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Klipsch R-51PM vs Audioengine A1 Wireless Comparison

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Klipsch R-51PM

Powered Bookshelf | 68-21k Hz

Klipsch Reference R-51PM
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Audioengine A1 Wireless

Powered Bookshelf | 65-22k Hz

Audioengine A1 Wireless
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Klipsch R-51PM Klipsch R-51PM
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Audioengine A1 Wireless Audioengine A1 Wirel...
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Klipsch R-51PM
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Audioengine A1 Wirel...
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Klipsch R-51PM vs Audioengine A1 Wireless Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing R-51PM and A1 Wireless, 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-51PM and Audioengine A1 Wireless first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Klipsch R-51PM Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 120-watt RMS( 240-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
  • 1.0" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer
  • 68-21k Hz Frequency Response
  • 24-bit Max Depth / 96 kHz Max Sample Rate
  • Built-in 3.0 Bluetooth
  • Weight:4.80kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 330.2" x 7.0625" x 10.25"( 330.2 x 179.4 x 260.3mm )

Audioengine A1 Wireless Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 30-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
  • 0.75" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 2.75" Aramid Fiber Woofer
  • 65-22k Hz Frequency Response
  • 16-bit Max Depth / 48 kHz Max Sample Rate
  • Built-in 5.0 Bluetooth
  • Weight:1.10kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 158.8" x 4.1875" x 7.125"( 158.8 x 106.4 x 181.0mm )

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch R-51PM and Audioengine A1 Wireless 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-51PM and A1 Wireless are 2-way speakers.

Driver Klipsch R-51PM Audioengine A1 Wireless
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1.0-inch 0.75-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 5.25-inch 1 x 2.75-inch

R-51PM features a 1.0" Aluminum LTS Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1663Hz. On the other hand, the A1 Wireless features a 0.75" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 2.75" Aramid Fiber Woofer .

Frequency Response

R-51PM has a frequency range of 68-21k Hz whereas A1 Wireless has a frequency range of 65-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 65Hz, the A1 Wireless can go slightly deeper then the R-51PM'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-51PM
A1 Wireless
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Klipsch R-51PM
Audioengine A1 Wireless
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.

Cabinet Type and Port Position

R-51PM has a rear firing port whereas A1 Wireless has a front firing ports. Audioengine A1 Wireless's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Klipsch R-51PM 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-51PM's and Audioengine A1 Wireless's external dimensions. Klipsch R-51PM has external dimensions of 330.2 x 179.4 x 260.3mm ( 13 x 7.0625 x 10.25inch) whereas Audioengine A1 Wireless has external dimensions of 158.8 x 106.4 x 181.0mm ( 6.25 x 4.1875 x 7.125inch) .

Klipsch R-51PM is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 73mm wider, 171.4mm taller and 79.3mm deeper than Audioengine A1 Wireless.

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-51PM is approximately 467.0cm2 / 72.4inch2 and base area of the Audioengine A1 Wireless is approximately 192.6cm2 / 29.9inch2. The R-51PM requires 142% more surface area than the A1 Wireless which gives it a small disadvantage 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-51PM weighs 4.80kg / 10.6lbs and the Audioengine A1 Wireless weighs 1.10kg / 2.4lbs. This makes the R-51PM 336% heavier than the A1 Wireless.

Here is a comparison of how R-51PM and A1 Wireless's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch R-51PM
Audioengine A1 Wireless
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Klipsch R-51PM?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-51PM:
  • Powered speaker (right)
  • Passive speaker (left)
  • 2 Grilles
  • 68-inch AC power cord
  • Remote control
  • 2
  • What's in the Box of Audioengine A1 Wireless?

    Here are the items that come with the A1 Wireless:
  • Wireless powered left speaker
  • Passive right speaker
  • 6-feet AC power cord
  • 6.5-feet Length of 18 gauge speaker wire
  • 6.5-feet Stereo minijack-to-RCA cable
  • 6-feet Stereo minijack cable
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Audioengine product brochure

  • Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-51PM over Audioengine A1 Wireless
    Woofer Size 5.25 inches vs 2.75 inches Larger woofer
    Handheld Remote Yes vs No Control the speaker by the included RC
    USB Port USB-B vs No USB port adds flexibility
    RCA Connection Yes vs No Connection via RCA input
    Phono Input Yes vs No Connect your turntable directly
    Digital Input Optical vs No Connect digital inputs directly

    Reasons to choose Audioengine A1 Wireless over Klipsch Reference R-51PM

    Low Frequency Response 65 Hz vs 68 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 22k Hz vs 21k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Port Position Front vs Rear Gives more flexibility placing close to walls
    Height 158mm vs 330mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 192cm2 vs 467cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 199USD vs 599USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    Klipsch R-51PM vs Audioengine A1 Wireless Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Klipsch Reference R-51PM Audioengine A1 Wireless
    Brand Klipsch Audioengine
    Speaker Type Powered Stereo Speakers Powered Stereo Speakers
    Frequency Response 68-21k Hz 65-22k Hz
    Amplifier
    Watts RMS (Continuous) 120-watt RMS 30-watt RMS
    Watts Peak (Max) 240-watt RMS n/a
    Max Bit Depth 24-bit 16-bit
    Max Sample Rate 96 kHz 48 kHz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 5.25" 2.75"
    Woofer Composition Copper-spun IMG Aramid Fiber
    Tweeter Size 1.0" 0.75"
    Tweeter Type Tractrix Horn Soft-Dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency 1663Hz n/a
    Firing Direction rear front
    Physical Specs
    Height 330.2mm (13") 158.8mm (6.3")
    Width 179.4mm (7.1") 106.4mm (4.2")
    Depth 260.3mm (10.2") 181.0mm (7.1")
    Weight 4.80kg (10.6lbs) 1.10kg (2.4lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Grille Yes n/a
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Aux Inputs 3.5mm, RCA 3.5mm
    USB Port USB-B No
    Phone Input Yes No
    Subwoofer Output Wired Wired
    Digital Input Optical No
    HDMI Input No No
    Headphone Jack No No
    Ethernet Port No No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 1 Year 3 Years
    Labor Warranty 1 Year 3 Years

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