The speakers of Klipsch have always been loved for their unique features at a good price. Whether it be design, features, or performance, they aren’t disappointed at all, so you should consider them as options if you are looking for a good alternative to a soundbar.
Yes, you picked it right! By “them” I meant Klipsch r-41pm, Klipsch r-51pm and Klipsch r-15pm. And today we will be talking about these three speakers; their design, features, performance, and pros & cons.
Before getting into the details, let me clear one small and common confusion that raises mostly, that is what is the difference between Klipsch r-41m vs r-51m vs r-14m and Klipsch r-41pm vs r-51pm vs r-14pm?
The difference is quite minor. The R-41M and R-15M and R-51M are bookshelf speakers, whereas R-41PM and R-15PM and R-51PM are powered, speakers. The powered ones are great for PC and any sort of receiver is not required with them mostly.
Anyways, let’s get into the main story.
Specifications:
klipsch R-15PM: Details
Design
You might assume that the Klipsch R-15PM and the RP-150M are similar basic speakers with a nearly similar name as well. However, though they share many of the same technologies, they aren’t the same. The former one, RP-150M passive, and also the latter an excessive PM or powered monitor. Whereas, the R-15PM is a bit less than the amp shoved in RP-150M.
Moreover, the size of the R-15PM is different from its former model, which has a height of 12.5’’ and width of 7’’. This size speaker will easily fit in any medium-sized room.
The speaker operates Klipsch’s “Spun Cerametallic Copper Cone Woofer” of 5.25-inch along with a Tractrix tweeter fully horn-loaded of 1-inch. Klipsch R-15PM uses the company’s same older, not so fancy, and hi-fi tweeter enclosure.
Besides, it also uses the vinyl wrap brushed black colored which is used by some budget speakers, such as the Uni-Fi ranges and the newly launched ELAC Debut. Also, be aware of the fact that these sorts of vinyl wrap scuffs are easier in comparison to any traditional vinyl wraps.
Product’s Feature and performance:
Compared with other leading brands in the market, the Klipsch R-15PM offers very few features at this money. However, it offers some intriguing features as well, like its phono preamp. This feature is mainly designed to be in tune with the schemed releases of Klipsch.
While the brand is considered and pitched as high fidelity or hi-fi speaker, its connectivity options highlight as much to any desktop model. With the help of any Bluetooth receiver as well as a USB input, the speaker can sit alongside the device Audioengine A5+, in comparison to power the user’s desktop PC.
Moreover, it bundles in 2 more analog inputs, one of which is switchable phono, in addition to the optical input. The onboard amp of R-15PM is about 50 watts/ channel, and the brand claims that the speakers can reach down at 54Hz approx.
Impressively, Klipsch R-15PM keeps its work less messy by housing all the amp just in 1 speaker, and also with the help of the speaker wire it connects with the right speaker.
The smaller-sized R-15PM does a great job when it comes to sound quality and therefore its performance. Its dynamic performance made a place at the audiophile’s good books. Also, the other similar sized or I can say the other small speakers inhibit a dynamic punch, but in the R-15PM does not inhibit any, and this is what makes the difference.
The Bass of this speaker is full, yet the lowest frequencies (bass) are lacking. It won’t be an issue I think, as the bassy recordings satisfy the weight nicely; When you will switch to Audioengine A5, which sounds quite similar to the recent powered monitor speaker A5+, the sound overall will feel dynamically compressed, more muted, and also less vivid.
Furthermore, when it comes to energy, the Klipsch R-15PM is very high, also it is undoubtedly the more exciting one, especially if you compare it with A5. However, the sound of A5 is smoother, kinder towards harsh, and produces over-compressed music.
Anyways, moving on to Klipsch R-15PM, though its sound is quite open up, it produces a bit of harshness in some tones like the acoustic guitars.
On the bright side, R-15PM can get enough loud which is very suitable for big house parties.
Interestingly, the R-15PM comes with a built-in function, that is phono preamp. So, if you play vinyl by hooking a Basic turntable U-Turn orbit up with it, you will get a pretty good sound. The sound will even come more improved when you will bypass the phono preamp of R-15PM along with utilizing the built-in pluto preamp.
The R-15PM is a nice Powered Monitor for some casual listening, however, vinyl-philes likely opt for a better background. According to thousands of users’ opinions, this Klipsch’s speakers go best with Crosley C10 as it produces bass-rich smoother sound with the help of R-15PM’s phono input.
