In this review, we will be comparing AE300 and R-41M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Acoustic Energy and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of AE300 and Klipsch R-41M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the AE300 and Klipsch R-41M speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the AE300 and Klipsch R-41M compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both AE300 and R-41M are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
AE300 |
Klipsch R-41M |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1.1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.2-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
AE300 features a 1.1" aluminium dome with waveguide Tweeter and 1 x 5.2" ceramic aluminium sandwich Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2800Hz. On the other hand, the R-41M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1730Hz.
Frequency Response
AE300 has a frequency range of 45Hz - 30kHz whereas R-41M has a frequency range of 68-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the AE300 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-41M's min frequency of 68Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
AE300 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the R-41M which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. AE300 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the R-41M's is rated at 90 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-41M a more sensitive speaker compared to AE300, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
AE300 can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-41M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the AE300.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both AE300 and R-41M have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare AE300's and Klipsch R-41M's external dimensions. AE300 has external dimensions of 300.0 x 175.0 x 260.0mm ( 11.4 x 6.9 x 10.2inch) whereas Klipsch R-41M has external dimensions of 287.0 x 146.0 x 200.0mm ( 11.2 x 5.7 x 7.8inch) .
AE300 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 29mm wider, 13mm taller and 60mm deeper than Klipsch R-41M.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the AE300 is approximately 455.0cm2 / 70.5inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-41M is approximately 292.0cm2 / 45.3inch2. The AE300 requires 56% more surface area than the R-41M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The AE300 weighs 6.50kg / 14.3lbs and the Klipsch R-41M weighs 3.20kg / 7lbs. This makes the AE300 103% heavier than the R-41M.
Here is a comparison of how AE300 and R-41M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-41M?
Here are the items that come with the R-41M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Quick Setup Guide Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
50 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Woofer Size |
5.2 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
68 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
Height |
287mm
vs
300mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
292cm2 (146x200mm)
vs
455cm2 (175x260mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
229USD
vs
1099USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
General |
Acoustic Energy AE300 |
Klipsch Reference R-41M |
Brand |
Acoustic Energy |
Klipsch |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
50 watts |
Sensitivity |
86 dB |
90 dB |
Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
45Hz - 30kHz |
68-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.2" |
4" |
Woofer Composition |
ceramic aluminium sandwich |
Copper-spun IMG |
Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1.1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
dome with waveguide |
Tractrix Horn |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2800Hz |
1730Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
300.0mm (11.8") |
287.0mm (11.3") |
Width |
175.0mm (6.9") |
146.0mm (5.7") |
Depth |
260.0mm (10.2") |
200.0mm (7.9") |
Weight |
6.50kg (14.3lbs) |
3.20kg (7lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
high density MDF |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Piano Gloss White, Piano Gloss Black, Real Walnut wood veneer |
Black |
Mounting Bracket |
|
Keyhole |
Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
26-31" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
|
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
|
5 Years |