In this review, we will be comparing R-41M and SX-50, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and Cambridge Audio. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-41M and Cambridge SX-50 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch R-41M and Cambridge SX-50 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch R-41M and Cambridge SX-50 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-41M and SX-50 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-41M |
Cambridge SX-50 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
R-41M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1730Hz. On the other hand, the SX-50 features a 1" Silk Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Treated paper Woofer .
Frequency Response
R-41M has a frequency range of 68-21k Hz whereas SX-50 has a frequency range of 50-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the SX-50 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-41M's min frequency of 68Hz.
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.
Impedance and Sensitivity
R-41M and SX-50 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 90 dB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf 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-41M 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 SX-50.
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-41M features 5-way post type posts and SX-50 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-41M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts terminals
Cambridge SX-50's 5-way post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both R-41M and SX-50 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.
Cambridge SX-50 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-41M's and Cambridge SX-50's external dimensions. Klipsch R-41M has external dimensions of 287.0 x 146.0 x 200.0mm ( 11.2 x 5.7 x 7.8inch) whereas Cambridge SX-50 has external dimensions of 225.0 x 161.0 x 240.0mm ( 8.8 x 6.3 x 9.4inch) .
Klipsch R-41M is 15mm narrower and 40mm less deeper than Cambridge SX-50 but it is also 62mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-41M and Cambridge SX-50 in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-41M and Cambridge SX-50 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 R-41M is approximately 292.0cm2 / 45.3inch2 and base area of the Cambridge SX-50 is approximately 386.4cm2 / 59.9inch2. The R-41M requires 24% less surface area than the SX-50 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of Klipsch R-41M and Cambridge SX-50 on a Media Console
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-41M weighs 3.20kg / 7lbs and the Cambridge SX-50 weighs 3.00kg / 6.6lbs. This makes the R-41M 7% heavier than the SX-50.
Here is a comparison of how R-41M and SX-50's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-41M?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-41M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Quick Setup Guide Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information
What's in the Box of Cambridge SX-50?
Here are the items that come with the SX-50:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive feet 2 Foam port inserts Installation Guide
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Base Surface Area |
292cm2 (146x200mm)
vs
386cm2 (161x240mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
50 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
50 Hz
vs
68 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
22k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
225mm
vs
287mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
199USD
vs
229USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-41M |
Cambridge Audio SX-50 |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Cambridge Audio |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
50 watts |
10-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
68-21k Hz |
50-22k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Copper-spun IMG |
Treated paper |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1730Hz |
n/a |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
287.0mm (11.3") |
225.0mm (8.9") |
| Width |
146.0mm (5.7") |
161.0mm (6.3") |
| Depth |
200.0mm (7.9") |
240.0mm (9.4") |
| Weight |
3.20kg (7lbs) |
3.00kg (6.6lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Woodgrain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
Keyhole |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
26-31" |
28-31" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |