In this review, we will be comparing R-51M and Crystal 4.2, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and Wharfedale. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-51M and Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch R-51M and Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 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-51M and Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 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-51M and Crystal 4.2 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
Klipsch R-51M |
Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 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 Crystal 4.2 features a 1" Soft-dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Woven Kevlar Woofer .
Frequency Response
R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz whereas Crystal 4.2 has a frequency range of 60-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the Crystal 4.2 can go slightly deeper then 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 and Crystal 4.2 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R-51M sensitivity is rated at 93 dB and the Crystal 4.2's is at 88 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-51M a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale Crystal 4.2, 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 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-51M has a max power handling value of 85 watts RMS , 15 watts less than the Crystal 4.2.
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 Crystal 4.2 has a 5-way post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both R-51M and Crystal 4.2 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 Wharfedale Crystal 4.2'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 Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 has external dimensions of 266.0 x 181.0 x 220.0mm ( 10-7/16 x 7-1/8 x 8-5/8inch) .
Klipsch R-51M is 3mm narrower and 5mm less deeper than Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 but it is also 72mm taller.
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 Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 is approximately 398.2cm2 / 61.7inch2. The R-51M requires 4% less surface area than the Crystal 4.2 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Klipsch R-51M weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs and the Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 weighs 4.20kg / 9.2lbs. This makes the R-51M 19% heavier than the Crystal 4.2.
Here is a comparison of how R-51M and Crystal 4.2's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-51M?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-51M:
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 Wharfedale Crystal 4.2?
Here are the items that come with the Crystal 4.2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (pre-installed)User-feets ManualInstallation Guide
Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
88 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
High Frequency Response |
21k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Base Surface Area |
382cm2 (178x215mm)
vs
398cm2 (181x220mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
85 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
62 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
Height |
266mm
vs
338mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
General |
Klipsch Reference R-51M |
Wharfedale Crystal 4.2 |
Brand |
Klipsch |
Wharfedale |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
Up to 85 watts |
20-100 watts |
Sensitivity |
93 dB |
88 dB |
Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
62-21k Hz |
60-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5" |
Woofer Composition |
Copper-spun IMG |
Woven Kevlar |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Soft-dome |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
1660Hz |
n/a |
Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
338.0mm (13.3") |
266.0mm (10.5") |
Width |
178.0mm (7") |
181.0mm (7.1") |
Depth |
215.0mm (8.5") |
220.0mm (8.7") |
Weight |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
4.20kg (9.2lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass reflex |
Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
Wood-grain vinyl |
Available Colors |
Black |
Walnut |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
24-28" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |