In every series, there is a champion and in the Reference Premiere series, that will probably be the Klipsch RP-150M. It is an amazing talented all-rounder bookshelf speaker, the sonic performance you are getting for the price is simply worth every penny. Every speaker requires a matching amp to unlock its potential and is no surprise that the Klipsch RP-150M needs one as well.
We will be introducing a list of the best amps that you can pair with your Klipsch RP-150M, these amplifiers will complement and can drive these bookshelf speakers with ease. In order to match the right amplifiers, we must first find out the strengths of the RP-150M speakers and their sonic characteristics. Once you know how these bookshelf speakers sound like and what they need to shine, then finding a matching amp will be a piece of cake.
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Sound Characteristics and Strengths of Klipsch RP-150M
Even though is a compact size standmounter, it can still look quite prominent with its striking dark gold colored 5.25 inch Spun Copper Cerametallic Cone Woofer driver. Above the woofer drive unit, will be the signature 1 inch (25mm) Titanium LTS Tweeter with Hybrid Tractrix Horn which looks quite modest. The overall design and feel do make it easy to blend Klipsch RP-150M into most homes and should match well with most amplifiers, in terms of aesthetics. It will still require space between the speaker and the rear wall as there is a rear-firing bass port. Also, ample space for you to toe in the speakers until you get the right angle that provides you with the best sound to your listening area.
The frequency response of Klipsch RP-150M is quite amazing, it ranges from 48Hz to 25kHz (+/-3dB), it seems like it can reproduce deep bass but we won’t get our hopes up as it is still quite a small speaker. The nominal impedance is 8 Ohms which is superb and easy to drive. The speaker sensitivity is at 93dB which is very high for compact bookshelf speakers. The Klipsch RP-150M can handle 75 Watts continuously and 300 Watts peak power, Since it didn’t state the minimum power requirement, it will be wise not to go for low power output amps if you are planning to play these speakers at high volume. Unless you’ll be integrating a subwoofer into the mix to share the load with the amplifier.
More Details at Amazon – Klipsch RP-150M Bookshelf Speaker
To be honest, we were bracing for the harsh treble but it didn’t come through which was a relief. The Klipsch RP-150M still sounds bright but not as hard that we expected, actually rather more neutral. The liveliness is prominent in the music delivery but it could do a little more insight. Still, for an entry-level speaker, the clarity of the sound reproduction is top-notch. The Klipsch RP-150M can definitely go loud with ease, the forwardness of these bookshelf speakers does really engages you.
The bass output is great for a speaker this size, the low end is not as weighty and authoritative but it is as expected. If you want that deep thunderous rumbling, then you will need to hook in a subwoofer, this will also help with the mid-bass delivery, sounding more punchy. The low end is not as defined, lacking a little richness in the bass. The upper mids of Klipsch RP-150M are one of its strengths as well. With a subwoofer, the RP-150M is indeed a terrific all-rounder, it will perform well in both stereo and home theater setup. As surround speakers, they will perform adequately as well, they are lively speakers and has the ability to pick up subtle ambient sounds easily.
The overall sound reproduction is clean and quite smooth sounding for a Klipsch speaker. With the support of a subwoofer, the Klipsch RP-150M can be revealing and does extract as many details as it can find from the source but does lack the refinement. It may also sound a little too lean and overly bright sounding if we pair them to the wrong matching amplifier. Now we have all the important information, we can finally start listing out the best amplifiers you can go for and partner them with your Klipsch RP-150M.
