In this review, we will be comparing Kanta No.1 and R-51M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Focal and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Focal Kanta No.1 and Klipsch R-51M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size of room is the Focal Kanta No.1 and Klipsch R-51M speakers good for?
The size of the room that you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various size of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how Focal Kanta No.1 and Klipsch R-51M compares 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 Kanta No.1 and R-51M are 2-way speakers. Kanta No.1 features a 1.1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Flax Woofer . On the other hand, 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
Kanta No.1 has a frequency range of 46-40k Hz whereas R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the Kanta No.1 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 under 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 to pair these with a subwoofer.Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Kanta No.1 and R-51M has the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Kanta No.1 sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the R-51M's is at 93 dB. This 5 dB difference makes Klipsch R-51M a more sensitive speaker compared to Focal Kanta No.1, 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.
Kanta No.1 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-51M has a max power handling value of 85 watts RMS, 65 watts less than the Kanta No.1.
Keep in mind that higher max power handling value doesn't necesssarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impededance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Kanta No.1 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.
Klipsch R-51M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way terminals
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 Focal Kanta No.1's and Klipsch R-51M's external dimensions. Focal Kanta No.1 has external dimensions of 609.6 x 228.6 x 393.0mm ( 24-28inch x 9-1/4inch x 15-7/16inch ) whereas Klipsch R-51M has external dimensions of 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm ( 13.3 x 7.0 x 8.4inch) .
Focal Kanta No.1 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 50.6mm wider, 271.6mm taller and 178mm deeper than Klipsch R-51M.
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 Focal Kanta No.1 is approximately 898.4cm2 / 139.3inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-51M is approximately 382.7cm2 / 59.3inch2. The Kanta No.1 requires 135% more surface area than the R-51M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison 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 Focal Kanta No.1 weighs 13.05kg / 28.7lbs and the Klipsch R-51M weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs. This makes the Kanta No.1 161% heavier than the R-51M.
Here is a comparison of how Kanta No.1 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 Focal Kanta No.1?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Kanta No.1:
Bookshelf loudspeakerGrillePort plug4 Slicone padsUser Manual
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 |
150 watts
vs
85 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
46 Hz
vs
62 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Height |
338mm
vs
609mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
382cm2 (178x215mm)
vs
898cm2 (228x393mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Focal Kanta No.1 |
Klipsch Reference R-51M |
| Brand |
Focal |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-150 watts |
85 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
93 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
46-40k Hz |
62-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Flax |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1.1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1660Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
609.6mm (24") |
338.0mm (13.3") |
| Width |
228.6mm (9") |
178.0mm (7") |
| Depth |
393.0mm (15.5") |
215.0mm (8.5") |
| Weight |
13.05kg (28.7lbs) |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
Multi-ply/Polymer/Veneer |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
High-Gloss Carrara White, High-Gloss Black/Deep Black, Matte Walnut/Dark Grey,Matte Walnut/Ivory |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
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 |