In this review, we will be comparing R-41PM and HD4, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and Audioengine. Being Powered speakers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-41PM and Audioengine HD4 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch R-41PM Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 70-watt RMS( 140-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
- 1.0" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 4.0" Copper-spun IMG Woofer
- 76-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 96 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 3.0 Bluetooth
- Weight:3.70kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 281.0" x 5.8125" x 9.5"( 281.0 x 147.6 x 241.3mm )
Audioengine HD4 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 60-watt RMS( 120-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
- 0.75" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 4" Aramid Woofer
- 60-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 24-bit Max Depth / 48 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 5.0 Bluetooth
- Weight:2.40kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 231.8" x 5.4375" x 8.875"( 231.8 x 138.1 x 225.4mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch R-41PM and Audioengine HD4 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-41PM and HD4 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-41PM |
Audioengine HD4 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.0-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.0-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
R-41PM features a 1.0" Aluminum LTS Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4.0" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1770Hz. On the other hand, the HD4 features a 0.75" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Aramid Woofer .
Frequency Response
R-41PM has a frequency range of 76-21k Hz whereas HD4 has a frequency range of 60-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the HD4 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-41PM's min frequency of 76Hz.
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.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
R-41PM has a rear firing port whereas HD4 has a front firing ports. Audioengine HD4's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Klipsch R-41PM with its rear-firing port.
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-41PM's and Audioengine HD4's external dimensions. Klipsch R-41PM has external dimensions of 281.0 x 147.6 x 241.3mm ( 11.0625 x 5.8125 x 9.5inch) whereas Audioengine HD4 has external dimensions of 231.8 x 138.1 x 225.4mm ( 9.125 x 5.4375 x 8.875inch) .
Klipsch R-41PM is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 9.5mm wider, 49.2mm taller and 15.9mm deeper than Audioengine HD4.
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-41PM is approximately 356.2cm2 / 55.2inch2 and base area of the Audioengine HD4 is approximately 311.3cm2 / 48.3inch2. The R-41PM requires 14% more surface area than the HD4 which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.