Klipsch RB-81 II vs Klipsch RP-160M: Overview of expert opinions

In terms of clarity of sound, both the Klipsch RP-160M and Klipsch RB-81 II are highly regarded. The RP-160M is praised for its clean, precise, and detailed sound reproduction. Reviewers have mentioned being able to easily distinguish individual instruments and appreciate the finer details of the music.

The speakers are described as having a bright sound signature, which adds to the clarity and allows for a professional listening experience. The RP-160M is also commended for its ability to reveal the finest details of the sound stage, further enhancing the clarity of the audio.

Similarly, the RB-81 II is known for its captivating and coherent sound across the entire frequency range. The speakers excel in reproducing higher bass frequencies with tightness and richness, while maintaining a sharp treble register. The titanium compression driver and Tactrix horn combination contribute to the incredible detail and dynamic range of the sound.

The RB-81 II is also praised for its neutral sound profile, which ensures distortion-free and accurate audio reproduction.

Overall, both the Klipsch RP-160M and Klipsch RB-81 II offer exceptional clarity of sound. The RP-160M provides a clean and precise sound with a bright signature, while the RB-81 II delivers a coherent and engaging sound with a neutral profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preferences and the specific requirements of the listener.

Based on the information provided, it appears that the Klipsch RB-81 II has a better bass performance compared to the Klipsch RP-160M.

The RB-81 II is praised for its tight and richly textured restitution of higher bass frequencies, with a front-firing bass-reflex port and driver agility amplifying the bass and providing an enormous amount of energy. The RB-81 II delivers a generous amount of punch in the higher bass frequencies and is described as vigorous and not sloppy.

Klipsch's announced frequency response of 45 Hz is also met by the RB-81 II.

In contrast, while the RP-160M has good bass, it may require a subwoofer for bass-heavy genres.

Therefore, if bass performance is a priority, the Klipsch RB-81 II would be the better choice.

In terms of overall sound performance, both the Klipsch RP-160M and Klipsch RB-81 II speakers are highly regarded and praised for their exceptional sound quality.

The Klipsch RP-160M speakers are known for their clean and precise audio reproduction, offering a wide sound stage and revealing fine details of the music being played. They are described as lively, authentic, and exciting, providing a premium sound experience that makes the listener feel as if they are witnessing a live event.

These speakers are also praised for their ability to play with enthusiasm and power across various music genres, from symphony orchestras to rock and electronica.

On the other hand, the Klipsch RB-81 II speakers are also highly regarded for their overall sound quality. They are described as delivering a captivating, lively, and coherent sound with a tight and rich bass, sharp treble, and a wide range of information. These speakers are known for their enormous amount of energy, providing a vigorous and punchy bass performance.

The titanium compression driver and Tactrix horn combination is also mentioned as contributing to the incredible detail and clarity of the sound. The Klipsch RB-81 II speakers are recommended for various genres of music as well as for movie and concert enjoyment.

In terms of sound performance, both speakers offer exceptional quality and are praised for their ability to reproduce music with accuracy and detail. They both provide a wide sound stage and reveal fine details of the music being played. The Klipsch RP-160M speakers are known for their lively and exciting sound, while the Klipsch RB-81 II speakers are praised for their captivating and energetic sound.

Both speakers are highly regarded and recommended for various genres of music, as well as for movie and concert enjoyment. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preferences and specific requirements.

Based on the reviews, both the Klipsch RP-160M and Klipsch RB-81 II speakers are highly regarded for their sound quality across different genres of music.

The Klipsch RP-160M speakers are praised for their clarity and precision in reproducing a wide range of music styles. They have a bright sound signature and are able to easily pick out specific instruments in songs. The RP-160M speakers excel in reproducing singer-songwriter music with a focus on vocal performances, providing a lifelike reproduction of voices and guitar strings.

They are also described as playing with enthusiasm and power, delivering an authentic and exciting experience with almost any kind of music, from symphony orchestras to dirty garage rock and electronica.

