There is no denying the fact that Klipsch is ruling over people’s hearts for the dedicated audio equipment. From tower speaker to bookshelf, soundbars, and many more this brand have every fantastic audio stuff.
Like other series, Klipsch RB-Series is one of the most praised series; specially designed for Bookshelf speakers. Each of the speakers of RB-Series is budget-friendly and of premium quality. They have been designed to take the audio experience to the next level. You can choose as per your need as all of the speakers have their own unique features.
This series has started with RB-41 to RB-10. In this article, we are going to explore Klipsch RB Series Review And Comparison. So, you can see the comparison which will help you to choose the perfect one for you.
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Klipsch RB-41 II Review
Klipsch RB-41 II was designed especially for smaller rooms. It has a spacious sound space and updated drivers so it can fill the entire room with full of great sound. It also contains some interesting features that make it amazing on all sides.
Minimalistic Design
Klipsch 41-II has a very simple design. This is a two-way design with black ash woodgrain vinyl finish. In the front, there is the copper color woofer with the Klipsch logo at the bottom.
If you want to wall-mount it then the keyhole slot can help with that. Or the dimension is 5.67 x 7.8 x 8.9 inches that are so small in size can take place under a table or beside the TV or bed.
Features
Klipsch speakers are always rich with great features with some Klipsch traditional features like horns, woofers, or drivers. This RB-41 II is not different than that.
Tweeter
In this speaker, Klipsch has redesigned the horn structure for a dynamic sound stage. And from the very beginning, this brand has always been more concerned about the high frequency that is the tweeter.
Tractrix® horn with 1″ titanium diaphragm compression tweeter is used in this bookshelf compact speaker. You may have seen this tweeter in other Klipsch speakers.
This driver ensures a more detailed and directional sound that can hit the ears. A soundstage of 90°-wide, 60°-high pattern gives detailed high frequencies.
Additionally, the Linear Travel Suspension is integrated into the design to minimize the distortion as much as possible.
Woofer
Now it’s time to know about the low frequency without which you cannot expect a balanced sound profile from your speaker. There is the 4-inch Cerametallic woofer, which is lightweight at the same time rigid.
This kind of structure helps to produce the mids and bass very defined and dedicated. The edges are folded. This is another reason for the tight bass and prevent vibrations.
There is a dust cap that keeps the woofer stable but doesn’t give the woofer a messy look.
Sound Quality
Overall, it provides a great sound quality. As a bookshelf speaker for a small or average size room, nothing can be better than this. A louder, super detailed sound you can experience can turn the music, movie, or shows experience more interesting.
Frequency Response
Though this speaker comes in a compact size it has all possible features for giving a decent sound quality. First of all, the reference quality frequency response is 85-24,000 Hz.
This range produces the high, low, and middle tones so smoothly and perfectly that can satisfy your movie, music experience fully.
Impedance
Then comes the 8-ohm impedance. The lower the impedance more efficiently it can consume power. Though 4-ohm impedance is best 8-ohm impedance works decently.
Sensitivity and Power
After what makes this speaker so loud is the 91 dB sensitivity rate. This is rare in other brands’ speakers because most often bookshelf speakers in this price range don’t contain this sensitivity rate.
Lastly, this speaker works with 50-watt RMS and 200-watt peak power.
Super Budget-friendly
Almost everyone wishes for a Klipsch speaker as they are one of the incredible brands that make superb speakers. But a good deal of may not afford Klipsch speakers because of the budget.
But this RB 41-II bookshelf speaker comes won’t break your budget. You can now enjoy the premium-quality sound in your home and make your dreams come true.
This speaker is cheap, but the performance is excellent best for movies or music. Another thing to be noted is if you have bigger rooms then we would recommend you to check out the next Klipsch RB series speakers; because RB-41 is suitable for only small rooms.
Product Differentiator
Cheaper and best for small rooms. Rich with Klipsch traditional features.
Things to improve
This is not fit for bigger rooms.
