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.
R-41M and RF-7 III are members of Klipsch's Reference (R) series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Klipsch Reference (R) Series History
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:
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.
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Drivers
Both R-41M and RF-7 III 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 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
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 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. 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'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.
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.
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 loudspeakerPlinthGrille4 Spike feet4 Rubber feet2 Jumpers (pre-installed)4 Machine screwsOwners Manual