Lastly, for movies and TV shows, the dynamics and loud sound of R-15PM might come in handy. However, I will also suggest adding a powerful subwoofer which will surely be worthwhile for users craving for the maximum impact.
So, overall the Klipsch R-15PM is a good soundbar with a powerful volume and a decent sound quality. The features, however, are not that much in number if compared with other speakers, but whatever it gives you will surely satisfy your demands.
Pros and cons of Klipsch R-15PM:
Pros:
- Klipsch R-15PM is user-friendly and easy to set up.
- It will give you a solid performance.
- The phono preamp of this device will increase the sound quality and makes every genre lively.
- The built quality of this speaker is solid, handy well as attractive.
- It is a great option for house parties, as it can get loud enough.
Cons:
The sound of Klipsch R-15PM veers to the brighter sides of neutral. Plus, it produces a bit of harshness in some tones like the acoustic guitars.
klipsch R-51PM: Details
Design
Moving on to another Klipsch speaker, Klipsch R-51PM comes with the company’s renowned woofers in copper color and horn tweeters. The most beautiful part is its
cloth covers with magnetic features which are also easy to replace and remove. Besides, the sound of the speaker is not at all hampered with the cloth covers off or on the device.
Similar to the recent speakers, to be specific the recent bookshelf speakers, the Klipsch R-51PM has one right speaker that completely acts like a master. Also, it has a left speaker that is connected by the speaker wire, which means every control and input of R-15PM are placed behind the right-side speaker.
Now, coming to the inputs, the R-51PM features a USB in order to hook up a PC, which also supports a maximum of 24-bit per 96kHz formats. Moreover, the speaker also features some other inputs including an aux of 3.5mm, optical for the user’s TV, phono input (Klipsch R-15PM) for turntable along with a sub output if in case the user wants to add any subwoofer.
The R-15PM’s speaker is powered by only one power cable, plus, it features an amp; Class-D type, making the speakers more efficient. Furthermore, more power is not a ‘must’ to get these speakers loud enough, isn’t it a plus point?
Plus, on this Klipsch speaker, the user will also find a single volume button that will let him/her cycle throughout the sources. It is a very useful feature if someone losses his remote.
Speaking of Klipsch’s remote reminds me how excellently the remote works. The remotes come with a logical layout as well as buttons for every source, which saves your time from cycling through them.
Besides, the speaker on the right comes with a small LED showing the user which input has currently been selected. This is a very handy feature and it can also be disabled in order to turn off the distracting glow while watching any movie or show.
Product’s Feature and performance:
We know Klipsch is a brand pretty well known for its great sound quality and the same goes for R-51PM. This speaker offers a dynamic and rich sound leaning on the warmer portion of its spectrum, slightly. This mainly results in the output of pop and rock music which do not act much analytical and sound fun plus amazing.
Though Klipsch points to R-51PM as a “Reference” speaker, I found it to be more of a lovely musical experience in comparison to many other reference speakers, such as the audiophile LS50 Wireless and KEF LS50.
Surprisingly, this audiophile speaker provides a good amount of bass which is, indeed very highlighting. For this, the credit goes to its “Dynamic EQ Bass” due to which the R-51Pm can provide a powerful and deep bass response at any volume.
Honestly, in many other bookshelf speakers, you will find problems with the bass response, but in this Klipsch device, it is not an issue. When the Dynamic EQ Bass is disabled, the audio sounds kind of flat at lower or minimum volumes, and also it lacks the richness that comes with the EQ.
Also, there is a small problem when you keep the speakers at maximum volume for a long time, that is the music eels a bit harsh. So at that time, you might have to turn off the EQ in order to tame the high bass. Luckily, turning the EQ on or off is very easy where you just have to hold a button for only 3 seconds on the remote.
Moving on to the soundstage of R-51PM, it has a wide soundstage which provides a great space as well as decent imaging, meaning the user will be capable of hearing each and every instrument precisely, coming out from the speaker.
Unfortunately, the speakers lack depth, because the instruments are placed on the same plane. Though some listeners prefer a sort of laid-back music/sound I personally love the forward-sounding, as it is very exciting and also gives me a feeling like I am sitting in the first row of any concert.
Another disadvantage is the audio purists in R-51PM is not much pleasing as it does not support some hi-res mp3 codecs, such as aptX HD, LDAC, or aptX.
Another problem I found is actually with the setup, Though the speakers automatically turn on with the user’s TV, it does not automatically turn off when the TV is turned off. However, if you are patient enough unlike me, after around 15 minutes the speakers will turn off themselves.
