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Audioengine HD5 vs Klipsch R-51PM Comparison

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Audioengine HD5

Powered Bookshelf | 55-22k Hz

Audioengine HD5
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Klipsch R-51PM

Powered Bookshelf | 68-21k Hz

Klipsch Reference R-51PM
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Audioengine HD5 Audioengine HD5
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Klipsch R-51PM Klipsch R-51PM
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Audioengine HD5
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Klipsch R-51PM
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Audioengine HD5 vs Klipsch R-51PM Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing HD5 and R-51PM, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from Audioengine and Klipsch. Being Powered speakers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Audioengine HD5 and Klipsch R-51PM first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Audioengine HD5 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 100-watt RMS( 150-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
  • 0.75" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 5" Aramid Woofer
  • 55-22k Hz Frequency Response
  • 24-bit Max Depth / 192 kHz Max Sample Rate
  • Built-in 5.0 Bluetooth
  • Weight:5.70kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 283.0" x 7.1875" x 10.4375"( 283.0 x 183.0 x 266.0mm )

Klipsch R-51PM Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 120-watt RMS( 240-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
  • 1.0" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer
  • 68-21k Hz Frequency Response
  • 24-bit Max Depth / 96 kHz Max Sample Rate
  • Built-in 3.0 Bluetooth
  • Weight:4.80kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 330.2" x 7.0625" x 10.25"( 330.2 x 179.4 x 260.3mm )

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Audioengine HD5 and Klipsch R-51PM compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Drivers

Both HD5 and R-51PM are 2-way speakers.

Driver Audioengine HD5 Klipsch R-51PM
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 0.75-inch 1.0-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 5-inch 1 x 5.25-inch

HD5 features a 0.75" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Aramid Woofer . On the other hand, the R-51PM features a 1.0" Aluminum LTS Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1663Hz.

Frequency Response

HD5 has a frequency range of 55-22k Hz whereas R-51PM has a frequency range of 68-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the HD5 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-51PM'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

HD5
R-51PM
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Audioengine HD5
Klipsch R-51PM
Min
Average
Max

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.

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Both HD5 and R-51PM 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 Audioengine HD5's and Klipsch R-51PM's external dimensions. Audioengine HD5 has external dimensions of 283.0 x 183.0 x 266.0mm ( 11.125inch x 7.1875inch x 10.4375inch ) whereas Klipsch R-51PM has external dimensions of 330.2 x 179.4 x 260.3mm ( 13 x 7.0625 x 10.25inch) .

Klipsch R-51PM is 3.6mm narrower and 5.7mm less deeper than Audioengine HD5 but it is also 47.2mm taller.

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 Audioengine HD5 is approximately 486.8cm2 / 75.5inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-51PM is approximately 467.0cm2 / 72.4inch2. The HD5 requires 4% more surface area than the R-51PM 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 Audioengine HD5 weighs 5.70kg / 12.5lbs and the Klipsch R-51PM weighs 4.80kg / 10.6lbs. This makes the HD5 19% heavier than the R-51PM.

Here is a comparison of how HD5 and R-51PM's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Audioengine HD5
Klipsch R-51PM
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Audioengine HD5?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of HD5:
  • Powered speaker
  • Passive speaker
  • 2 Grilles (pre-installed)
  • 6-feet AC power cord
  • Remote control (CR2025 battery installed)
  • Bluetooth antenna
  • 13-feet Speaker cable (banana connectors on each end)
  • 5-feet Stereo minijack cable
  • 6-feet Stereo RCA cable
  • 2 Microfiber speaker bags
  • MIcrofiber cable bag
  • Quickstart Guide
  • Brochure
  • What's in the Box of Klipsch R-51PM?

    Here are the items that come with the R-51PM:
  • Powered speaker (right)
  • Passive speaker (left)
  • 2 Grilles
  • 68-inch AC power cord
  • Remote control
  • 2

  • Reasons to choose Audioengine HD5 over Klipsch Reference R-51PM
    Low Frequency Response 55 Hz vs 68 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 22k Hz vs 21k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Height 283mm vs 330mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Price per pair* 549USD vs 599USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

    Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-51PM over Audioengine HD5

    Woofer Size 5.25 inches vs 5 inches Larger woofer
    Base Surface Area 467cm2 vs 486cm2 Takes less floor space
    USB Port USB-B vs No USB port adds flexibility
    RCA Connection Yes vs No Connection via RCA input
    Phono Input Yes vs No Connect your turntable directly
    Audioengine HD5 vs Klipsch R-51PM Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Audioengine HD5 Klipsch Reference R-51PM
    Brand Audioengine Klipsch
    Speaker Type Powered Stereo Speakers Powered Stereo Speakers
    Frequency Response 55-22k Hz 68-21k Hz
    Amplifier
    Watts RMS (Continuous) 100-watt RMS 120-watt RMS
    Watts Peak (Max) 150-watt RMS 240-watt RMS
    Max Bit Depth 24-bit 24-bit
    Max Sample Rate 192 kHz 96 kHz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 5" 5.25"
    Woofer Composition Aramid Copper-spun IMG
    Tweeter Size 0.75" 1.0"
    Tweeter Type Soft-Dome Tractrix Horn
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency n/a 1663Hz
    Firing Direction rear rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 283.0mm (11.1") 330.2mm (13")
    Width 183.0mm (7.2") 179.4mm (7.1")
    Depth 266.0mm (10.5") 260.3mm (10.2")
    Weight 5.70kg (12.5lbs) 4.80kg (10.6lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Available Colors Black,Walnut,White n/a
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Aux Inputs RCA,3.5mm 3.5mm, RCA
    USB Port No USB-B
    Phone Input No Yes
    Subwoofer Output Stereo RCA Wired
    Digital Input Optical Optical
    HDMI Input No No
    Headphone Jack No No
    Ethernet Port No No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 3 Years 1 Year
    Labor Warranty 3 Years 1 Year

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