In this review, we will be comparing L100 Classic and R-51M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from JBL and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL L100 Classic and Klipsch R-51M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the JBL L100 Classic 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 JBL L100 Classic 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.
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Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that L100 Classic is a 3-way design whereas the R-51M is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
JBL L100 Classic |
Klipsch R-51M |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 5.25-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 12-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
L100 Classic features a 1" Titanium Dome Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 1 x 12" Pulp Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 450Hz and 3500Hz. 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
L100 Classic has a frequency range of 40-40k Hz whereas R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 40Hz, the L100 Classic 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
L100 Classic is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the R-51M which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the L100 Classic can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. L100 Classic sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the R-51M's is rated at 93 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-51M a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL L100 Classic, 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.
L100 Classic can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-51M has a max power handling value of 85 watts RMS, 115 watts less than the L100 Classic.
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
L100 Classic 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.
JBL L100 Classic's Five-way gold-plated binding posts terminals
Klipsch R-51M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
L100 Classic has a front firing port whereas R-51M has a rear firing ports. JBL L100 Classic's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Klipsch R-51M with its rear-firing 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 JBL L100 Classic's and Klipsch R-51M's external dimensions. JBL L100 Classic has external dimensions of 636.5 x 389.6 x 371.5mm ( 25.0 x 15.3 x 14.6inch) whereas Klipsch R-51M has external dimensions of 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm ( 13.3 x 7.0 x 8.4inch) .
JBL L100 Classic is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 211.6mm wider, 298.5mm taller and 156.5mm deeper than Klipsch R-51M.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of JBL L100 Classic and Klipsch R-51M in scale.
Comparison image of JBL L100 Classic 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 JBL L100 Classic is approximately 1447.4cm2 / 224.3inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-51M is approximately 382.7cm2 / 59.3inch2. The L100 Classic requires 278% 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 JBL L100 Classic weighs 26.70kg / 58.7lbs and the Klipsch R-51M weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs. This makes the L100 Classic 434% heavier than the R-51M.
Here is a comparison of how L100 Classic 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 JBL L100 Classic?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of L100 Classic:
Bookshelf loudspeaker
Grille
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
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
85 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
40 Hz
vs
62 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
90 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Height |
338mm
vs
636mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
382cm2 (178x215mm)
vs
1447cm2 (389x371mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
359USD
vs
4400USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
JBL L100 Classic |
Klipsch Reference R-51M |
| Brand |
JBL |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-200 watts |
Up to 85 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
93 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
40-40k Hz |
62-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Pulp |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
5.25" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
450Hz and 3500Hz |
1660Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
636.5mm (25.1") |
338.0mm (13.3") |
| Width |
389.6mm (15.3") |
178.0mm (7") |
| Depth |
371.5mm (14.6") |
215.0mm (8.5") |
| Weight |
26.70kg (58.7lbs) |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
Genuine walnut veneer |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
18" |
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 |