In this review, we will be comparing SX-50 and R-51M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Cambridge Audio and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Cambridge SX-50 and Klipsch R-51M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Cambridge SX-50 and Klipsch R-51M 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 Cambridge SX-50 and Klipsch R-51M 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 SX-50 and R-51M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Cambridge SX-50 |
Klipsch R-51M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
SX-50 features a 1" Silk Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Treated paper Woofer . On the other hand, the R-51M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1660Hz.
Frequency Response
SX-50 has a frequency range of 50-22k Hz whereas R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the SX-50 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-51M's min frequency of 62Hz.
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
SX-50 and R-51M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. SX-50 sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the R-51M's is at 93 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-51M a more sensitive speaker compared to Cambridge SX-50, 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.
SX-50 can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-51M has a max power handling value of 85 watts RMS, 15 watts less than the SX-50.
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.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
SX-50 features Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way type posts and R-51M has a Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cambridge SX-50's 5-way post terminals
Klipsch R-51M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both SX-50 and R-51M 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.
Cambridge SX-50 Port
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 Cambridge SX-50's and Klipsch R-51M's external dimensions. Cambridge SX-50 has external dimensions of 225.0 x 161.0 x 240.0mm ( 8.8 x 6.3 x 9.4inch) whereas Klipsch R-51M has external dimensions of 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm ( 13.3 x 7.0 x 8.4inch) .
Cambridge SX-50 is 17mm narrower and 113mm shorter than Klipsch R-51M but it is also 25mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Cambridge SX-50 and Klipsch R-51M in scale.
Comparison image of Cambridge SX-50 and Klipsch R-51M Size and External Dimensions
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 Cambridge SX-50 is approximately 386.4cm2 / 59.9inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-51M is approximately 382.7cm2 / 59.3inch2. The SX-50 requires 1% more surface area than the R-51M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of Cambridge SX-50 and Klipsch R-51M on a Media Console
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 Cambridge SX-50 weighs 3.00kg / 6.6lbs and the Klipsch R-51M weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs. This makes the R-51M 67% heavier than the SX-50.
Here is a comparison of how SX-50 and R-51M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Cambridge SX-50?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SX-50:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive feet 2 Foam port inserts Installation Guide
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-51M?
Here are the items that come with the R-51M:
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
85 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
62 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
22k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
225mm
vs
338mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
199USD
vs
359USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Base Surface Area |
382cm2 (178x215mm)
vs
386cm2 (161x240mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Cambridge Audio SX-50 |
Klipsch Reference R-51M |
| Brand |
Cambridge Audio |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
10-100 watts |
Up to 85 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
93 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
50-22k Hz |
62-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Treated paper |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1660Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
225.0mm (8.9") |
338.0mm (13.3") |
| Width |
161.0mm (6.3") |
178.0mm (7") |
| Depth |
240.0mm (9.4") |
215.0mm (8.5") |
| Weight |
3.00kg (6.6lbs) |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Woodgrain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
28-31" |
24-28" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |