In this review, we will be comparing R-15PM and A5+, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and Audioengine. Being Powered speakers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-15PM and Audioengine A5+ first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch R-15PM and Audioengine A5+ 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 R-15PM and A5+ are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-15PM |
Audioengine A5+ |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.0-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5-inch
|
R-15PM features a 1.0" Aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1800Hz. On the other hand, the A5+ features a 0.75" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
R-15PM has a frequency range of 62-24k Hz whereas A5+ has a frequency range of 50-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the A5+ can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-15PM'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
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.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both R-15PM and A5+ 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 R-15PM's and Audioengine A5+'s external dimensions. Klipsch R-15PM has external dimensions of 317.5 x 177.8 x 250.8mm ( 12.5 x 7 x 9.875inch) whereas Audioengine A5+ has external dimensions of 276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6mm ( 10.875 x 7.1888 x 9.75inch) .
Audioengine A5+ is 41.3mm shorter and 3.2mm less deeper than Klipsch R-15PM but it is also 4.8mm wider.
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 R-15PM is approximately 445.9cm2 / 69.1inch2 and base area of the Audioengine A5+ is approximately 452.1cm2 / 70.1inch2. The R-15PM requires 1% less surface area than the A5+ 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 R-15PM weighs 4.67kg / 10.3lbs and the Audioengine A5+ weighs 4.40kg / 9.7lbs. This makes the R-15PM 6% heavier than the A5+.
Here is a comparison of how R-15PM and A5+'s weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-15PM?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-15PM:
Powered speaker (right)Passive speaker (left)68-inch AC power cordRemote controlCR2025 3V battery (installed in remote)16-feet Length of 18AWG speaker wire (bare tinned wire on each end)6.5-feet USB-A to USB-B cable6-feet Stereo RCA cable5-feet Optical digital cable8 Self-adhesive rubber feetInstruction BookletWarranty InformationImportant Safety Instructions
What's in the Box of Audioengine A5+?
Here are the items that come with the A5+:
Powered left speakerPassive right speaker6-feet AC power cordRemote control (with installed CR2025 battery)12.5-feet Length of 16 gauge speaker wire6.5-feet Stereo mini-jack cable (3.5mm mini-jack on both ends)6-feet Stereo RCA cableCloth drawstring cable bag2 Cloth drawstring speaker bagsSetup guideAudioengine product brochure
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
24k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Base Surface Area |
445cm2 (177x250mm)
vs
452cm2 (182x247mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 USB Port |
Type-B
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
 Phono Input |
Yes
vs
No
|
Connect your turntable directly |
 Digital Input |
Optical
vs
No
|
Connect digital inputs directly |
| Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
62 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
276mm
vs
317mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
399USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| USB Port |
Charge only
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-15PM |
Audioengine A5+ |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Audioengine |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
| Frequency Response |
62-24k Hz |
50-22k Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
100-watt RMS |
50-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
75-watt RMS |
| Max Bit Depth |
24-bit |
n/a |
| Max Sample Rate |
96 kHz |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Copper-spun IMG |
Kevlar |
| Tweeter Size |
1.0" |
0.75" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1800Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
317.5mm (12.5") |
276.2mm (10.9") |
| Width |
177.8mm (7") |
182.6mm (7.2") |
| Depth |
250.8mm (9.9") |
247.6mm (9.7") |
| Weight |
4.67kg (10.3lbs) |
4.40kg (9.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Available Colors |
n/a |
Black, Bamboo, White |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Aux Inputs |
3.5mm, RCA |
3.5mm, RCA |
| USB Port |
Type-B |
Charge only |
| Phone Input |
Yes |
No |
| Subwoofer Output |
Wired |
Wired |
| Digital Input |
Optical |
No |
| HDMI Input |
No |
No |
| Headphone Jack |
No |
No |
| Ethernet Port |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |