In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Klipsch. Klipsch Reference R-25C is a Center Channel speaker whereas the R-41M is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch Reference R-25C and Klipsch R-41M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch Reference R-25C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- " Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" Copper spun Woofer
- 82-24K Hz Frequency Response
- 98 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:6.70kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 184.0" x 18.75" x 7.25"( 184 x 476 x 184mm )
Klipsch R-41M Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 4" Copper-spun IMG Woofer
- 68-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:50watts
- Weight:3.20kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 287.0" x 5.7" x 7.8"( 287.0 x 146.0 x 200.0mm )
What size room are the Klipsch Reference R-25C and Klipsch R-41M 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Klipsch Reference R-25C |
Klipsch R-41M |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Good |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
No way |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch Reference R-25C and Klipsch R-41M 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-25C and R-41M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch Reference R-25C |
Klipsch R-41M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
R-25C features a " LTS (Linear Travel Suspension) aluminum diaphragm Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Copper spun Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1800 Hz. On the other hand, the R-41M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1730Hz.
Frequency Response
R-25C has a frequency range of 82-24K Hz whereas R-41M has a frequency range of 68-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 68Hz, the R-41M can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-25C's min frequency of 82Hz.
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 Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel 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
R-25C and R-41M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R-25C sensitivity is rated at 98 dB and the R-41M's is at 90 dB. This 8 dB difference makes the Klipsch Reference R-25C a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch R-41M, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel 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.
R-25C can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-41M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the R-25C.
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
R-25C features Single Gold Plated Binding Posts type posts and R-41M has a Single Gold Plated Binding Posts type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch Reference R-25C's Binding post terminals
Klipsch R-41M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts terminals
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 Reference R-25C's and Klipsch R-41M's external dimensions. Klipsch Reference R-25C has external dimensions of 184 x 476 x 184mm ( 7.25 x 18.75 x 7.25-inch) whereas Klipsch R-41M has external dimensions of 287.0 x 146.0 x 200.0mm ( 11.2 x 5.7 x 7.8inch) .
Klipsch Reference R-25C is 103mm shorter and 16mm less deeper than Klipsch R-41M but it is also 330mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch Reference R-25C and Klipsch R-41M in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch Reference R-25C and Klipsch R-41M Size and External Dimensions
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 Reference R-25C is approximately 876.0cm2 / 135.8inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-41M is approximately 292.0cm2 / 45.3inch2. The R-25C requires 200% more surface area than the R-41M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Klipsch Reference R-25C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-25C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrilleUser ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-41M?
Here are the items that come with the R-41M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Quick Setup Guide Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
Max Input Power 
Sensitivity 
Woofer Size 
High Frequency Response 
Height 
Price per pair* 
Mounting Bracket 
Base Surface Area