Klipsch 51-II Review
Klipsch RB-51 II is another fantastic speaker of the RB series. This speaker has some updated features for those who have medium size rooms in their homes. If the RB-41 II is not matching your needs then this speaker is definitely gonna do that.
Simple Design
Speakers from the RB series contain almost the same design that is so simple yet elegant. And Klipsch speakers always bear the premium quality tag. So, if you have a Klipsch with its traditional logo then you can impress your guest must.
This speaker is also ported or bass reflex and a two-way system. The black ash woodgrain vinyl finish is very common in Klipsch speakers and this speaker has the exact, beautiful color.
There is the front-firing port that is placed underneath the 5.2’’ woofer. The body is made with MDF that gives a durable body structure.
From the RB-41 II; this speaker is a bit bigger perfect for medium size rooms. With 10.8 x 6.5 x 11.4 inches dimension, you can place it anywhere in your room. As it is a bookshelf speaker so keep it on a table or shelf wherever you want.
Even for wall mounts, there are the easiest option keyhole slots. Easily wall mounts your speaker if it is matching your home decor.
The mix of copper and black color looks nice and smooth.
Features
For giving the signature of Klipsch, they always use the same type of tweeter and woofer. This always makes these brands way too different from others.
Tweeter
There is again the horn-loaded tweeter we can see in the RB-51 II speaker. 1″ titanium dome tweeter with Tractrix® horn focused more into high frequencies so the sound can directly hit the ears.
The titanium driver is one of the popular tweeter materials as the material also has a great impact on the sound. Titanium helps to produce wider high frequencies efficiently.
Again, this driver mated to 90×60 inches square Tractrix Horn so you can experience the detailed and directional sound around you.
Moreover, LTS or Linear Travel Suspension technology reduced the distortion, so there is no unwanted noise at all.
Woofer
A great quality woofer is a must in order to get the lower frequency efficiently. Otherwise, one cannot expect the powerful bass at all.
Whenever you come to see a speaker, you can see the biggest driver that is the woofer mainly. There is a saying that a big woofer means big sound and this RB-51 II has a 5.2’’ woofer which gives a rich form of bass.
Cerametallic 5.2-inch woofer makes the low frequency so dedicated. The rich punch of bass makes the audience surprised.
Sound Quality
This speaker contains an extraordinary sound quality that makes it better than any other competitor. You can have a blast of bass or high frequencies with balanced highs. Watch movies or listen to your favorite songs anything is more enjoyable with RB-51 II than ever.
Also, it is offering high-resolution audio that you may have never imagined. If you gonna go for this then this decision won’t make you regret it at all.
Frequency response
The human ear can hear sound in a range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. This range of important for the speakers too as it decides how clarity we are going to get from our speaker.
RB-51II has a frequency response of 50Hz-24KHz. This is good and from a bookshelf speaker, this range is close to perfect.
With this range, this speaker can produce a wider range of sound.
Impedance
The lower the impedance, the more effectively the speaker can perform. 4-ohm or 8-ohm is considered the perfect impedance of a speaker.
Undoubtedly, Klipsch thinks the best for their customers, so they use 8-ohm impedance in their speakers.
RB-51 II is featured with an 8-ohm impedance.
Sensitivity and Power
If you are a music freak, then the loudest music is your favorite one. But the louder sound from a bookshelf speaker is not expected at all. But Klipsch has eradicated this myth as it is offering 92 dB sensitivity rate from RB-51 II.
Just play your favorite music or enjoy the dramatic scene with a distortion-free and loud sound.
Then the power is 75-watt and peak power is 200-watt. This rate is decent for giving a spacious sound.
All these high-end features produce the truly dynamic and best sound.
Best For Medium Size Rooms
Though RB-41 II was not good for medium size rooms. Considering that fact Klipsch brought this RB-51 II to update version best for average size rooms.
As it is the updated version of the price range is a bit high than the previous version. But compared to its competitors the price is decent. This will not disappoint you.
Product Differentiator
Louder and wider sound than RB-41 II. Amazing tweeter and woofer construction for producing great high and low frequency.
Things to improve
Don’t have many modern features and no Bluetooth connections.
Klipsch RB-61 II
Klipsch RB-61 II is another outstanding loudspeaker in a form of a bookshelf. This is a great choice for its dynamic sound, impressive bass. You can get high clarity in the sound that is suitable for TV shows, movies, or music.
Design
All the RB series speaker has the same design very simple and classy. The difference is seen in the dimension only. This is a bit bigger than its previous version.
The dimension of RB-61 II is 12.3 x 8.5 x 15.4 inches. Many people say this is a bit bigger than any typical bookshelf speaker and for them the structure is sturdy.
But overall, the design doesn’t look odd. Anyone would love to have a Klipsch speaker in their home as they contain a premium quality own self.
There are two colors available one ash black and cherry. You can choose what speaker color suits your room décor or taste.
The body is made of wooden material and the enclosure type is bass reflex. This two-way bass reflex speaker is the bigger version of RB-41 or RB-51 II.
Features
Dual binding posts for bi-amping or bi-wiring
Klipsch speakers are equipped with the best features for the splendid sound quality. But they believe in giving more.
This dual bi-amping feature allows the speaker to connect with an extra amp or receiver. If someone is not satisfied with the sound quality and wants more spice, than they may want to connectexternal receivers or amp. With the bi-wired feature, you can do that most easily.
Tweeter
Like RB-41 II and RB-51 II; RB-61 have the traditional horn-loaded 1-inch Tractrix® horn dome tweeter. For being a good tweeter, the shape and material are important. And in Klipsch speakers, these drivers contain superb material and shape.
For this reason, the consumer gets the crips and clear, extraordinary sound. For this kind of sound high frequency is responsible, mostly; which Klipsch has understood long before and giving a keen focus on this.
Woofer
If you are a bass lover then this speaker is only for you. Because this speaker has a big woofer that produces the smoothest low frequency. You can feel that your room would fill entirely with the bass if you place this RB-61 ii in your home.
The woofer and tweeter make RB-61 II praised worthy widely. Like the tweeter, this time woofer plays a crucial role in the finest sound quality.
6.5-inch woofer with cerametallic material produces rich, warm, powerful, and punchy bass. This takes the movie’s experience to the next level. Every scene full of thrilling is for sure.
Sound Quality
For covering a great sound quality, many criteria work such as the frequency response or power handling capacity, etc.
There is no denying the fact that Klipsch speakers always have surprised its consumer with the precise sound quality. They have their own signature sound quality.
This RB loudspeaker series is also known for the best sound quality. Like the Reference or RP series, all the speakers from RB are impressive.
RB-61 II provides an exclusive sound that slightly can change the movie, music, TV shows experience. Also, not too much expensive compared to the performance.
Frequency Response
Starting with the frequency response because this is one of the most important features that are responsible for the wonderful sound. A good frequency range considered is 50 Hz or lower, as a human can hear from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
Luckily, RB-61 II has the range 45Hz-24KHz; which is super good for a promising sound. If you are a music lover, you can hear the music full of details and the horn is there for giving distortion-free audio.
Impedance and Power
All the speakers of the RB series have 8-ohm impedance. There is nothing much to say about this as 8-ohm is perfect for speakers.
Next, it has a 400-watt peak power and 100-watt RMS. From the previous two versions, the power range is a bit high, so you can guess how the sound has become superb.
You can literally have a blast of audio in your home. You can get a loudspeaker in a form of a bookshelf speaker.
Sensitivity
When I first came to know that RB-61 II has a 95 dB sensitivity rate I was shocked. This speaker can shake the walls in your home. You can enjoy a live concert with the full volume.
You really won’t feel that you ever need a tower speaker because this speaker is fully capable of doing that.
In the end, this speaker is a gift for Klipsch lovers. One really won’t find this many benefits from a bookshelf speaker.
Product Differentiator
Breathtaking sound quality and higher sensitivity rate. Best suited for home theater.