On the other hand, the Klipsch RB-81 II speakers are known for delivering a captivating and coherent sound across various genres. They offer a tight and richly textured restitution of higher bass frequencies, which is balanced with a sharp treble register. The RB-81 II speakers are recommended for rock, electro, and jazz scenes, as well as for watching films and concerts.

They are described as lively and fun to listen to, with a generous amount of punch in the higher bass frequencies. The tweeter is also praised for its impressive dynamic range and ability to be bright when necessary.

In terms of sound quality, both speakers seem to excel in their own ways. The RP-160M speakers are praised for their clarity and ability to reproduce a wide range of music styles, while the RB-81 II speakers are known for their captivating and coherent sound across various genres. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preferences and the specific genre of music being played.

Both the Klipsch RP-160M and Klipsch RB-81 II speakers incorporate advanced features and technologies that contribute to their sound quality.

The RP-160M focuses on precise control of sound dispersion, with its redesigned Tractrix horn technology and 90x90 Hybrid Tractrix horn. This results in enhanced clarity, detail, and a wider sweet spot for optimal listening.

The RB-81 II, on the other hand, emphasizes energy and punch in the higher bass frequencies with its front-firing bass-reflex port and driver agility. It also utilizes a titanium compression driver and Tractrix horn for detailed and accurate high frequencies.

Both speakers offer a balanced sound signature, but the RP-160M leans towards a well-balanced sound with detailed highs and impactful lows, while the RB-81 II focuses on tight and richly textured higher bass frequencies in balance with sharp treble.

Ultimately, the choice between the two speakers depends on personal preferences and the desired sound characteristics.

Both the Klipsch RP-160M and Klipsch RB-81 II have similar frequency ranges, with the RP-160M having a slightly wider range of 45-25,000 Hz compared to the RB-81 II's range of 44 Hz to 24 kHz. This means that both speakers are capable of reproducing a wide range of frequencies, allowing you to hear both low and high notes with clarity and detail.

However, the RP-160M has a slightly higher upper frequency limit, which may result in slightly better high-frequency performance. Overall, both speakers offer a good frequency response for a wide range of audio content.

Both the Klipsch RP-160M and Klipsch RB-81 II speakers handle low frequencies well, but there are some differences in their performance.

The RP-160M provides an average bass depth, according to a product review. It has a frequency response range of 45-25k Hz at ±3dB, with a minimum frequency of 45 Hz. While it can produce decent low-end frequencies, the reviewer suggests considering adding a subwoofer for better low-end response. This indicates that the RP-160M may not deliver deep bass on its own.

On the other hand, the RB-81 II speakers have a strong and energetic bass performance, according to verified product experts. They have a front-firing bass-reflex port and an agile driver that amplifies higher bass frequencies and delivers a generous amount of punch. Klipsch claims a frequency response down to 45 Hz, and reviewers have confirmed that the RB-81 II delivers on this promise.

However, it is mentioned that the low-end bass rolls off just below 50Hz, so pairing these speakers with a subwoofer is recommended for a fuller movie or music experience with deep bass.

In summary, both speakers handle low frequencies well, but the RB-81 II seems to have a stronger and more energetic bass performance compared to the RP-160M. However, for a truly deep bass experience, it is recommended to pair either speaker with a subwoofer.

Both the Klipsch RP-160M and Klipsch RB-81 II speakers handle high frequencies exceptionally well. The RP-160M utilizes a redesigned Tractrix horn technology that improves the extension and high-frequency response, resulting in better clarity and accuracy. The circular horn throat with a square horn mouth design enhances the overall performance of the speakers in reproducing high frequencies.

Similarly, the RB-81 II also features a titanium dome tweeter mounted on an acoustic horn, which delivers a bright and detailed sound. The tweeter is designed to step in at the most opportune moments, enhancing the listening experience. The Tractrix horn design in this model also contributes to the clarity and accuracy of the high-frequency reproduction.

