In this review, we will be comparing R-51M and M16, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and Revel.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-51M and Revel M16 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Klipsch R-51M Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer
- 62-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 93 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:Up to 85watts
- Weight:5.00kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 338.0" x 7.0" x 8.4"( 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm )
Revel M16 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Anodized aluminum Woofer
- 55- Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 6ohms
- Power Range:50-120watts
- Weight:7.27kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 378.0" x 8-11/16" x 11"( 378.0 x 221.0 x 280.0mm )
What size room are the Klipsch R-51M and Revel M16 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-51M |
Revel M16 |
| Near-field |
Average |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
Poor |
(* 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-51M and Revel M16 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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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both R-51M and M16 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-51M |
Revel M16 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
R-51M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1660Hz. On the other hand, the M16 features a 1" aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Anodized aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz whereas M16 has a frequency range of 55- Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the M16 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-51M's min frequency of 62Hz.
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-51M is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the M16 which has a nominal impedance of 6 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. R-51M sensitivity is rated at 93 dB and the M16's is rated at 86 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-51M a more sensitive speaker compared to Revel M16, 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-51M can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-51M has a max power handling value of 85 watts RMS , 35 watts less than the M16.
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-51M features 5-way post type posts and M16 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-51M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both R-51M and M16 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-51M's and Revel M16's external dimensions. Klipsch R-51M has external dimensions of 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm ( 13.3 x 7.0 x 8.4inch) whereas Revel M16 has external dimensions of 378.0 x 221.0 x 280.0mm ( 14-7/8 x 8-11/16 x 11inch) .
Revel M16 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 43mm wider, 40mm taller and 65mm deeper than Klipsch R-51M.
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-51M is approximately 382.7cm2 / 59.3inch2 and base area of the Revel M16 is approximately 618.8cm2 / 95.9inch2. The R-51M requires 38% less surface area than the M16 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.