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JBL Studio 620 vs Klipsch R-51M Comparison

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JBL Studio 620

Passive Bookshelf | 50-40k Hz

JBL Studio 620
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Klipsch R-51M

Passive Bookshelf | 62-21k Hz

Klipsch Reference R-51M
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JBL Studio 620 JBL Studio 620
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Klipsch R-51M Klipsch R-51M
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JBL Studio 620
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Klipsch R-51M
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JBL Studio 620 vs Klipsch R-51M Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Studio 620 and R-51M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from JBL and Klipsch.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of JBL Studio 620 and Klipsch R-51M first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

JBL Studio 620 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" High Frequency Compression Tweeter
  • 5.25" PolyPlas Woofer
  • 50-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 84 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 6ohms
  • Power Range:up to 100watts
  • Weight:6.88kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 312.0" x 7-1/2" x 9-1/2"( 190 x 240 x 312mm )

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 JBL Studio 620 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* JBL Studio 620 Klipsch R-51M
Near-field Average Average
Small Room Good Good
Mid-size Room Average Average
Large Room Poor Poor
Very Large Room Bad 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 JBL Studio 620 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 Studio 620 and R-51M are 2-way speakers.

Driver JBL Studio 620 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

Studio 620 features a 1" High Frequency Compression Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" PolyPlas 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

Studio 620 has a frequency range of 50-40k Hz whereas R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the Studio 620 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

Studio 620
R-51M
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

JBL Studio 620
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

Studio 620 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the R-51M which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.

These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Studio 620 sensitivity is rated at 84 dB and the R-51M's is rated at 93 dB. This 9 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-51M a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL Studio 620, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

Studio 620
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.

Studio 620 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 Studio 620.

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

Studio 620 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-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 Studio 620 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 JBL Studio 620's and Klipsch R-51M's external dimensions. JBL Studio 620 has external dimensions of 190 x 240 x 312mm ( 12.3 x 7-1/2inch x 9-1/2inch ) whereas Klipsch R-51M has external dimensions of 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm ( 13.3 x 7.0 x 8.4inch) .

Klipsch R-51M is 12mm narrower and 25mm less deeper than JBL Studio 620 but it is also 26mm 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 JBL Studio 620 is approximately 456.0cm2 / 70.7inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-51M is approximately 382.7cm2 / 59.3inch2. The Studio 620 requires 19% 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 Studio 620 weighs 6.88kg / 15.1lbs and the Klipsch R-51M weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs. This makes the Studio 620 38% heavier than the R-51M.

Here is a comparison of how Studio 620 and R-51M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
JBL Studio 620
Klipsch R-51M
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of JBL Studio 620?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Studio 620:
  • 2 x JBL Studio 630 Bookshelf Loudspeaker
  • 1 x Owner’s Manual
  • 1 x Warranty Card
  • 8 x Feet Pads
  • 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 JBL Studio 620 over Klipsch Reference R-51M
    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 40k Hz vs 21k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Height 312mm vs 338mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces

    Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-51M over JBL Studio 620

    Sensitivity 93 dB vs 84 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Nominal Impedance 8 ohms vs 6 ohms Less selective with amplifiers
    Base Surface Area 382cm2 vs 456cm2 Takes less floor space
    JBL Studio 620 vs Klipsch R-51M Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General JBL Studio 620 Klipsch Reference R-51M
    Brand JBL Klipsch
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range up to 100 watts Up to 85 watts
    Sensitivity 84 dB 93 dB
    Impedance 6 ohms 8 ohms
    Frequency Response 50-40k Hz 62-21k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 5.25" 5.25"
    Woofer Composition PolyPlas Copper-spun IMG
    Woofer Surround Material n/a Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type High Frequency Compression Tractrix Horn
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency n/a 1660Hz
    Firing Direction rear rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 312.0mm (12.3") 338.0mm (13.3")
    Width 190.0mm (7.5") 178.0mm (7")
    Depth 240.0mm (9.4") 215.0mm (8.5")
    Weight 6.88kg (15.1lbs) 5.00kg (11lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Wood veneer MDF/Wood-grain vinyl
    Available Colors Wood, Dark Wood Black
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Recommended Stand Height n/a 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

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