8 Best Klipsch Bookshelf Speakers (Review Buying Guide) 2022
By Robert Jones · 2020-11-29
I've tested countless Klipsch bookshelf speakers over the years, and here are my honest, no-nonsense picks for the best ones, from budget-friendly to top-tier, all from a proper audio engineer's perspective. You either love that lively Klipsch sound or you don't, and I'll tell you exactly who they're for.
 *8 Best Klipsch Bookshelf Speakers (Review Buying Guide) 2022 — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* '''Right, Klipsch. You see them everywhere, don't you? Especially their bookshelf stuff. From the early 2000s when I was knee-deep in home cinema installs to now, running SpeakersMag, I've had countless pairs come through my workshop. They've landed in all sorts of rooms for testing. And honestly, for good reason. They’re a bit like that mate who’s loud at the pub but always up for a laugh and gets the party going. You know the type. You either love ‘em or you think they’re a bit much. No in-between. These aren’t for folks who want background music; they’re for those who want to feel it. That live sound, that attack, the sheer dynamics – that’s Klipsch in a nutshell. If that sounds like your cup of tea, then read on. If you prefer something more reserved, more "polite," then perhaps a nice pair of Q Acoustics or Bowers & Wilkins might be more your speed. But if you're still here, let's get into it. I’ve put a good few through their paces recently, and I’ve got some strong opinions. Some are brilliant, some are just... fine. And some, well, you'd be better off saving your pennies for something else. I’ve looked at everything from the really budget-friendly stuff to the higher-end Reference Premiere models. All tested with my usual suspects: Massive Attack for the bass and texture, Dire Straits for dynamics, and a good live vocal recording, often Nina Simone, to check clarity. It gives a good spread, really shows what a speaker can do. And it’s not just about the numbers on a spec sheet, is it? It’s about how they actually sound in a real room, with real music. That’s what I care about. **Quick Verdict: Klipsch bookshelf speakers deliver lively, dynamic sound with superb efficiency, but can be a bit much if you prefer a laid-back presentation.** ## Klipsch RP-600M: The Modern Classic Ah, the RP-600M. These have been a staple in my rotation for a while. I've had a pair set up in my office system for almost a year now, running off a Marantz PM6007 amplifier, and honestly, they're just cracking. When they first came out, everyone was raving, and for once, the hype was largely justified. Klipsch really hit a sweet spot here. The Tractrix horn, which is their signature, means these are incredibly efficient. You don't need a powerhouse amp to get them singing. My 60-watt Marantz drives them beautifully, and I rarely push it past a third of its volume. They throw a really wide soundstage, too. They’re not going to vanish into the room like some high-end planar speakers, but the imaging is pretty darn good for the money. You can pick out instruments quite easily. I found them particularly good with rock and electronic music. The drums have real punch, and guitars just sing. For something like the Foo Fighters, they’re just right. For classical, they can sometimes feel a little forward, a little *too* present, especially with brass sections. But that’s the Klipsch sound, innit? You either want that directness or you don't. The bass is surprisingly deep for a bookshelf speaker. It’s got a good kick, and for most rooms up to, say, 15-20 square metres, you probably won't even feel the need for a subwoofer. But if you’re a bass-head, or if you’ve got a bigger room, then a good 10-inch sub like an SVS SB-1000 Pro would complement them beautifully. The build quality is decent. Nothing fancy, but solid enough. The black veneer looks smart enough in most settings. I’ve always found the magnetic grilles a nice touch too, much tidier than those fiddly pegs. **Who it’s for:** * Folks who want an energetic, dynamic sound. * Anyone with a modest amplifier looking for efficient speakers. * Home cinema setups where clarity and impact are key. * Those listening to rock, pop, electronic, or film soundtracks. **Who should skip it:** * If you prefer a warmer, more laid-back, or overtly neutral sound. * For very small rooms where their directness might overwhelm. * Classical music purists who value subtle detail above all else. **Pros:** * Excellent dynamics and lively presentation. * High efficiency – easy to drive with most amplifiers. * Surprisingly deep and impactful bass for their size. * Wide soundstage and good imaging. * Solid build for the price. **Cons:** * Can be a bit "forward" or bright for some tastes. * Treble can sometimes feel a touch aggressive with poor recordings. ### Klipsch RP-500M: The Little Brother The RP-500M is the smaller sibling to the 600M, and it shares much of its DNA. I had a pair of these in my spare bedroom setup for a few months last year, paired with a Cambridge Audio AXA35. Lovely little system for a smaller space. The main difference, as you’d expect, is the size of the mid-bass driver – it’s a 5.25-inch cone compared to the 6.5-inch in the 600M. This means a bit less bass extension and a touch less overall scale. But don’t let that put you off entirely. What it loses in outright thump, it gains in nimbleness. The bass is still punchy, just not quite as deep. In a smaller room, say 10-12 square metres, they’re actually a better fit than the 600Ms. They don’t overpower the space. The sound is still very much Klipsch: lively, dynamic, and engaging. They’re just as efficient, so still easy to drive. I found them particularly good for desk setups or small office spaces. Pop and vocal tracks really shine. With something like Adele, her voice has real presence. I wouldn’t recommend them for a large living room as your main speakers, though. They’d just get lost, and you’d be constantly turning the volume up, which isn’t ideal. For the price, they’re still a great buy if space is at a premium. They’re often on offer too, so keep an eye out around sale seasons. **Pros:** * Compact size, great for smaller rooms or desktops. * Still offers that signature Klipsch lively sound. * Very efficient, easy to drive. * Good clarity for vocals and acoustic instruments. **Cons:** * Limited bass extension compared to larger models. * Not suitable for larger rooms. * Can still be a bit bright for some. ### Klipsch R-50M: The Budget Contender Now, we’re stepping down into the Reference series, which is usually a bit more wallet-friendly than the Reference Premiere line. The R-50M is the current iteration of their entry-level bookshelf speaker. I grabbed a pair of these for a friend who was setting up their first proper Hi-Fi system, and we spent a good afternoon getting them dialled in. For around £200-£250, they’re a decent option, especially if you’re coming from something like a soundbar or really basic speakers. They still feature the Tractrix horn, but it’s a different material and design than the copper-coloured ones on the RP series. You still get that direct, energetic sound, but it’s a little less refined. The treble can be a touch coarser, and the mid-range isn’t quite as open or detailed. Bass is present, but it’s not as tight or articulate as the RP models. It’s a bit more "one-note" sometimes. I found they worked best with more straightforward pop and rock music, things that benefit from a bit of punch rather than nuanced detail. They’re also surprisingly good for background music, as they’re so easy to drive. They don’t demand your full attention, which can be a good thing sometimes. I wouldn’t recommend them if you’re looking for something to dissect every layer of a complex orchestral piece. They’re more about getting you tapping your foot. Think of them as a decent starter speaker. If you’re on a tight budget and want that Klipsch flavour, they’ll do the job. But if you can stretch a bit more, say to the RP-500M, you’ll hear a noticeable jump in quality. **Pros:** * Very affordable entry into Klipsch sound. * High efficiency. * Good for lively, punchy music. * Compact size. **Cons:** * Less refined sound than RP series. * Bass can be a bit loose. * Treble can be harsh with poor recordings. * Lacks detail and nuance. ### Klipsch R-40M: Even Smaller, Even Cheaper The R-40M is the absolute smallest and cheapest bookshelf speaker Klipsch currently makes. I haven’t had a pair of these in my workshop for a full review, but I did hear them extensively at a Hi-Fi show last year, hooked up to a budget Denon mini-system. They’re tiny, really. Think proper desktop speakers or for a tiny bedroom. They’ve got a 4-inch woofer, so you’re obviously not going to get much bass at all. It’s there, it’s present, but it’s not going to move any air. What they do offer is that typical Klipsch directness and efficiency in a very small package. They’re fine for background listening, podcasts, or casual music where you don’t need much low-end presence. If you’re really tight on space and budget, and just want something that sounds better than a smart speaker, they’re an option. But honestly, if you can stretch another fifty quid, the R-50M is a significantly better speaker. The jump in sound quality and bass response is well worth the small extra investment. I’d only consider these if space was extremely limited and a subwoofer wasn