Klipsch R-41M vs Klipsch R-51PM Comparison

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Klipsch R-41M

Passive Bookshelf | 68-21k Hz

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Klipsch R-51PM

Powered Bookshelf | 68-21k Hz

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Klipsch R-41M

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Klipsch R-51PM

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Klipsch R-41M

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Klipsch R-51PM

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

In this review, we will be comparing R-41M and R-51PM, two Bookshelf speakers by Klipsch. The main difference between these two speakers is that the Klipsch R-51PM is a Powered speaker which means that it has a built-in amplifier inside the speaker body so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp whereas the Klipsch R-41M is a Passive speaker so has to be matched with an amplifier to get any sound from it.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Klipsch R-41M and Klipsch R-51PM first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Key Specs	Klipsch R-41M	Klipsch R-51PM
Brand	Klipsch United States · founded 1946	Klipsch United States · founded 1946
Design	2-way	2-way
Built-in amplifier	—	120-watt RMS (240-watt peak)
Tweeter	1" Tractrix Horn	1.0" Tractrix Horn
Woofer	4" Copper-spun IMG	5.25" Copper-spun IMG
Frequency response	68-21k Hz	68-21k Hz
Sensitivity	90 dB	—
Impedance	8 ohms	—
Power range	50 watts	—
Max depth / sample rate	—	24-bit / 96 kHz
Bluetooth	—	Built-in 3.0
Weight	3.20kg / 7lbs	4.80kg / 10.6lbs
Dimensions (H x W x D)	11.2" x 5.7" x 7.8" 287.0 x 146.0 x 200.0mm	13" x 7.0625" x 10.25" 330.2 x 179.4 x 260.3mm

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

Klipsch Reference (R) Bookshelf Series History

	Model	Body	Frequency	Sensitivity	Impedance	Woofer
	Klipsch R-51M	Bookshelf	62-21k Hz	93 dB	8Ω	1 x 5.25"
	Klipsch R-41M	Bookshelf	68-21k Hz	90 dB	8Ω	1 x 4"

The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.

Drivers

Both R-41M and R-51PM are 2-way speakers.

Klipsch R-41M

Klipsch R-51PM

TweeterWoofer

Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.

Driver	Klipsch R-41M	Klipsch R-51PM
Driver Setup	2-way	2-way
Tweeter	1-inch	1.0-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 R-51PM features a 1.0" Aluminum LTS Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1663Hz.

Frequency Response

R-41M and R-51PM has exactly the same frequency range of 68-21k Hz.

The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.

Low Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

R-41M

R-51PM

Min

Average

Median

Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Both R-41M and R-51PM 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

The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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-51PM'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-51PM has external dimensions of 330.2 x 179.4 x 260.3mm (13 x 7.0625 x 10.25inch).

Klipsch R-51PM is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 33.4mm wider, 43.2mm taller and 60.3mm deeper than Klipsch R-41M.

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-51PM is approximately 467.0cm² / 72.4inch². The R-41M requires 37% less surface area than the R-51PM which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.

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-51PM?

Here are the items that come with the R-51PM:

Powered speaker (right)
Passive speaker (left)
2 Grilles
68-inch AC power cord
Remote control
2

Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-41M over Klipsch Reference R-51PM

Mounting Bracket	Yes vs No	Allows mounting on walls
Height	287mm vs 330mm	Easier to fit in smaller spaces
Base Surface Area	292cm² vs 467cm²	Takes less floor space
Price per pair*	229USD vs 599USD	costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-51PM over Klipsch Reference R-41M

Speaker Type	Powered vs Passive	Built-in amplifier
Woofer Size	5.25 inches vs 4 inches	Larger woofer
3.5mm Connection	Yes vs No	Connection via 3.5mm AUX input
RCA Connection	Yes vs No	Connection via RCA input

Klipsch R-41M vs Klipsch R-51PM Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Klipsch Reference R-41M	Klipsch Reference R-51PM
Brand	Klipsch	Klipsch
Speaker Type	Bookshelf speakers	Powered Stereo Speakers
Sensitivity	90 dB	n/a
Impedance	8 ohms	n/a
Frequency Response	68-21k Hz	68-21k Hz
Amplifier
Watts RMS (Continuous)	n/a	120-watt RMS
Watts Peak (Max)	n/a	240-watt RMS
Max Bit Depth	n/a	24-bit
Max Sample Rate	n/a	96 kHz
Drivers
Woofer Quantity	1	1
Woofer Size	4"	5.25"
Woofer Composition	Copper-spun IMG	Copper-spun IMG
Woofer Surround Material	Rubber	n/a
Tweeter Size	1"	1.0"
Tweeter Type	Tractrix Horn	Tractrix Horn
Aimable Tweeter	No	No
Midrange Driver	No	No
Crossover Frequency	1730Hz	1663Hz
Firing Direction	rear	rear
Physical Specs
Height	287.0mm (11.3")	330.2mm (13")
Width	146.0mm (5.7")	179.4mm (7.1")
Depth	200.0mm (7.9")	260.3mm (10.2")
Weight	3.20kg (7lbs)	4.80kg (10.6lbs)
Enclosure	Bass Reflex	Bass Reflex
Finish	MDF/Wood-grain vinyl	n/a
Available Colors	Black	n/a
Mounting Bracket	Keyhole	No
Recommended Stand Height	26-31"	n/a
Grille	Yes	Yes
Moisture Resistancy	No	No
Connections
Biamp Inputs	No	n/a
Aux Inputs	n/a	3.5mm, RCA
USB Port	n/a	USB-B
Phone Input	n/a	Yes
Subwoofer Output	n/a	Wired
Digital Input	n/a	Optical
HDMI Input	n/a	No
Headphone Jack	n/a	No
Ethernet Port	n/a	No
Other
Parts Warranty	5 Years	1 Year
Labor Warranty	5 Years	1 Year

Verdict

Different kinds of product: one is active with its amplifier built in, the other passive and needs one. Judge them on how you want to own the system, not just the specs.

Area	Better	Why
Bass	evenly matched	Much the same reach (68Hz vs 68Hz).
What you buy	depends	Klipsch R-51PM is a complete system - just add a source. Klipsch R-41M also needs an amplifier: more money and another box, but you choose it.
Connections	depends	Klipsch R-51PM has Bluetooth and phono built in. With Klipsch R-41M that all comes from the amplifier you pair it with.
Upgrade path	depends	Klipsch R-41M can be re-amped later and outlive several amplifiers; Klipsch R-51PM ages as one unit.
Size	depends	Klipsch R-41M is easier to place; Klipsch R-51PM is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides.
Expandability	B	Klipsch R-51PM: a sub output.
Price	A	Klipsch R-41M is cheaper - $229 against $599, about 62% less; arguably a different class. Speakers only - an amplifier narrows that gap.

A Klipsch R-41M B Klipsch R-51PM
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.

Which should you choose?

Klipsch R-51PM suits you if you want one box, ready to play, with nothing else to buy. Klipsch R-41M suits you if you already have an amplifier, want to choose the electronics, or expect to upgrade in stages. Neither is the better speaker in the abstract. In a large or open-plan room, Klipsch R-51PM has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, Klipsch R-41M is the easier speaker to get right. Think about the whole system, not just the speakers: the roughly $370 saved by taking the cheaper pair would buy a subwoofer or a better amplifier, and either usually does more for the sound than the difference between these two.

And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.