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Klipsch Reference R-41M vs Klipsch Reference R-51M
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Klipsch R-41M

Passive Bookshelf | 68-21k Hz

Klipsch Reference R-41M
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Klipsch R-51M

Passive Bookshelf | 62-21k Hz

Klipsch Reference R-51M
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Klipsch R-41M vs Klipsch R-51M Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing R-41M and R-51M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by Klipsch Let's have a brief look at the main features of Klipsch R-41M and Klipsch R-51M first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

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 )

Klipsch R-51M Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer
  • 62-21k Hz Frequency Response
  • 93 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:Up to 85watts
  • Weight:5.00kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 338.0" x 7.0" x 8.4"( 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm )

R-41M and R-51M are members of Klipsch's Reference (R) series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.

Klipsch Reference (R) Series History
Model Body Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Klipsch R-51M
Bookshelf 62-21k Hz 93 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Klipsch R-620F
  
Floor-standing 38-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Klipsch R-820F
  
Floor-standing 35-21k Hz 97 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
Klipsch R-625FA
  
Floor-standing 38-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Klipsch R-41M
Bookshelf 68-21k Hz 90 dB8Ω 1 x 4"
Klipsch R-610F
  
Floor-standing 45-21k Hz 94 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Klipsch R-34C
  
Center Channel 82-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 4 x 3.5"
Klipsch RF-7 III
  
Floor-standing 32-25k Hz 100 dB8Ω 2 x 10"
Klipsch R-52C
  
Center Channel 89-21k Hz 95 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Klipsch R-30C
  
Center Channel 78-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 4 x 3.5"

What size room are the Klipsch R-41M and Klipsch R-51M 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 R-41M Klipsch R-51M
Near-field Good Average
Small Room Good Good
Mid-size Room Average Average
Large Room Poor Poor
Very Large Room No way Bad

(* 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 R-41M and Klipsch R-51M compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.



Drivers

Both R-41M and R-51M are 2-way speakers. 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 R-51M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1660Hz.

Frequency Response

R-41M has a frequency range of 68-21k Hz whereas R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 62Hz, the R-51M 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

R-41M
R-51M
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Klipsch R-41M
Klipsch R-51M
Min
Average
Max

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 R-51M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R-41M sensitivity is rated at 90 dB and the R-51M's is at 93 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-51M a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch R-41M, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

R-41M
R-51M
Min
Average
Max

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 85 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-41M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS , 35 watts less than the R-51M.

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 Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way type posts and R-51M has a Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

Klipsch R-41M Terminals
Klipsch R-41M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts terminals

Klipsch R-51MSingle Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way Terminals
Klipsch R-51M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Both R-41M and R-51M 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.

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 Klipsch R-51M'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 Klipsch R-51M has external dimensions of 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm ( 13.3 x 7.0 x 8.4inch) .

Klipsch R-51M is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 32mm wider, 51mm taller and 15mm deeper than Klipsch R-41M.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-41M and Klipsch R-51M in scale.

Klipsch R-41M vs Klipsch R-51M Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Klipsch R-41M and Klipsch R-51M 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 Klipsch R-51M is approximately 382.7cm2 / 59.3inch2. The R-41M requires 24% less surface area than the R-51M 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:

Klipsch R-41M vs Klipsch R-51M Size Comparison on a Media Console
Size Comparison image of Klipsch R-41M and Klipsch R-51M 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 Klipsch R-51M weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs. This makes the R-51M 56% heavier than the R-41M.

Here is a comparison of how R-41M and R-51M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch R-41M
Klipsch R-51M
Min
Average
Max

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 Klipsch R-51M?

    Here are the items that come with the R-51M:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles (installed)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Quick Setup Guide
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information

  • Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-41M over Klipsch Reference R-51M
    Mounting Bracket Yes vs No Allows mounting on walls
    Height 287mm vs 338mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 292cm2 (146x200mm) vs 382cm2 (178x215mm) Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 229USD vs 359USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-51M over Klipsch Reference R-41M
    Max Input Power 85 watts vs 50 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Sensitivity 93 dB vs 90 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Woofer Size 5.25 inches vs 4 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 62 Hz vs 68 Hz Generates deeper bass


    Klipsch R-41M vs Klipsch R-51M Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Klipsch Reference R-41M Klipsch Reference R-51M
    Brand Klipsch Klipsch
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 50 watts Up to 85 watts
    Sensitivity 90 dB 93 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Frequency Response 68-21k Hz 62-21k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 4" 5.25"
    Woofer Composition Copper-spun IMG Copper-spun IMG
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type Tractrix Horn Tractrix Horn
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency 1730Hz 1660Hz
    Firing Direction rear rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 287.0mm (11.3") 338.0mm (13.3")
    Width 146.0mm (5.7") 178.0mm (7")
    Depth 200.0mm (7.9") 215.0mm (8.5")
    Weight 3.20kg (7lbs) 5.00kg (11lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Wood-grain vinyl MDF/Wood-grain vinyl
    Available Colors Black Black
    Mounting Bracket Keyhole No
    Recommended Stand Height 26-31" 24-28"
    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

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