In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers . KLH Kendall 2C is a Center Channel speaker whereas the R-51M is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of KLH Kendall 2C and Klipsch R-51M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
KLH Kendall 2C Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 3" Midrange
- 2 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer
- 50-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:250watts
- Weight:10.91kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 216.0" x 19-1/4" x 9-1/4"( 216.0 x 489.0 x 235.0mm )
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 KLH Kendall 2C 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* |
KLH Kendall 2C |
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 KLH Kendall 2C 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 Kendall 2C 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 |
KLH Kendall 2C |
Klipsch R-51M |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 3-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Kendall 2C features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter , a 3" Midrange and 2 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 800-2500 HZ. 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
Kendall 2C has a frequency range of 50-20k Hz whereas R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the Kendall 2C 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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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
Kendall 2C and R-51M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Kendall 2C sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the R-51M's is at 93 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-51M a more sensitive speaker compared to KLH Kendall 2C, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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.
Kendall 2C 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 Kendall 2C.
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
Kendall 2C features 5-Way post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. R-51M has a Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
KLH Kendall 2C's 5-Way post terminals allows Bi-amping or 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 KLH Kendall 2C's and Klipsch R-51M's external dimensions. KLH Kendall 2C has external dimensions of 216.0 x 489.0 x 235.0mm ( 8-1/2inch x 19-1/4inch x 9-1/4inch ) whereas Klipsch R-51M has external dimensions of 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm ( 13.3 x 7.0 x 8.4inch) .
Klipsch R-51M is 311mm narrower and 20mm less deeper than KLH Kendall 2C but it is also 122mm 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 KLH Kendall 2C is approximately 1149.2cm2 / 178.1inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-51M is approximately 382.7cm2 / 59.3inch2. The Kendall 2C requires 200% more surface area than the R-51M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of KLH Kendall 2C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Kendall 2C:
2C Loudspeaker and Grille Owners Manual Binding Post Wrench Rubber Adhesive Feet
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 
Driver Setup 
Woofer Size 
Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring 
Height 
Sensitivity 
High Frequency Response 
Base Surface Area 
Price per pair*