Klipsch RP-150M Specifications
- Speaker Type: Bass-reflex (rear-firing)
- Drive Units: 1 inch (25mm) Titanium LTS Vented Tweeter with Hybrid Cross-Section Tractrix Horn and a 5.25 inch Cerametallic Cone Woofers
- Frequency Response (+/-3dB): 48Hz-25kHz
- Recommended Power: 75 Watts (Continuous) and 300 Watts (Peak)
- Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms
- Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1m): 93dB
- Dimensions (H x D x W): 370mm x 271mm x 195mm, 14.6″ x 10.7″ x 7.7″
- Weight: 6.7kg (15lbs)
Best Amps to pair with Klipsch RP-150M
Yamaha A-S301 is an amazing entry-level integrated amplifier that is a great match for your Klipsch RP-150M speakers. The power output is more than enough to drive the RP-150M without much effort, furthermore, there is a subwoofer output to connect to a sub. The transparency and clarity of this amplifier are superb as well, which complements the Klipsch RP-150M really well. Not to mention, with the support of an active subwoofer, the bass performance will be enhanced and providing you a sound system that will be ideal for both music and movie listens.
More Details at Amazon – Yamaha A-S301BL Natural Sound Integrated Stereo Amplifier
Klipsch RP-150M is a terrific desktop speaker due to its compact size and sound performance, the NAD D 3020 V2 will be an ideal amplifier to partner with them in this situation. This amplifier has a subwoofer output which you can use to connect to an active sub, not to mention, the built-in DAC is necessary for a superb performance when playing back from your digital source. Once you have integrated the subwoofer, the power output from the NAD D 3020 V2 is more than enough to drive your Klipsch RP-150M bookshelf speakers. The size of the NAD D 3020 V2 makes it very easy to place them on your desktop as it is meant to be positioned vertically up.
More Info at Amazon – NAD D 3020 v2 Hybrid Digital Integrated Amplifier
Marantz PM6007 will be one of the best amps to match with your Klipsch RP-150M if you want the music delivery to have a tad of warmth. The neutral and natural-sounding characteristics of Marantz PM6007 are well-matched with your RP-150M bookshelf speakers, it provides more musicality and has great timing that provides you with an entertaining music listening experience. There is also a subwoofer output which you can connect to an active sub for an even greater low-end impact. The bass reproduction will be tighter and more controlled performance. Definitely worth your time to have a listen.
More Details at Amazon – Marantz PM6007 Integrated Amplifier
For the home cinema experience, one of the best AV amps to go for will be the Sony STRDH590, which is an amazing and highly rated AVR. The high-resolution sound quality of the Sony STRDH590 paired with your Klipsch RP-150M sound clarity will provide you with an exciting home cinema experience. This entry-level AV receiver at its price point provides outstanding sonic performance and the sound signature is well suited with your Klipsch RP-150M standmounters. Get an active subwoofer, and your home theater system will be ready for any movie or music genre.
More Details at Amazon – Sony STRDH590 5.2-ch Surround Sound Home Theater Receiver
The Denon AVR-X1600H will be another amazing AV receiver to go for and pair with the Klipsch RP-150M. When compared to Sony AVRs, the Denon AVR-X1600H has a warmer sound and is more relaxed. It is easy on the ears and has that full-bodied sound reproduction. The Audyssey MultEQ XT32 is great for Sound Calibration and Room Optimization, probably the best on the market, enabling your Klipsch RP-150M to sound their best in most listening rooms. It also helps with your subwoofers calibration, making sure you get the best bass performance out of your active subs. Worthy of your time to have an audition with them.
More Details at Amazon – AVR-X1600H 7.2-Ch A/V Receiver (Renewed)
If you like what you hear when pairing your Klipsch RP-150M with the Sony STRDH590 then you might also want to check out Onkyo AVRs. For more musicality and warmer sound from your live performance playbacks, Marantz AV receivers will be an ideal amp, as they also have the Audyssey calibration program. Just to add in that Yamaha design and make AV receivers, you probably would be interested in hearing them as well with your Klipsch RP-150M speakers. There’s really no need to go for the HiFi separates route but is entirely up to you if you really want to go for the preamp and power amps combo.
To Sum It Up
These are some of the best amplifiers you can select and match with your Klipsch RP-150M bookshelf speakers, they are definitely worth the effort to hear them out. You can even use them as references when searching for other brands and/or models. It is recommended to audition them together with your speakers and the subwoofer that you are interested to purchase. The Klipsch R-100SW will be an excellent choice to pair with the Klipsch RP-150M since both speakers are from the same company and will share similar sound signatures.
