In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Klipsch. Klipsch Reference R-41M is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the R-52C is a Center Channel speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-41M and Klipsch R-52C 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-52C Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix horn Tweeter
- 2 x 5.25" copper spun IMG Woofer
- 89-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 95 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:up to 100watts
- Weight:3.18kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 180.0" x 18-13/16" x 7-11/16"( 180.0 x 478.0 x 196.0mm )
What size room are the Klipsch R-41M and Klipsch R-52C 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-52C |
| 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-52C 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 R-52C are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-41M |
Klipsch R-52C |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
2 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-52C features a 1" aluminum Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" copper spun IMG Woofer .
Frequency Response
R-41M has a frequency range of 68-21k Hz whereas R-52C has a frequency range of 89-21k 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-52C's min frequency of 89Hz.
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 R-52C 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-52C's is at 95 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-52C a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch R-41M, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
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 R-52C.
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 Binding post type posts and R-52C has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-41M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts terminals
Klipsch R-52C's Binding post 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 R-41M's and Klipsch R-52C'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-52C has external dimensions of 180.0 x 478.0 x 196.0mm ( 7-1/16 x 18-13/16 x 7-11/16inch) .
Klipsch R-52C is 107mm shorter and 4mm less deeper than Klipsch R-41M but it is also 332mm wider.
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-52C is approximately 936.9cm2 / 145.2inch2. The R-41M requires 69% less surface area than the R-52C 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-52C?
Here are the items that come with the R-52C:
Center-channel loudspeakerGrille (installed)4 Self-adhesive rubber feetQuick Setup GuideImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information