Klipsch RP-600M vs JBL Studio 530

The JBL Studio 530 and the Klipsch RP-600M are both quality bookshelf speakers that are priced similarly. They are also both a pair of stereo speakers that are popular for home theater and music listening. For that reason, we thought it would be helpful to talk about those considering buying both speakers. The JBL 530 vs Klipsch RP 600M battle is a relatively fair matchup with some small differences. We’ll discuss what those differences are and break down what each pair of speakers bring to the table. You will find our quick summary below followed by a detailed comparison.

Key Speaker Specifications

Comparison: Klipsch RP-600M vs JBL Studio 530

Power Handling and Volume

The JBL Studio 530 and Klipsch RP-600M are both passive bookshelf speakers. This means they both require an external amplifier to power them. Most accomplish this by connecting to an amplifier or AV receiver depending on the application. The Klipsch RP-600M speakers are rated as 8 Ohm speakers with 96 dB sensitivity. The JBL 530 are 6 Ohm speakers with a sensitivity of 86 dB.

What does all this mean? The sensitivity is the most important spec here. Sensitivity dictates how much power a bookshelf speaker needs to drive them. Speakers with high sensitivity are more efficient and require less power to achieve low volume. Like many Klipsch speakers, the Klipsch RP-600M are high efficiency speakers. This means they might be a better fit if you are worried about filling a larger room with sound. Or some people just like loud volumes for music listening. Just be safe, as there are hearing loss dangers associated with loud music!

The JBL 530s have a suggested power of 25 to 125 watts (per channel/bookshelf speaker) to drive them. Each Klipsch RP-600M bookshelf speaker has a maximum power output of 200 watts. Both of these speakers can handle a lot of power, but the Klipsch speakers will require less to get loud. When considering bookshelf or floor standing speakers, many people bring up volume. These are two larger bookshelf speakers that will be sufficient for most rooms.

Construction and Size

The JBL Studio 530 (8.4″W x 18.4″H x 8.5″ D) and Klipsch RP-600M (8″W x 15.8″H x 11.9″D) are similarly-sized large bookshelf speakers. The JBL 530 is slightly taller, while the Klipsch speakers are a little deeper. They also weigh roughly the same with each JBL and Klipsch speaker weighing in at 17 and 16 pounds, respectively.

The JBL Studio 530 has a black design that is both unique and divisive. In my opinion, the design is much more appealing in person with the cover on. I do not like how these speakers look without the cover over the woofer driver. Its tweeter is a high-frequency compression driver. The tweeter is placed in the center of a bi-radial horn. Those horns are the biggest attention grabber on this non-traditional design. The design is very much a love or hate thing that will come down to preference. Each bookshelf speaker is made of MDF wood and feels extremely sturdy to the touch. On the back of the speaker, you will find a rear-facing bass port and dual gold binding posts. Each binding post does have bi-wire/bi-amp capability.

The Klipsch RP-600M has 3 different color options. The Ebony and Walnut color options have cabinets with laminate wood grain finishes. The Piano Black option has a glossy black. Every color has the cooper-spun woofer that is synonymous with Klipsch speakers. I’m a fan of the look and the overall design of the Klipsch RP-600M. There is an optional magnetic speaker cover included. Most will prefer this to the design of the JBL Studio 530. The Klipsch RP-600M also has a rear-facing bass port and binding posts with bi-wire/bi-amp capability.

Sound Quality and Configuration

The JBL Studio 530 has a large bi-radial horn loaded with a 1″ high-frequency compression driver along with a 5.25″ low-frequency polyplas woofer. The Klipsch RP-600M was a 1″ titanium tractix horn tweeter and 6.5″ copper-spun woofer. The frequency response for both speakers is essentially identical. Both of these speakers have impressive sound quality. We’ll compare the characteristics and sound signature of each starting with the JBL speakers.

JBL 530 Sound Quality

There’s a somewhat magical quality to the JBL 530. It starts with a very wide sound stage that must be a result of the large bi-radial horn that flanks the compression drivers. This is always a positive feature, especially if there will be a lot of distance between the two speakers. That was the case with my projector setup. With these speakers 10 feet apart, the dialogue still seemed like it was being projected from the center during stereo playback. They worked well for home theater and will project to a wide listening position.

