mii last week but I found the original 600m on sale from Klipsch for $250. I hooked them up the other day and they have more clarity, by far, than the Elac Debuts and my old Martin USA Gammas. I'm running a Marantz 2220, Technics 1200 turntable with ATVM95SH cart, and use my Mac Mini as a digital source. I can't imagine having more clarity, when I'm hearing details in tracks that I've never heard before, even with my Grado headphones. For example, the rhythm guitar on Steely Dan's Peg is very clear in the right channel. I'll wait until the speakers break in more to decide if they're keepers or not, but so far I am very impressed.
Cool Mon!!!!!!!!!I was 13 when I went to the Bob Marley show in June at Music Inn in Lennox MA (Outdoor venue which John Lewis of MJQ was music director at nm 60' which had changed over to rock in the 70's with a great outdoor stage).Remember the Frisbees,the Rasta tapestries hung on the fence,and the sound men smoking a spiff the size of my fore arm.I was helping work the food concessions for my older cousins friend and that summer I saw Marshall Tucker,The Kinks "Low Budget" tour and the Beach Boys.Quite a summer for a lad I must say.Good times
I bought these following many good reviews and yours. I am about to upgrade to a second hand pair of J M Reynaud Cantbile Jubilee floorstanders. French made and that’s where I live. I would never sell my RP’s! They’re going into my real listening room (office) and paired to an ATOLL amp. It’s almost an upgrade for them. Will look at the next ones when available.
Hi, I have listen to the JMR Lunna. Do you know this model? It sounds fantastic (for me). But I am also very interested in the RP600m. Would you prefer the RPs over the JMR? An Atoll Amp is also on my list. ;)
Well, that price difference reflects the large difference in global production costs and shipping we’ve been experiencing over the last couple of years. Ocean shipping costs alone have more than doubled. Strangely, these are essentially priced the same, in that you’ll be seeing 20-25% cost increases from most manufacturers.
@@cbrunhaver Yeah I guess that's true. Across the board all prices seem to be elevated. All $500 dollar subs I've been searching for are now $600. Very sad :(
And its doubtful prices will ever come down and if they do, they will come down less than how much they went up...pretty disgusting. So glad I am not on the endless upgrade gerbil wheel.
Hasn't anyone learned yet that the new version isn't better, it is different! Steve was bonkers over the original 600M`s because of their dynamic live concert experience and forwardness, and now the new version is different, and I don't think Steve likes them as much as the originals.
Marsha, you are 100% correct. Different does not always equal better but its a very effective selling tool and many people sadly eat it up and spend fortunes chasing rainbows that do not exist in audio. Some people are also sadly never satisfied or have to have the latest & greatest. Oh well....to each their own but no thanks for me. Too much focus on gear at the expense of music for too many IMO.
Hi Steve. I purchased a 5.1 Elac Debut 6 setup based on your comments 4 years ago. Elac 6” towers, 6” shelf surrounds, 6” centre,12” sub and denon 95w p/c. I’ve been so happy with it I have not really embraced any audio reviews in a few years. I came right back to you having had my interest peaked by local store selling Klipsch 5.1.2 reference system on the 600 platform. I quite fancy Atmos. I would very much appreciate your opinion on wether it’s worth me changing. I have the luxury of a 24 x 18 foot room that I spend a lot of my free time in. It’s rarely used for music, mostly movies and games. I’ve heard Klipsch can be a bit bright, especially compared to the Debut that are usually described as a soft mid to high. I’m the sort of guy that often reduces bass as I find it can drown some sound tracks and although I love the debut, I often find 12” sub plus towers with a dedicated low end driver can be a bit much. Hopefully you see this. I would really value your reply.
Hi Thomas, from everything you said stick with what you have. I’m a firm believer in enjoying what you already own. If you want to make a change, change your amplifier or digital or analog parts of your system. Thanks for watching, Steve.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac thank you for the reply, kind of you to do so and I will take that advise. I’m just using a denon x2400H receiver, so if you have any reconnections around a change there I will gladly look them up
if elvis were still around today he would have a pair of these new klipsch 600s in his bedroom system at graceland.the speakers would have to be on stands high enough to be at ear level above his massive 9 foot by 9 foot bed.
I bought the previous RP-600s based on all the rave reviews on them to possibly replace the NHT Classic 3s that I use in my office at work with a Peachtree integrated. I was massively disappointed. Muddy is the word that comes to mind. I let them break-in and played for a few weeks, but really hated them and had to return. $70 return shipping. At least I got away from them.
I completely agree - I have a pair of Reference RB-61IIs and wanted the newer version of that speaker and wow, was I disappointed. The whole speaker and midrange in particular sounded completely underwater, like something was wrong with the crossovers. No clarity whatsoever, I also lost money shipping them back. I ended up finding a pair of NOS RB81IIs and they're just like the 61s but bigger in every way!
@@nickscapellato8248 Dannie Richie of GR Research is the only person that gave a review of them that represented what I heard. I haven't trusted a single reviewer since
How do these sound at lower listening levels? We watch a lot of high quality tv and movies at night when the kids are sleeping. Mainly movies and less music.
