Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-600M II Ebony Bookshelf Speakers Review (2026)

Who the RP-600M II is built for

This speaker targets someone assembling a two-channel system around a turntable, receiver, or integrated amplifier who wants a compact bookshelf design rather than floor-standing towers, while still getting the dynamic, horn-loaded sound Klipsch is known for. Its efficient design makes it a good match for lower-power amplifiers, including many tube amps, where less efficient speakers might struggle to reach comfortable listening levels. It suits a listener who values detail and impact over an ultra-smooth, laid-back tonal balance, since horn-loaded tweeters are known for a more forward, energetic top end. It is a poor match for anyone in a very small room who finds bright horn-tweeter speakers fatiguing on already harsh or poorly mastered recordings.

What is under the hood

The RP-600M II pairs a 1 inch titanium LTS vented tweeter, loaded into a larger 90 by 90 degree hybrid cross-section Tractrix horn, with a 6.5 inch Cerametallic cone woofer featuring a 70 percent larger voice coil than the original RP-600M and Faraday rings to reduce distortion. Each speaker measures about 15.75 by 7.95 by 13.00 inches and weighs roughly 18.1 pounds, with a rated frequency response of 44 Hz to 25 kHz within plus or minus 3 dB. Klipsch rates sensitivity at 94.5 dB using in-room, half-space measurement conditions, with power handling of 100 watts continuous and 400 watts peak into a nominal 8 ohm load, and a crossover frequency of 1500 Hz. Dual binding posts support bi-wiring or bi-amping, and the ebony vinyl finish uses a satin-painted baffle with a scratch-resistant coating.

Setup and living with it

Placement on stands or a shelf away from room corners generally lets the Tractrix horn and Cerametallic woofer integrate cleanly, and because the design is efficient, even a modest amplifier can drive these speakers to satisfying volume in a small to medium room. The dual binding posts allow bi-wiring for listeners who want to run separate cables to the tweeter and woofer sections, though a single set of quality speaker cable works fine for most setups. The removable magnetic grille and cork pads, which replace the rubber bumpers used on earlier Reference Premiere speakers, are small refinements aimed at protecting furniture and simplifying the look when the grilles are off. Because the tweeter is horn-loaded and can sound forward, some care in amplifier pairing and room treatment helps tame brightness on harder-edged recordings.

How it compares with rival bookshelf speakers

In the bookshelf-speakers-for-vinyl ranking here, the RP-600M II places first of eight, ahead of the original RP-600M from the same Klipsch line and ahead of the Q Acoustics 3020i, both of which score close behind. Against the Sony SSCS5 and Polk Monitor XT15 further down the ranking, the RP-600M II's horn-loaded tweeter and larger voice coil woofer give it more dynamic headroom and efficiency, useful for a system built around a turntable and modest amplification. The Mark II update specifically improves on the original RP-600M's tweeter horn size and woofer voice coil, which is reflected in its higher position over that earlier model in this same guide.

Bottom line

Choose the RP-600M II in ebony if you want an efficient, dynamic bookshelf speaker for a turntable-based system and can tolerate, or even prefer, a more forward horn-tweeter character. It earns 8.9 out of 10 here, with a perfect fit for the job and strong build quality reflecting the Mark II refinements over the original RP-600M. If a smoother, less horn-forward sound matters more, the Q Acoustics 3020i in the same guide is worth auditioning instead. If budget is tighter and the original RP-600M's smaller horn and voice coil are an acceptable trade-off, that earlier model remains available at a lower price in this same lineup.

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