In this review, we will be comparing R-15PM and R-41PM, two Powered Bookshelf speakers by Klipsch 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 Klipsch R-41PM first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
R-15PM and R-41PM are members of Klipsch's Reference (R) Bookshelf series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch R-15PM and Klipsch R-41PM 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 R-41PM are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-15PM |
Klipsch R-41PM |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.0-inch
|
1.0-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 4.0-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 R-41PM features a 1.0" Aluminum LTS Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4.0" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1770Hz.
Frequency Response
R-15PM has a frequency range of 62-24k Hz whereas R-41PM has a frequency range of 76-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 62Hz, the R-15PM can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-41PM's min frequency of 76Hz.
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 R-41PM 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 Klipsch R-41PM'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 Klipsch R-41PM has external dimensions of 281.0 x 147.6 x 241.3mm ( 11.0625 x 5.8125 x 9.5inch) .
Klipsch R-15PM is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 30.2mm wider, 36.5mm taller and 9.5mm deeper than Klipsch R-41PM.
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 Klipsch R-41PM is approximately 356.2cm2 / 55.2inch2. The R-15PM requires 25% more surface area than the R-41PM 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 Klipsch R-41PM weighs 3.70kg / 8.1lbs. This makes the R-15PM 26% heavier than the R-41PM.
Here is a comparison of how R-15PM and R-41PM'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 Klipsch R-41PM?
Here are the items that come with the R-41PM:
Powered speaker (right)Passive speaker (left)2 Grilles68-inch AC power cordRemote control2
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4.0 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
62 Hz
vs
76 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
24k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 USB Port |
Type-B
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
 Height |
281mm
vs
317mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
356cm2 (147x241mm)
vs
445cm2 (177x250mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| USB Port |
USB-B
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-15PM |
Klipsch Reference R-41PM |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
| Frequency Response |
62-24k Hz |
76-21k 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" |
4.0" |
| Woofer Composition |
Copper-spun IMG |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
1.0" |
1.0" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1800Hz |
1770Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
317.5mm (12.5") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
| Width |
177.8mm (7") |
147.6mm (5.8") |
| Depth |
250.8mm (9.9") |
241.3mm (9.5") |
| Weight |
4.67kg (10.3lbs) |
3.70kg (8.1lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Aux Inputs |
3.5mm, RCA |
3.5mm, RCA |
| USB Port |
Type-B |
USB-B |
| Phone Input |
Yes |
Yes |
| Subwoofer Output |
Wired |
Wired |
| Digital Input |
Optical |
Optical |
| HDMI Input |
No |
No |
| Headphone Jack |
No |
No |
| Ethernet Port |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
1 Year |