Buy a pair of rp-500m ii klipsch speakers. Pair them with an integrated Rotel 1572 mkii amplifier. I'm happy, I didn't know the Klipsch brand and the way the voice stars in its sound I like it
I went to my local stereo shop looking to upgrade my Emotiva Airmotive 4s speakers. I compared these to Dynaudio Emit 10, and the Focal Chora 806. I have heard many BAD things about the Klipsch and some reviewers here have torn them apart.... A live listen does wonders... I went in thinking the Focals or even the Kef Q350, both on amazing sales along with the Dynaudio Emit 10s... I walked out with a pair of the Klipsch, color me surprised... At $450 on sale they are a SUPER bargain! Their is, of course better, but at what price. I am pretty happy overall with the 2nd version... Oh btw I am a member of your patreon too! :-)
I’m thinking the recent LRS+ and the RP-600M II are more a marketing tool to allow a significant price increase on loss leader speakers. I’m sure the newer versions sound different, but are they better enough to justify a near 40% price bump. I’ll just say I’m skeptical.
You can draw your own conclusions of course. But you might’ve noticed that we were in a period of high inflation, parts supply shortages, radically increased shipping costs, etc. If you don’t think they are worth it, don’t buy them! Each of us determines the value of everything we buy, it shouldn’t be any other way.
I wonder if Danny Richie's imrpoved crossover mod had influenced the new 600m update. The original had a big dip where the woofer-tweeter crossover points met.
My guess is that Danny will review the updated speaker, find it lacking in critical areas, and put together an upgrade kit to bring the sound of the RP-600M II up to his impeccable and painstakingly researched standards. Danny's rapt customer base will buy it and agree that it brings out so much more in the speaker than Klipsch's mediocre stock crossover and that Danny sure knows his stuff.
Someone should consider creating a RU-vid channel reviewing beers and lagers and then also selling 1 oz, vials of his expert formulations to make them taste more authentic. It's an untapped (so to speak) market that's begging to be served. What's another 2 dollars to achieve a truly state of the art beer. A guy who knows beer and knows how beer is supposed to taste could take it a long way.
Danny Richie looked at these after his employees Hobbs bought a pair. They were improved over the original version but still not as good as they could have been, So again Danny (GR-Research) offers another upgrade kit with improved crossover and much higher parts quality for greater fidelity). Incidentally he says he gets sent more Klipsch speakers than any other brand so there must be a lot of folks buying them off Klipsch’s brand awareness but then not being happy with them and look to improve the response so send to Danny for fixing. Imagine how much more clear they’ll sound after doing the GR upgrade
Steve, did you let the 600 break in for a while before the review? I would think the bass tone would change after the break in and perhaps the highs would tame down a bit…
Steve , there’s a soon to be released Clapton live at Fillmore 94 …the one song available sounds fantastic…Freddie kings iconic have you ever loved a woman
I have the original 600m and enjoy them! Great energy as you say however to me they give an impression of the sound of cymbals on a drum kit but do not sound realistic as far as clarity, extensions and decay. You did mention the new 600m’s, the point 2’s have better clarity. Recently I purchased the Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 and I definitely hear a difference in that category and I’m wondering how the 600m.2 would compare? Do cymbals have better extension and decay compared the the original 600m’s?
With the many rave reviews for the RP-600s older and new, I find it weird that there's so little commentary about the RP-6000 tower version. Do all the strong points carry over? I have space better suited for towers and I'm looking for a way to get the 6000s or 8000s in here for a trial run.
Good luck. Main concern is how deep they are and then having to put them about 18" to 24" away from the wall. If you have the space and sit far enough away for the drivers to present an integrated sound, you might love them. I'd love to compare the older RP-8000 with the newer refresh and hear what the differences are.
''It's so right as it is '' #1 Woofer and tweeter are out of phase #2There is a giant ''crevasse''in the midrange .That's where you get ''Presence'' #3 It' s a shouty speaker that get's on your nerves after 10 minutes.If you hear it for the first time ,you go WOW...After 10 minutes you're done .Very sibilant ! The new variant has the same crappy parts in the crossover and they slightly rose the response of both drivers to meet in the middle ... 900CDN$for a 6.5 and rweeter?!I'd go for Elac UB 52 .
So many reviews out there. Some hate'em and some love'em. I'm going to replace my Polk satellite/sub system as time and money permit and will be ordering a pair of the RP600M2s as soon as I finish writing this note. They are on sale (ends tomorrow) for $449/pair, which isn't a whole lot less than I pair for all 6 speakers with the Polk. Without the sub, they're....anemic. With 3" drivers and a 3/4" tweeter. I can't wait to get the new Klipsch's. I've never owned them before. Maybe I could use my current l/r for side surrounds?? I'm not sure I can do Atmos with my chair against a wall in a small bedroom. Tell me if I'm wrong.
Also a lot of people (and reviewers) don't like this speaker very much. I think its not only taste, there are objective variables for sound, for example how voices sound naturally. It's important to explain the characteristics and the weak points of each speaker, including the Klipsch.
Yes, but there’s one thing I’ve learned in my time in Audio, there is no such thing as a universally loved speaker, or anything else. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, it’s up to the buyer to decide which one is right for them.
The new tweeter looks like the tweeter in the RF7 III. Marketing generally needs a boost at some point. I'm sure it's a good upgrade and worth the $200.
Thanks Steve, what do you think of the following for a large room? 6m X 9m X 2.7m Lyngdorf TDAI 1120 1 pair Klipsch RP600M II 2 X RSL Speedwoofer 10S as “boundary woofers” All tuned by Lyngdorf’s Room Perfect