Music listening was also enjoyable with these JBL speakers. I found the JBL 530’s sound signature closer to neutral than the Klipsch RP-600M. Along with the amazing sound stage, the mid-range and high frequencies are where these speakers shine. I especially enjoyed instrument and vocal-centric music. The midrange is smooth and full. Highs are crisp and have a pristine quality to them. The bass response is accurate and satisfying, if not very forceful. When I threw bass-heavy tracks at the JBL Studio 530, they typically performed well. There were a few instances of port chuffing when pushed really hard. I don’t see this as a huge negative. You will really want to pair bookshelf speakers with a subwoofer for impactful bass anyway.

Klipsch RP-600M Sound Quality

The Klipsch RP-600M are bold-looking speakers with sound to match. The fun and dynamic sound signature are a little brighter than the JBL Studio 530. As expected for speakers with high efficiency, you don’t need much power to get them to perform very loud loudly. The larger 6.5″ woofer on the Klipsch bookshelf speaker provided a deeper bass response than the JBL speakers. An added subwoofer will always be a substantial upgrade in the bass department though. Both of these speakers reproduce frequencies as low as 45Hz.

The mids are good, particularly in the upper midrange frequency range. I didn’t get the same overall clarity in the vocals as I did from the JBL 530s though. Higher frequencies are fun and really crisp on the Klipsch RP-600M. The slightly forward higher frequencies are where the dynamic sound signature stands out. It adds to the music listening experience, as well as a home theater. An audiophile who prefers a more neutral sound signature might prefer different speakers. It will also depend heavily on the type of music and movies you watch.

Price and Value

We know everyone wants the best, but money is always a consideration. Here’s how these speakers compare price-wise. You will often see fluctuation in prices for consumer audio products. It’s been an even crazier year than usual on that front. Both of these speakers have seen price movement. You can usually find the JBL Studio 530 bookshelf speakers for less than the Klipsch RP-600M. The JBL Studio 530 speakers retail for $599 and that’s the current price as I write this on the JBL website. JBL also has periodic sales on its website where the JBL Studio 530 bookshelf speakers sell for as low as $240. At that price, they are really one of the best bargains in consumer audio. You can often find them for more than $240 but much less than the $599 retail price.

It should be noted that JBL often has sales for the entire JBL Studio 5 Series. The JBL Studio 5 series includes all the speakers you need for a surround sound home theater setup. That includes a center channel, multiple floorstanding speakers, and a subwoofer. We’ve actually reviewed the JBL Studio 5 Series subwoofer (JBL 550P).

The Klipsch RP-600M usually sells for around $450 to 500 dollars. That price has seen less movement recently. These speakers are part of Klipsch’s Reference Premiere series that includes many more speakers. Unlike the Studio 5 Series, the Reference Premiere series also has speakers with Dolby Atmos functionality. Makes sure to shop around though. Klipsch speakers are known for inflated retail prices. They can typically be found for less than retail if you wait for a sale.

Klipsch and JBL are respected brands for audio and technology. Both deliver impressively with these bookshelf speakers, which are great for home theater due to their versatility. If you’re seeking value, the JBL 530 is your answer when on sale. Make no mistake though. The JBL 530 vs Klipsch RP-600M is a battle of premium speakers and that can cost money. There’s also no cost saving on the power front. None of these speakers are powered or active speakers. You will need to purchase an external amplifier or AV receiver if you don’t already have one.

Verdict: JBL 530 vs Klipsch RP-600M

Buy the JBL 530 if:

• You are planning a home theater setup
• You want a more neutral and versatile sound signature
• You are on a budget or want the most value
• You don’t mind the design

Buy the Klipsch RP-600M if:

1. You need to fill a larger room or want the loudest speaker
2. You want a more dynamic or v-shaped sound signature
3. You want deeper bass (and don’t plan on adding a subwoofer)
4. You want the more appealing design

We have a bookshelf speaker buying guide that provides guidance and tips for your buying decision. We also have multiple reviews if you want to research other options.

Conclusion & Alternative Bookshelf Speakers

These are two great bookshelf speakers that you can’t go wrong with. We can comfortably recommend them for both music and home theater. There are always alternatives though. The Edifier S2000MKII are active bookshelf speakers priced very close to the Klipsch RP-600M. They have Bluetooth capability, great sound quality, and don’t require an external amplifier. Edifier’s R1850 has similar functionality to the Edifier S2000MKII. They are a step down for sound quality but add a subwoofer line out and an appealing $200 price point. Lastly, the Sony SSCS5 are great budget bookshelf speakers that perform well for their price point. For similarly priced bookshelf speakers, check out our list of the best options under $500.