In this review, we will be comparing R-15PM and HD4, 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 HD4 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 HD4 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 HD4 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Klipsch R-15PM |
Audioengine HD4 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1.0-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 4-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 HD4 features a 0.75" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Aramid Woofer .
Frequency Response
R-15PM has a frequency range of 62-24k Hz whereas HD4 has a frequency range of 60-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the HD4 can go slightly deeper then 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
R-15PM has a rear firing port whereas HD4 has a front firing ports. Audioengine HD4's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Klipsch R-15PM with its rear-firing port.
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 HD4'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 HD4 has external dimensions of 231.8 x 138.1 x 225.4mm ( 9.125 x 5.4375 x 8.875inch) .
Klipsch R-15PM is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 39.7mm wider, 85.7mm taller and 25.4mm deeper than Audioengine HD4.
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 HD4 is approximately 311.3cm2 / 48.3inch2. The R-15PM requires 43% more surface area than the HD4 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 HD4 weighs 2.40kg / 5.3lbs. This makes the R-15PM 95% heavier than the HD4.
Here is a comparison of how R-15PM and HD4'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 HD4?
Here are the items that come with the HD4:
Powered speakerPassive speaker2 Grilles (pre-installed)6-feet AC power cordBluetooth antenna5-feet microUSB-to-USB cable6.5-feet Speaker cable (banana connectors on each end)5-feet Stereo minijack cable6-feet Stereo RCA cable2 Microfiber speaker bags2 MIcrofiber cable bagsQuickstart GuideProduct Line Brochure
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
High Frequency Response |
24k Hz
vs
22k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
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 |
60 Hz
vs
62 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
Height |
231mm
vs
317mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
311cm2 (138x225mm)
vs
445cm2 (177x250mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
449USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
USB Port |
microUSB
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
Headphone Output |
3.5mm
vs
No
|
Connect your headphone |
General |
Klipsch Reference R-15PM |
Audioengine HD4 |
Brand |
Klipsch |
Audioengine |
Speaker Type |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Frequency Response |
62-24k Hz |
60-22k Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
Watts RMS (Continuous) |
100-watt RMS |
60-watt RMS |
Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
120-watt RMS |
Max Bit Depth |
24-bit |
24-bit |
Max Sample Rate |
96 kHz |
48 kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
4" |
Woofer Composition |
Copper-spun IMG |
Aramid |
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 |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
317.5mm (12.5") |
231.8mm (9.1") |
Width |
177.8mm (7") |
138.1mm (5.4") |
Depth |
250.8mm (9.9") |
225.4mm (8.9") |
Weight |
4.67kg (10.3lbs) |
2.40kg (5.3lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Available Colors |
n/a |
Black, Walnut |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Aux Inputs |
3.5mm, RCA |
3.5mm, RCA |
USB Port |
Type-B |
microUSB |
Phone Input |
Yes |
No |
Subwoofer Output |
Wired |
Wired |
Digital Input |
Optical |
No |
HDMI Input |
No |
No |
Headphone Jack |
No |
3.5mm |
Ethernet Port |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |
Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
3 Years |