Things to improve
This is kind of bulky, so needs a lot of space.
Klipsch RB-81 II
RB-81 II has a neutral sound profile that makes this speaker number one best speaker in this series. The audio quality is distortion-free, non-fatiguing, and too much accurate.
For home theater, this can be a good option. Otherwise, if you a movie freak and want some surround sound then must go for this super budget-friendly speaker, which for sure will make your day.
Design
There is no difference in the or structure of RB series speakers. But you can get two colors of RB-81 II that are black and walnut. Personally, I prefer the walnut one because it gives a Klipsch premium quality vibe. But this is totally one’s choice.
As far as the question about durability, this speaker can be a long-run companion. The MDF enclosure is a high-quality material that is common in Klipsch speakers.
The woofer and tweeter materials are also rigid and durable. We will see about them in detail in the next section.
There is not much design in the overall structure. So simple, but contain a gorgeous and classy look. You can place it with your home theater if you have a home theater setup already. Or place it beside your bed, in your living room. This can totally match the room’s décor.
Dimension of 12.3 x 9.3 x 19.1 inches is a bit bigger than any typical bookshelf speaker. But for giving a place to the bigger woofer and being a loudspeaker, this bigger structure is required.
Feature
Like the design, there is not much difference in the features too. The same traditional woofer and tweeter are integrated into this speaker. All the RB series speakers have the same features and there is a tiny difference between them.
Tweeter
For getting a distortion-free and precise sound quality the tweeter is really important. With the material, the shape also plays a vital role in what I have discussed in the previous sections.
This RB-81 II has a 1’’ tractrix dome tweeter in a horn shape. There is the 90×60 pattern that follows this tweeter.
Just expect a robust high frequency from this speaker after not being a floor-standing speaker.
Woofer
Luckily Klipsch always gives extra care in their woofer quality and material. This is a big reason for being this popular.
Shockingly RB-81 II has an 8″ Cerametallic woofer. Can you just imagine what you can have in your home if you go to this speaker? Many tower speakers also don’t contain This kind of big woofer many times.
The saying that a big woofer means the dynamic sound is so true about this speaker. An 8-inch woofer is beyond imagination in this price range under $500. You really won’t find any best alternative.
We prepare for getting a wall-shaking sound in your home.
Sound Quality
This far you have known about 3 speakers that belong to the RB series. All of them are spectacular in all ways. The quality is great and is carrying Klipsch’s signature sounds promising.
But this RB-81 II is the best one among all other speakers in this series. The sound quality is divine and worthy of getting all the praises. This has the most updated features which are astonishing to the consumers.
Not only for movies, this loudspeaker can work better with home theater. There is no more need for many speakers for the loudest music. This can satisfy you how you want.
Also, the sound is pure and accurate. All the dialogue or lyrics you are going to hear will be crystal clear that won’t make you bored at all. You can hear the music for hours and still not tired.
This is one of the recommended speakers. If you are a fan of Klipsch, then this RB-81 II is surely the best choice.
Frequency response
I have already mentioned that frequency response under 50 Hz or equal to this can give the best audio. This speaker has a range of 44-24,000 Hz. Isn’t it amazing!
Only the high-end speakers can manage to get this range. Otherwise, you can see a lot of speakers in the marketplace with a higher frequency range. So, their sound quality can’t compete with the speakers like RB-81 II.
This is the perfect range for you to get the desired audio.
Impedance, Power, and Sensitivity
Another three important criteria for good sound quality. I have described this separately for each speaker because it is most important. If you have a basic knowledge of the speaker then you can understand what I am talking about.
The impedance rate is 8 ohms. That is absolutely great.
Then comes to power handling capacity, which is a 600-watt peak and 150-watt RMS. A continuous power supply of 150 watts can handle the performance of the speaker effortlessly.
Then the sensitivity rate is 97 dB! This is huge what makes this speaker different from all others. These loudspeaker series have really gifted a new era of loudest sound.
