Kanto REN vs Klipsch R-51M Comparison

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Kanto REN

Powered Bookshelf | 50-22k Hz

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Klipsch R-51M

Passive Bookshelf | 62-21k Hz

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Kanto REN

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Klipsch R-51M

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Kanto REN

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Klipsch R-51M

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Kanto REN vs Klipsch R-51M Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing REN and R-51M, two Bookshelf speakers from Kanto and Klipsch. The main difference between these two speakers is that the Kanto REN is a Powered speaker which means that it has a built-in amplifier inside the speaker body so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp whereas the Klipsch R-51M is a Passive speaker so has to be matched with an amplifier to get any sound from it.

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

Key Specs	Kanto REN	Klipsch R-51M
Brand	Kanto Canada · founded 2007	Klipsch United States · founded 1946
Design	2-way	2-way
Built-in amplifier	100-watt RMS (200-watt peak)	—
Tweeter	1" soft-dome	1" Tractrix Horn
Woofer	5.25" aluminum	5.25" Copper-spun IMG
Frequency response	50-22k Hz	62-21k Hz
Sensitivity	—	93 dB
Impedance	—	8 ohms
Power range	—	Up to 85 watts
Max depth / sample rate	24-bit / 96 kHz	—
Bluetooth	Built-in 5.3	—
Weight	3.90kg / 8.6lbs	5.00kg / 11lbs
Dimensions (H x W x D)	8.75" x 5.5" x 7.5" 222.25 x 139.7 x 190.5mm	13.3" x 7.0" x 8.4" 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm

The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.

**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Drivers

Both REN and R-51M are 2-way speakers.

Kanto REN

Klipsch R-51M

TweeterWoofer

Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.

Driver	Kanto REN	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

REN features a 1" silk soft-dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" aluminum 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

REN has a frequency range of 50-22k Hz whereas R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the REN can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-51M's min frequency of 62Hz.

The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.

Low Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

REN

R-51M

Min

Average

Median

Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Both REN 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

The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Kanto REN's and Klipsch R-51M's external dimensions. Kanto REN has external dimensions of 222.25 x 139.7 x 190.5mm (8.75inch x 5.5inch x 7.5inch) 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 clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 38mm wider, 116mm taller and 25mm deeper than Kanto REN.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Kanto REN and Klipsch R-51M in scale.

Comparison image of Kanto REN 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 Kanto REN is approximately 266.0cm² / 41.2inch² and base area of the Klipsch R-51M is approximately 382.7cm² / 59.3inch². The REN requires 30% less surface area than the R-51M which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.

Here is another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:

Size Comparison image of Kanto REN and Klipsch R-51M on a Media Console

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 Kanto REN over Klipsch Reference R-51M

Speaker Type	Powered vs Passive	Built-in amplifier
Low Frequency Response	50 Hz vs 62 Hz	Generates deeper bass
High Frequency Response	22k Hz vs 21k Hz	Generates higher frequency
Height	222mm vs 338mm	Easier to fit in smaller spaces
Base Surface Area	266cm² vs 382cm²	Takes less floor space
3.5mm Connection	Yes vs No	Connection via 3.5mm AUX input
RCA Connection	Yes vs No	Connection via RCA input

Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-51M over Kanto REN

Price per pair*	359USD vs 599USD	costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

Kanto REN vs Klipsch R-51M Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Kanto REN	Klipsch Reference R-51M
Brand	Kanto	Klipsch
Speaker Type	Powered Stereo Speakers	Bookshelf speakers
Sensitivity	n/a	93 dB
Impedance	n/a	8 ohms
Frequency Response	50-22k Hz	62-21k Hz
Amplifier
Watts RMS (Continuous)	100-watt RMS	n/a
Watts Peak (Max)	200-watt RMS	n/a
Max Bit Depth	24-bit	n/a
Max Sample Rate	96 kHz	n/a
Drivers
Woofer Quantity	1	1
Woofer Size	5.25"	5.25"
Woofer Composition	aluminum	Copper-spun IMG
Woofer Surround Material	n/a	Rubber
Tweeter Size	1"	1"
Tweeter Type	soft-dome	Tractrix Horn
Aimable Tweeter	No	No
Midrange Driver	No	No
Crossover Frequency	n/a	1660Hz
Firing Direction	rear	rear
Physical Specs
Height	222.0mm (8.7")	338.0mm (13.3")
Width	140.0mm (5.5")	178.0mm (7")
Depth	190.0mm (7.5")	215.0mm (8.5")
Weight	3.90kg (8.6lbs)	5.00kg (11lbs)
Enclosure	Bass Reflex	Bass Reflex
Finish	n/a	MDF/Wood-grain vinyl
Available Colors	Matte Black,Matte Grey,Matte Orange,Matte Blue,Matte White	Black
Mounting Bracket	No	No
Recommended Stand Height	n/a	24-28"
Grille	n/a	Yes
Moisture Resistancy	No	No
Connections
Biamp Inputs	n/a	No
Aux Inputs	3.5mm, RCA	n/a
USB Port	USB-C	n/a
Phone Input	No	n/a
Subwoofer Output	mono-RCA	n/a
Digital Input	Optical	n/a
HDMI Input	ARC	n/a
Headphone Jack	No	n/a
Ethernet Port	No	n/a
Other
Parts Warranty	2 years	5 Years
Labor Warranty	2 years	5 Years

Verdict

Different kinds of product: one is active with its amplifier built in, the other passive and needs one. Judge them on how you want to own the system, not just the specs.

Area	Better	Why
Bass	A	Kanto REN digs deeper - 50Hz against 62Hz.
What you buy	depends	Kanto REN is a complete system - just add a source. Klipsch R-51M also needs an amplifier: more money and another box, but you choose it.
Connections	depends	Kanto REN has Bluetooth and HDMI built in. With Klipsch R-51M that all comes from the amplifier you pair it with.
Upgrade path	depends	Klipsch R-51M can be re-amped later and outlive several amplifiers; Kanto REN ages as one unit.
Size	depends	Kanto REN is easier to place; Klipsch R-51M is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides.
Expandability	A	Kanto REN: a sub output.
Price	B	Klipsch R-51M is cheaper - $359 against $599, about 40% less; arguably a different class. Speakers only - an amplifier narrows that gap.

A Kanto REN B Klipsch R-51M
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.

Which should you choose?

Kanto REN suits you if you want one box, ready to play, with nothing else to buy. Klipsch R-51M suits you if you already have an amplifier, want to choose the electronics, or expect to upgrade in stages. Neither is the better speaker in the abstract. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 62Hz anyway, which makes the cheaper Klipsch R-51M much easier to justify. In a large or open-plan room, Klipsch R-51M has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, Kanto REN is the easier speaker to get right.

And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.