Overall, both speakers excel in handling high frequencies, providing clean and precise sound reproduction. The redesigned Tractrix horn technology in the RP-160M and the titanium dome tweeter with acoustic horn in the RB-81 II contribute to their impressive performance in this aspect.

In terms of size and shape, both the Klipsch RP-160M and Klipsch RB-81 II are rectangular bookshelf speakers. However, there are some differences in their dimensions.

The RP-160M is slightly smaller, measuring 16.6 x 8.8 x 12.8 inches, while the RB-81 II is larger, measuring 19" in height, 9.25" in width, and 12.3" in depth.

In terms of fitting into a typical home decor, both speakers have visually appealing designs.

The RP-160M features a large front panel with a 6. 5-inch woofer and a redesigned Tractrix high-frequency horn. It also comes with a premium wood grain polymer veneer and a brushed polymer veneer, giving it a high-end aesthetic appearance. This design allows the RP-160M to blend well with various home decor styles and can be placed on bookshelves, stands, or even wall-mounted in smaller spaces.

On the other hand, the RB-81 II has a wood-grain vinyl cabinet, which adds a touch of elegance to its design. While it is larger than the RP-160M, it can still fit well into a typical home decor, especially in rooms where high-quality audio and aesthetic appeal are desired, such as living rooms or home theaters.

Ultimately, the decision of which speaker fits better into a specific home decor will depend on personal preferences, the available space, and the overall layout of the room. Both speakers offer visually appealing designs and can enhance the audio experience in a home setting.

Both the Klipsch RP-160M and Klipsch RB-81 II speakers utilize Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) for their cabinets, which helps to minimize vibrations and resonances that can distort sound quality. However, the RP-160M speakers also feature a brushed polymer veneer finish on the front baffle, which helps reduce diffraction and improve the accuracy of the sound.

The RB-81 II speakers, on the other hand, have a black, wood-effect vinyl finish on their MDF panels, providing a sturdy and rigid enclosure. In terms of visual appeal, the Klipsch RP-160M speakers have a premium wood grain polymer veneer, giving them a luxurious look.

The RB-81 II speakers have a black acoustic cloth grill that not only protects the drivers but also adds to the clean aesthetic of the speakers.

Overall, both speakers use high-quality materials that contribute to their overall design and performance. The MDF cabinets provide stability and minimize unwanted vibrations, while the additional materials such as the polymer veneer and acoustic cloth help improve sound quality and enhance the visual appeal of the speakers.

In terms of color options, the Klipsch RP-160M offers more variety with its premium wood grain polymer veneer and brushed polymer veneer options. These options provide a range of visual appeal, from a classic and sophisticated look with the wood grain veneer to a more modern and sleek appearance with the brushed polymer veneer.

This allows the RP-160M speakers to fit seamlessly into different interior design styles and enhance the overall aesthetic of the room.

On the other hand, the Klipsch RB-81 II offers a more limited choice with its black and walnut color options. The walnut color option gives the speaker a premium quality vibe, adding a touch of elegance to the overall look. The black color option, on the other hand, has a simpler design with a black ash woodgrain vinyl finish.

While it may not have the same premium feel as the walnut option, it still offers a sleek and stylish appearance.

Ultimately, the choice of color options for both speakers depends on personal preference and how they fit into the overall room decor or individual taste. The RP-160M speakers provide more variety and flexibility in terms of visual appeal, while the RB-81 II speakers offer a choice between a premium quality vibe and a simpler, sleek design.

In terms of inputs and outputs, the Klipsch RP-160M bookshelf speakers offer more versatility compared to the Klipsch RB-81 II speakers. The RP-160M speakers have a dual binding post connection, allowing for bi-wiring or bi-amping. This means you can separately connect the low and high-frequency drivers to different amplifiers or channels for optimized performance.

Additionally, the RP-160M speakers have a rear-firing port for enhanced bass response. On the other hand, the Klipsch RB-81 II speakers only have a single set of binding post speaker terminals. While they still offer flexibility in terms of connecting speaker wires with bare wire, spade connectors, or banana plugs, they do not have any other inputs or outputs available.

