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GoldenEar Aon 3 vs Klipsch R-51M Comparison

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GoldenEar Aon 3

Passive Bookshelf | 38-35k Hz

GoldenEar Aon 3
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Klipsch R-51M

Passive Bookshelf | 62-21k Hz

Klipsch Reference R-51M
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GoldenEar Aon 3 GoldenEar Aon 3
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Klipsch R-51M Klipsch R-51M
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GoldenEar Aon 3
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Klipsch R-51M
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GoldenEar Aon 3 vs Klipsch R-51M Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor and R-51M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from GoldenEar and Klipsch.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of GoldenEar Aon 3 and Klipsch R-51M first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

GoldenEar Aon 3 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • " Folded Ribbon Tweeter
  • 7" Polypropylene Woofer
  • 38-35k Hz Frequency Response
  • 90 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:10-250watts
  • Weight:6.82kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 356.0" x 9" x 11-1/16"( 356.0 x 229.0 x 281.0mm )

Klipsch R-51M Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer
  • 62-21k Hz Frequency Response
  • 93 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:Up to 85watts
  • Weight:5.00kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 338.0" x 7.0" x 8.4"( 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm )

What size room are the GoldenEar Aon 3 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:

Listening Environment* GoldenEar Aon 3 Klipsch R-51M
Near-field Poor Average
Small Room Poor Good
Mid-size Room Good Average
Large Room Good Poor
Very Large Room Average Bad

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the GoldenEar Aon 3 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 Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor and R-51M are 2-way speakers.

Driver GoldenEar Aon 3 Klipsch R-51M
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter -inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 7-inch 1 x 5.25-inch

Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor features a " Folded Ribbon Tweeter and 1 x 7" Polypropylene 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

Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor has a frequency range of 38-35k Hz whereas R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 38Hz, the Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor 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

Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor
R-51M
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

GoldenEar Aon 3
Klipsch R-51M
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.

Impedance and Sensitivity

Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor and R-51M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor 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 GoldenEar Aon 3, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor
R-51M
Min
Average
Max

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.

Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-51M has a max power handling value of 85 watts RMS, 165 watts less than the Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor.

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

Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor 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.

GoldenEar Aon 3 Terminals
GoldenEar Aon 3's 5-way post terminals

Klipsch R-51MSingle Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way Terminals
Klipsch R-51M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Both Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor 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.

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 GoldenEar Aon 3's and Klipsch R-51M's external dimensions. GoldenEar Aon 3 has external dimensions of 356.0 x 229.0 x 281.0mm ( 14 x 9 x 11-1/16inch) whereas Klipsch R-51M has external dimensions of 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm ( 13.3 x 7.0 x 8.4inch) .

GoldenEar Aon 3 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 51mm wider, 18mm taller and 66mm 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 GoldenEar Aon 3 is approximately 643.5cm2 / 99.7inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-51M is approximately 382.7cm2 / 59.3inch2. The Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor requires 68% more surface area than the R-51M 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 GoldenEar Aon 3 weighs 6.82kg / 15lbs and the Klipsch R-51M weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs. This makes the Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor 36% heavier than the R-51M.

Here is a comparison of how Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor and R-51M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
GoldenEar Aon 3
Klipsch R-51M
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of GoldenEar Aon 3?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Aon 3 Bookshelf Monitor:
  • Bookshelf loudspeaker Key-hole hanger 2 Screws Owner's 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

  • Reasons to choose GoldenEar Aon 3 over Klipsch Reference R-51M
    Max Input Power 250 watts vs 85 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Woofer Size 7 inches vs 5.25 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 38 Hz vs 62 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 35k Hz vs 21k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Mounting Bracket Yes vs No Allows mounting on walls
    Passive Radiator two 8-inch side-mounted vs None Increases the bass performance

    Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-51M over GoldenEar Aon 3

    Sensitivity 93 dB vs 90 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Height 338mm vs 356mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 382cm2 vs 643cm2 Takes less floor space
    GoldenEar Aon 3 vs Klipsch R-51M Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General GoldenEar Aon 3 Klipsch Reference R-51M
    Brand GoldenEar Klipsch
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 10-250 watts Up to 85 watts
    Sensitivity 90 dB 93 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Frequency Response 38-35k Hz 62-21k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 7" 5.25"
    Woofer Composition Polypropylene Copper-spun IMG
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size - 1"
    Tweeter Type Folded Ribbon Tractrix Horn
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency n/a 1660Hz
    Firing Direction rear rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 356.0mm (14") 338.0mm (13.3")
    Width 229.0mm (9") 178.0mm (7")
    Depth 281.0mm (11.1") 215.0mm (8.5")
    Weight 6.82kg (15lbs) 5.00kg (11lbs)
    Enclosure Acoustic Suspension Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Lacquer MDF/Wood-grain vinyl
    Available Colors Black Black
    Mounting Bracket Yes No
    Recommended Stand Height 24-26" 24-28"
    Grille n/a Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs No No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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