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Klipsch R-41M vs Klipsch RF-7 III Comparison

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Klipsch R-41M

Passive Bookshelf | 68-21k Hz

Klipsch Reference R-41M
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Klipsch RF-7 III

Passive Floor-standing | 32-25k Hz

Klipsch Reference RF-7 III
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Klipsch R-41M Klipsch R-41M
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Klipsch RF-7 III Klipsch RF-7 III
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Klipsch R-41M
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Klipsch RF-7 III
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Klipsch R-41M vs Klipsch RF-7 III Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing two different type 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.

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 RF-7 III Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1.75" dome Tweeter
  • 2 x 10" Cerametallic Woofer
  • 32-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 100 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:up to 250watts
  • Weight:44.10kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 1247.0" 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.)

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch R-41M and Klipsch RF-7 III 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 RF-7 III are 2-way speakers.

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.

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
RF-7 III
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Klipsch R-41M
Klipsch RF-7 III
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 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

R-41M
RF-7 III
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 250 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-41M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS , 200 watts less than the RF-7 III.

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

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

Klipsch RF-7 IIIBinding post 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

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 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.

Klipsch R-41M vs Klipsch RF-7 III Size Comparison - Front View
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

  • Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-41M over Klipsch Reference RF-7 III
    Mounting Bracket Yes vs No Allows mounting on walls
    Height 287mm vs 1247mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 292cm2 vs 1618cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 229USD vs 4398USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

    Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference RF-7 III over Klipsch Reference R-41M

    Max Input Power 250 watts vs 50 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Sensitivity 100 dB vs 90 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Woofer Size 10 inches vs 4 inches Larger woofer
    Number of Woofers 2 vs 1 More woofers
    Low Frequency Response 32 Hz vs 68 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 25k Hz vs 21k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring Yes vs No Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections
    Klipsch R-41M vs Klipsch RF-7 III Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Klipsch Reference R-41M Klipsch Reference RF-7 III
    Brand Klipsch Klipsch
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Floor-standing speaker
    Power Range 50 watts up to 250 watts
    Sensitivity 90 dB 100 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Frequency Response 68-21k Hz 32-25k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 2
    Woofer Size 4" 10"
    Woofer Composition Copper-spun IMG Cerametallic
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1.75"
    Tweeter Type Tractrix Horn dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency 1730Hz 1300Hz
    Firing Direction rear rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 287.0mm (11.3") 1247.0mm (49.1")
    Width 146.0mm (5.7") 355.0mm (14")
    Depth 200.0mm (7.9") 456.0mm (18")
    Weight 3.20kg (7lbs) 44.10kg (97lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Wood-grain vinyl MDF/Wood veneer
    Available Colors Black Black ash, Cherry, Walnut
    Mounting Bracket Keyhole No
    Recommended Stand Height 26-31" n/a
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs No Yes
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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