In this review, we will be comparing R-15PM and YU4, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and Kanto. 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 Kanto YU4 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch R-15PM Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 100-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
- 1.0" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer
- 62-24k Hz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 96 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 3.0 Bluetooth
- Weight:4.67kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 317.5" x 7" x 9.875"( 317.5 x 177.8 x 250.8mm )
Kanto YU4 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 70-watt RMS( 140-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 4" Kevlar Woofer
- 60-20k Hz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 96 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 4.0 Bluetooth
- Weight:2.50kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 220.0" x 5.5" x 7.5"( 220.0 x 140.0 x 190.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch R-15PM and Kanto YU4 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 YU4 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-15PM |
Kanto YU4 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.0-inch
|
1-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 YU4 features a 1" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
R-15PM has a frequency range of 62-24k Hz whereas YU4 has a frequency range of 60-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the YU4 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
Both R-15PM and YU4 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 Kanto YU4'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 Kanto YU4 has external dimensions of 220.0 x 140.0 x 190.0mm ( 8.7 x 5.5 x 7.5inch) .
Klipsch R-15PM is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 37.8mm wider, 97.5mm taller and 60.8mm deeper than Kanto YU4.
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 Kanto YU4 is approximately 266.0cm2 / 41.2inch2. The R-15PM requires 68% more surface area than the YU4 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 Kanto YU4 weighs 2.50kg / 5.5lbs. This makes the R-15PM 87% heavier than the YU4.
Here is a comparison of how R-15PM and YU4'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 Kanto YU4?
Here are the items that come with the YU4:
Remote with Batteries Power Cord Speaker Wire (16′) 3.5mm Auxiliary Cable (6.5′) 8 x Rubber Feet Manual
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
24k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 USB Port |
Type-B
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
|
Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
62 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
220mm
vs
317mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
266cm2
vs
445cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
450USD
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 |
Kanto YU4 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Kanto |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
| Frequency Response |
62-24k Hz |
60-20k Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
100-watt RMS |
70-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
n/a |
140-watt RMS |
| Max Bit Depth |
24-bit |
24-bit |
| Max Sample Rate |
96 kHz |
96 kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
4" |
| Woofer Composition |
Copper-spun IMG |
Kevlar |
| Tweeter Size |
1.0" |
1" |
| 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") |
220.0mm (8.7") |
| Width |
177.8mm (7") |
140.0mm (5.5") |
| Depth |
250.8mm (9.9") |
190.0mm (7.5") |
| Weight |
4.67kg (10.3lbs) |
2.50kg (5.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
bass reflex |
| 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 |
Yes |
| Subwoofer Output |
Wired |
Wired |
| Digital Input |
Optical |
Optical (2) |
| HDMI Input |
No |
No |
| Headphone Jack |
No |
No |
| Ethernet Port |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
2 Years |