Further, the average sounding internal phono stage won’t impress you either, but you can avoid using it if you want. Also, a switch is available in this device which allows the user to switch to line-in from phono.
Last but not least, Klipsch R-15PM is enough versatile to fit anywhere, plus it sounds great particularly as a TV speaker. Those who are thinking of leveling up their audio system can consider the Klipsch R-51PM.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- The R-51PM offers a dynamic and warm sound.
- It is budget-friendly.
- There is a “Dynamic EQ Bass” feature due to which the R-51Pm can provide a powerful and deep bass response at any volume.
- It comes with a good number of inputs.
Cons:
The speakers lack depth because the instruments are placed on the same plane. Then the audio purists in R-51PM are not much pleasing as it does not support some hi-res mp3 codecs, such as aptX HD, LDAC, or aptX. Lastly, the average-sounding internal phono stage won’t impress you either.
klipsch R-41PM: Details
Design
The last speaker in our list, Klipsch R-41PM is a loudspeaker system with dimension 28.7 (height)× 14.6 (width) ×21.6 (depth) cm. It is comparatively smaller than other bookshelf speakers, yet not a miniature.
You can place it up on the desk as a music system for desktop along with placing it in the living space as any general 2-channel speaker. This speaker is not only easy to set up but also super flexible to use.
Let me introduce you with an easy tip to set up this speaker quickly, all you need to do is place the passive speaker precisely on left, and the main speakers exactly on the right channel. Then connect these 2 with any speaker cable. Lastly, with the power supply connect the right channel and your job is done! isn’t it easy?
Moreover, the R-41PM has two-way 2 channels along with 2 single port designs ( bass reflex). Also, this speaker comes with a 1-inch LTS diaphragm tweeter made of aluminum. Note that, LTS stands for Linear Travel Suspension which is a sort of design capable of successfully reducing distortion as well as improving the higher frequency details.
The tweeter’s surrounding is filled with (90*90)° patented, Klipsch’s Tractrix horn.
Besides, the maximum frequency extension of this speaker gets up to 24kHz. The river in the mid-bass is bronze in color and 4’’ in height.
In addition to that, the diaphragm of R-41PM uses Klipsch’s famous technology. The Injection Molded Graphite or IMG contains graphite and also highlights some exciting features like high rigidity & lightweight, This features can deduct distortion effect.
Also, an output power of 35 Watts can be obtained from its amplifier module built-in in the speaker. Not only that, power of around 70 watts in total can be obtained for the 2-channel, and also the instantaneous peak output is powerful enough to reach maximum140 watts.
Product’s Feature and performance:
Similar to the Klipsch R-51PM, the setup of R-41PM is also very easy and simple. Including the unpacking, the speaker positioning, connecting speakers to Bluetooth, playing music, etc all these work just take around 10 minutes to complete, amazing right? So those who do not want any hassle from the beginning, like setup trouble and all, can go for this Klipsch speaker.
Plus, you can easily connect it with your PC by pulling another USB cable and play music as well. All these not only sound easy but in reality, it is super easy to execute as well.
I placed my R-41PM speaker in my bedroom room so that I can connect it with my PC whenever I want. It fitted easily. Then I used a Bluetooth connection to connect with the speaker and played few songs from different genres as well. My first impression was like, “Impressive!”. It gave me a powerful and great quality sound field. The tunes were cohesive and clear enough. And sometimes I also felt the sound to be warm and soft, at specific points when it was needed. Plus, the treble is not at all irritating and has a warm luster as well. Most importantly, the music’s background was spotless and highlighting the turning points of the songs.
Moreover, I have played another song by Joe Stilgoe which also sounded pretty open, I mean the sound field of this speaker is quite open. Neither it is too soft nor too heavy, kinda in between. So, if anyone wants to receive full bass, he/ she can add up a sub with it.
Next, I tried moving this speaker next to my desktop. So I changed it into desktop listening mode and connected my Windows 10 directly to R-41P through the USB. To do this, I didn’t have to go through any driver installation or settings. You can also connect your MacBook in the same way.
So, what was the result?
To be very honest, possibly maximum speakers will give good results in near-field listening. The same goes for Klipsch’s R-41PM, the details it produces are vivid and richer. Also, the positioning sense, sound field, etc are more precise.
Plus, you can’t deny the fact that the strength in short distance listening is quite better than any long-distance listening. But, if you prefer low frequency, the sense of energy might be a little weak. However, it won’ bother you that much, because you can freely add a sub.
Furthermore, the powered bookshelf R-41PM speaker comes with a cabinet smaller in size along with a 4’’ small woofer, which makes it enough challenging to deliver powerful and deep low frequencies. Klipsch R-41PM has given you an option to connect an external sub in order to give the user a perfect frequency response. Having that said, Klipsch has a good range of subwoofers, which is conducive for the users to choose from them and match with the set.
Generally, one of the things that bug me about R-41PM is its control panel which is placed on the backside, which is why it isn’t that flexible to switch the input and control the volume. However, Klipsch provides you with a remote to control R-41PM, through which you can adjust its volume and switch source if necessary. Plus, the remote control has a bass adjustment feature as well.
Lastly, Klipsch R-41PM is a great speaker which comes with an option to put on the extra subwoofer, but if the user doesn’t want to buy any subwoofer, he/she can yet enjoy a powerful and strong sound effect by using the bass EQ (built-in).
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It gives a great audio performance which is very clear, has richer bass and articulated highs.
- You don’t need any stereo receiver with this speaker, plus with the R-41PM, no surround amplifier is needed to watch shows or movies.
- It comes with a built-in Bluetooth.
- The size is very handy and the design is cool as well.
Cons
Firstly, the speakers do not pair up automatically with the recently connected phones or PCs. And its control panel is placed on the backside, which is why it isn’t that flexible to switch the input and control the volume.
All in Short
The Klipsch R-15PM is a small speaker that gives you a good sound and also does a great job in any small or medium-sized room without any subwoofer. Therefore, if anyone is looking for any soundbar alternative, R-15PM will be a nice option to go for.
** For more about Klipsch R-15PM, check out customer reviews on Amazon.
Then comes the Klipsch R-51PM. It is a full package speaker which comes at a great price. If I compare with other speakers of the same range, I will definitely prefer R-51PM of Klipsch by far. Because it comes with great versatility as well as flexible inputs. Moreover, it also sounds great, getting loud to an extreme level without any distortion.
I know that R-51PM does not feature any Spotify connection, network connectivity, but, at this price, it is a bit unwise to expect more. ** Check out the best price of Klipsch R-51PM here.
Last but not the list, Klipsch R-41PM will give you a very pleasant experience. It is not only handy in size but also quick and simple to install. It will suit beautifully every corner of your house, plus it is appropriate for emplacement on your desktop.
Moreover, the sound performance is great which provides the power of high-frequency soft, non-stimulating, and sufficient enough. The condensed, thicker, detailed, and clear vocals of mid-frequency will make you pleased, I think. Furthermore, its low frequency’s performance is bright and clean, though it does not
have enough strength. But if you want the impact, you can go for a subwoofer.
Therefore, if you are a casual listener like me, where you usually listen to your favorite track while jogging, cooking, or walking, only a set of Klipsch R-41PM speakers is enough to meet your requirements. And if you want more like mentioned above, use this device with a sub, it will give you a better output.
** If you are interested in reading customer reviews of Klipsch R-41PM, you should check from Amazon now.
Conclusion:
I hope by now it is clear to you about which speaker among Klipsch r51pm vs r41pm vs r51pm is better for which sort of purpose. Also, it is quite impossible to declare the best one for you among these three bookshelf speakers. So I will leave it up to you to read and choose your desired speaker according to your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We hope you have enjoyed reading our article and that it has answered any questions or concerns. If not, the FAQ section below should be able to help out! We’re sorry for ending on a downer note but don’t fret- we’ve got your back no matter what with this handy FAQ list at the bottom of every page.
What is the difference between r41m and r41pm?
–> The difference is quite minor. The R-41M is a bookshelf speaker, whereas R-41PM is a powered speaker. The powered ones are great for PC and any sort of receiver is not required with them mostly.
Which one shall I go for between Klipsch r15m vs r51m?
–> Among Klipsch r51m vs r15m, r51m is a little better more number of digital and analog inputs.
How is R41Pm for daily use?
–> It is great! Its sound performance is amazing which provides the power of high-frequency soft, non-stimulating, and sufficient enough. The condensed, thicker, detailed, and clear vocals of mid-frequency will make you pleased. Furthermore, its low frequency’s performance is bright and clean, though it does not have enough strength. But if you want the impact, you can go for a subwoofer.
Student and Tech journalist.