In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by Klipsch. Klipsch Reference R-41M is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the RF-7 III is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-41M and Klipsch RF-7 III first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Klipsch R-41M | Klipsch RF-7 III |
|---|
| Brand | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Tractrix Horn | 1.75" dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 4" Copper-spun IMG | 2 x 10" Cerametallic |
|---|
| Frequency response | 68-21k Hz | 32-25k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 90 dB | 100 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 50 watts | up to 250 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 3.20kg / 7lbs | 44.10kg / 97lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 11.2" x 5.7" x 7.8"
287.0 x 146.0 x 200.0mm | 49-1/16" x 13-15/16" x 17-15/16"
1247.0 x 355.0 x 456.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the Klipsch R-41M and Klipsch RF-7 III 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 RF-7 III |
| Near-field |
Good |
Bad |
| Small Room |
Good |
Poor |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Good |
| Very Large Room |
No way |
Average |
(* 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.)
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 RF-7 III are 2-way speakers.
Klipsch R-41MKlipsch RF-7 III
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 RF-7 III |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
2 x 10-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 RF-7 III features a 1.75" titanium dome Tweeter and 2 x 10" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1300Hz.
Frequency Response
R-41M has a frequency range of 68-21k Hz whereas RF-7 III has a frequency range of 32-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 32Hz, the RF-7 III can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-41M's min frequency of 68Hz.
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
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.
Impedance and Sensitivity
R-41M and RF-7 III 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 RF-7 III's is at 100 dB. This 10 dB difference makes the Klipsch RF-7 III 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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
RF-7 III can handle a max power of 250 watts RMS, whereas R-41M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS, 200 watts less than the RF-7 III.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
RF-7 III features Binding post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. R-41M has a Single Gold Plated Binding Posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-41M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts terminals
Klipsch RF-7 III's Binding post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both R-41M and RF-7 III 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 RF-7 III'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 RF-7 III has external dimensions of 1247.0 x 355.0 x 456.0mm (49-1/16 x 13-15/16 x 17-15/16inch).
Klipsch RF-7 III is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 209mm wider, 960mm taller and 256mm deeper than Klipsch R-41M.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-41M and Klipsch RF-7 III in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-41M and Klipsch RF-7 III 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 RF-7 III is approximately 1618.8cm2 / 250.9inch2. The R-41M requires 82% less surface area than the RF-7 III 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 RF-7 III?
Here are the items that come with the RF-7 III:
- Floorstanding loudspeaker
- Plinth
- Grille
- 4 Spike feet
- 4 Rubber feet
- 2 Jumpers (pre-installed)
- 4 Machine screws
- Owners Manual