In this review, we will be comparing RP-400M and Bronze 1, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and Monitor Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch RP-400M and Monitor Audio Bronze 1 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch RP-400M and Monitor Audio Bronze 1 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 Klipsch RP-400M and Monitor Audio Bronze 1 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
Both RP-400M and Bronze 1 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Klipsch RP-400M |
Monitor Audio Bronze 1 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
1 x 5.5-inch
|
RP-400M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz. On the other hand, the Bronze 1 features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.5" C-CAM Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2700Hz.
Frequency Response
RP-400M has a frequency range of 52-25k Hz whereas Bronze 1 has a frequency range of 55-30k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the RP-400M can go slightly deeper then the Bronze 1's min frequency of 55Hz.
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
RP-400M and Bronze 1 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-400M sensitivity is rated at 93 dB and the Bronze 1's is at 88 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-400M a more sensitive speaker compared to Monitor Audio Bronze 1, 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.
RP-400M can handle a max power of 70 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-400M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS , 20 watts less than the Bronze 1.
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
RP-400M features Post type posts and Bronze 1 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both RP-400M and Bronze 1 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 Klipsch RP-400M's and Monitor Audio Bronze 1's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-400M has external dimensions of 298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm ( 11.7 x 5.6 x 7.5inch) whereas Monitor Audio Bronze 1 has external dimensions of 260.0 x 165.0 x 205.0mm ( 10.2 x 6.4 x 8.0inch) .
Klipsch RP-400M is 21mm narrower and 14mm less deeper than Monitor Audio Bronze 1 but it is also 38mm 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 Klipsch RP-400M is approximately 275.0cm2 / 42.6inch2 and base area of the Monitor Audio Bronze 1 is approximately 338.3cm2 / 52.4inch2. The RP-400M requires 19% less surface area than the Bronze 1 which gives it a small advantage 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 Klipsch RP-400M weighs 4.10kg / 9lbs and the Monitor Audio Bronze 1 weighs 3.50kg / 7.7lbs. This makes the RP-400M 17% heavier than the Bronze 1.
Here is a comparison of how RP-400M and Bronze 1'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-400M?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-400M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet User Manual Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
What's in the Box of Monitor Audio Bronze 1?
Here are the items that come with the Bronze 1:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 2 Foam port plugs Hex-key Owner's Manual Important Safety Instructions
Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Low Frequency Response |
52 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
Base Surface Area |
275cm2 (144x191mm)
vs
338cm2 (165x205mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Max Input Power |
70 watts
vs
50 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Woofer Size |
5.5 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
25k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Height |
260mm
vs
298mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
General |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M |
Monitor Audio Bronze 1 |
Brand |
Klipsch |
Monitor Audio |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
up to 50 watts |
20-70 watts |
Sensitivity |
93 dB |
88 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
52-25k Hz |
55-30k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
4" |
5.5" |
Woofer Composition |
Cerametallic |
C-CAM |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
1500Hz |
2700Hz |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
298.0mm (11.7") |
260.0mm (10.2") |
Width |
144.0mm (5.7") |
165.0mm (6.5") |
Depth |
191.0mm (7.5") |
205.0mm (8.1") |
Weight |
4.10kg (9lbs) |
3.50kg (7.7lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black |
Walnut, White, Rosemah, Black |
Mounting Bracket |
Keyhole |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
28-30" |
30-31" |
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 |