In this review, we will be comparing RP-160M and R-51M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-160M and Klipsch R-51M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Klipsch RP-160M | Klipsch R-51M |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Tractrix Horn | 1" Tractrix Horn |
|---|
| Woofer | 6.5" Cerametallic | 5.25" Copper-spun IMG |
|---|
| Frequency response | 45-25k Hz | 62-21k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 95 dB | 93 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | up to 100 watts | Up to 85 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 9.03kg / 19.9lbs | 5.00kg / 11lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 16.6" x 8.8" x 12.8"
424.0 x 224.0 x 327.0mm | 13.3" x 7.0" x 8.4"
338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the Klipsch RP-160M 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* |
Klipsch RP-160M |
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.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
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Drivers
Both RP-160M and R-51M are 2-way speakers.
Klipsch RP-160MKlipsch 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 |
Klipsch RP-160M |
Klipsch R-51M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
RP-160M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz. 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
RP-160M has a frequency range of 45-25k Hz whereas R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the RP-160M 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
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.
Impedance and Sensitivity
RP-160M and R-51M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-160M sensitivity is rated at 95 dB and the R-51M's is at 93 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-160M a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch R-51M, 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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
RP-160M can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS, whereas R-51M has a max power handling value of 85 watts RMS, 15 watts less than the RP-160M.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier — change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
RP-160M features Dual binding posts 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.
Klipsch RP-160M's Dual binding posts terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Klipsch R-51M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-160M 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 Klipsch RP-160M's and Klipsch R-51M's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-160M has external dimensions of 424.0 x 224.0 x 327.0mm (16.6 x 8.8 x 12.8inch) 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 RP-160M is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 46mm wider, 86mm taller and 112mm deeper than Klipsch R-51M.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-160M and Klipsch R-51M in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-160M 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 Klipsch RP-160M is approximately 732.5cm2 / 113.5inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-51M is approximately 382.7cm2 / 59.3inch2. The RP-160M requires 91% more surface area than the R-51M which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Klipsch RP-160M and Klipsch R-51M on a Media Console
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 Klipsch RP-160M weighs 9.03kg / 19.9lbs and the Klipsch R-51M weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs. This makes the RP-160M 81% heavier than the R-51M.
Here is a comparison of how RP-160M 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 Klipsch RP-160M?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-160M:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Detachable magnetic grilles
- User Manual
- Warranty Information
- Important Safety Instructions
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 |
100 watts
vs
85 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
95 dB
vs
93 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
62 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Height |
338mm
vs
424mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
382cm2
vs
732cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-160M |
Klipsch Reference R-51M |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
Up to 85 watts |
| Sensitivity |
95 dB |
93 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
45-25k Hz |
62-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1500Hz |
1660Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
424.0mm (16.7") |
338.0mm (13.3") |
| Width |
224.0mm (8.8") |
178.0mm (7") |
| Depth |
327.0mm (12.9") |
215.0mm (8.5") |
| Weight |
9.03kg (19.9lbs) |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Ebony, Cherry |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
24-28" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Both are Klipsch, from different ranges - so the house sound is shared and the differences are mostly in scale, engineering and price.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass |
A |
Klipsch RP-160M digs deeper - 45Hz against 62Hz. |
| Amplifier needs |
A |
Klipsch RP-160M is more sensitive (95dB vs 93dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Headroom |
evenly matched |
Similar power handling (100W vs 85W). |
| Size |
depends |
Klipsch R-51M is easier to place; Klipsch RP-160M is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability |
A |
Klipsch RP-160M: bi-amping. Klipsch RP-160M sits in a wider range (17 models), so a matched surround system is easier later. |
A Klipsch RP-160M
B Klipsch R-51M
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, placement 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?
Klipsch RP-160M has the edge on paper, though the margin is not large. The rows marked "depends" may matter more to you than the score does. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 62Hz anyway, so judge these on the other rows instead. In a large or open-plan room, Klipsch RP-160M has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, Klipsch R-51M 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.