Overall, if you are looking for more options in terms of connectivity and optimizing performance, the Klipsch RP-160M speakers would be the better choice. However, if you simply need a straightforward connection to your audio source or amplifier, the Klipsch RB-81 II speakers would suffice.

In terms of RCA inputs and outputs, the Klipsch RP-160M only has RCA inputs. This means that it can only receive audio signals from other devices that have RCA outputs. It does not have RCA outputs, so it cannot send audio signals to other devices.

On the other hand, the Klipsch RB-81 II has both RCA inputs and outputs. This means that it can receive audio signals from devices with RCA outputs, just like the RP-160M. However, it also has RCA outputs, which allows it to send audio signals to other devices that have RCA inputs.

Having both RCA inputs and outputs offers more flexibility in terms of connecting the RB-81 II to other audio devices. It allows for more options in terms of expanding the audio system with additional speakers or a subwoofer. The RCA outputs can be used to connect the RB-81 II to a subwoofer, for example, to enhance the low-frequency performance of the audio system.

Overall, the RB-81 II provides more versatility and options in terms of connectivity and expanding the audio system compared to the RP-160M, thanks to its RCA inputs and outputs.

Based on the information provided, it seems that neither the Klipsch RP-160M nor the Klipsch RB-81 II have built-in Bluetooth connectivity options. This means that you cannot directly connect your devices to these speakers via Bluetooth.

However, it is worth noting that both speakers have other connectivity options available. They both feature traditional wired connections, such as speaker wire inputs, which allow you to connect them to an amplifier or receiver. Additionally, they may have other input options like RCA or 3. 5mm auxiliary inputs, which would enable you to connect your devices using a wired connection.

If Bluetooth connectivity is a crucial feature for you, you may want to consider other speaker models that specifically offer this functionality.

Both the Klipsch RP-160M and Klipsch RB-81 II speakers can be connected to a TV or computer. They both have standard speaker wire inputs or connectors that can be used to connect them to an amplifier or receiver.

The amplifier or receiver can then be connected to the TV or computer using the appropriate audio cables. This allows you to enjoy high-quality audio from your TV shows, movies, or music through either of these speakers.

The Klipsch RP-160M has a maximum power handling capacity of 100 watts continuous and 400 watts peak, while the Klipsch RB-81 II has a maximum power handling capacity of 150 watts. This means that the RB-81 II can handle more power than the RP-160M, allowing it to potentially deliver louder and more dynamic sound.

However, it is important to note that power handling capacity is not the only factor that determines the overall performance and sound quality of a speaker. Other factors such as sensitivity, frequency response, and speaker design also play a significant role.

Therefore, it is recommended to consider these factors in addition to power handling capacity when comparing speakers.

In terms of power handling, the Klipsch RP-160M has a slightly lower power handling capability compared to the Klipsch RB-81 II. The RP-160M can handle 100 watts RMS and 400 watts peak, while the RB-81 II can handle 150 watts.

This means that the RB-81 II has the potential to handle more power from an amplifier, allowing it to play at higher volumes without distortion. This can be beneficial for those who enjoy listening to their music or movies at high volume levels.

However, it's important to note that the actual sound quality will depend on various factors, not just the power handling capability. Both speakers are designed to deliver a powerful and dynamic sound experience.

The high power handling of the RP-160M allows it to reproduce music and soundtracks with clarity, detail, and accuracy, even at higher volumes. It can handle demanding audio passages and complex music genres with ease.

The RB-81 II, on the other hand, is known for its ability to put out a huge amount of sound, allowing for high volume levels even with a less powerful amplifier.

In terms of overall sound quality and performance, it's important to consider factors such as the amplifier being used, the room acoustics, and personal preferences. While the power handling capability can contribute to the overall performance, it's not the sole determining factor.

It's recommended to pair the speakers with an amplifier that can provide adequate power for your listening preferences and room size.