This can shake your walls can irritate your neighbors too. While placing these speakers be careful about the place you choose as the vibration can go to the ground.
Get the loudest music ever
This has already been mentioned that RB-81 II has 97 dB. One really doesn’t need louder than this rate. This can shake your walls and room if you would play anything in the highest volume.
Or if you ever watch movies or shows then for the louder sound it would feel much real like the lion’s roar or shooting in the action films.
Product Differentiator
97 dB makes it the loudest speaker, extraordinary bass, clear sound ever left the listener surprised.
Things need to improve
The size may be a bit sturdy.
RB-41 II VS RB-51 II: Loudspeaker Comparison
In this series, all the speakers contain the same structure with the same material that is used for the body. Then the traditional woofer and tweeter also are the same. So, here there is nothing to compare about them.
But the significant difference lies in the woofer size, sound quality, and maybe in the dimension or size.
First of all, talking about the woofer as they have a bigger role in the sound quality. RB-41 II has a 4-inch woofer whereas, RB-51 II has a 5.25’’ woofer. So, you know the difference already.
Then the sensitivity rate is also different. This can make a bit of difference in the loudness.
Last of all the frequency response is much better for RB-51 II as it is 50 Hz. But RB-41 II could not make it in a better way. Rather than other features, this frequency response has created a big comparison in the sound quality between these two speakers.
To conclude, none of the speakers deserve any fewer praises. Though RB-51 II is slightly better than 41 II, here is the price a fact too. You can get 41 II at a cheaper rate which won’t make you regret it.
So, consider your budget while choosing the speaker for you between RB-41 II VS RB-51 II.
RB-61 II VS RB-81 II
The same thing goes for these two speakers as they also have the same design, tweeter, or woofer.
But we cannot say RB-81 II is the only winner here as RB-61 II have almost close features and rates.
Starting with the woofer size, 6.5’’ is common in most high-quality speakers since it has the capability of producing big sound. But who does not want to get bigger than this? This is what exactly RB-81 II is providing with an 8’’ woofer. This has shocked many as 8’’ woofer is rare.
Then RB-81 II is a step ahead with power and sensitivity. If you want a blast in your home then 97 dB is perfect. Though over 90 dB is enough for getting a breathtaking loudness. Regarding this, both speakers are much better than other speakers.
However, as these two speakers are giving huge effort, they need enough power. According to the performance, both have their perfect power handling capacity.
Summarizing again, both are great in their own unique way. It depends on which one whether RB-61 II VS RB-81 II; you want to have.
Alternative Klipsch Loudspeaker
Klipsch KHO-7
As an alternative, this is a decent-quality speaker. It has a different appearance and is specially made for outdoor usage. This is all the traditional features like Klipsch speaker contains so we won’t talk about them.
This speaker has a body that is paintable and UV resistant. A two-way speaker both for indoor or outdoor use. For those who want to party all night all beside the pool or beach, this is for them on a cheap budget.
Klipsch R-1800-C In-ceiling
This is an interesting loudspeaker from Klipsch. This contains all the decent features so no worry about the sound quality. Klipsch has other ceiling speakers but on an average budget, this speaker is worth buying.
Klipsch Synergy Black Label B-100
This is a bookshelf speaker from the Synergy series that can be a good alternative to the RB series. This has a 90 x 90 dispersion pattern with tractrix horn technology. This enhances the sound more beautiful.
Besides, IMG woofer for tighter and richer bass. The overall, sound quality is amazing.
Final Verdict
This article is about one of the most praised series Klipsch that is the RB series. The especially of this series speakers are the horn-loaded feature with the loudest sound.
So, if you were in search of Klipsch RB-Series Review And Comparison, then you can find all the information here. Also, there are some alternatives in case you want to find something different.
In the end, fix your budget and know your needs that can help you to choose the right speaker for you.
FAQ
If you still have some questions about the Klipsch RB-Series, here I am trying to answer some of them.
Are Klipsch worth it?
What is the Klipsch sound?
Is Klipsch better than Sonos?
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