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.
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.
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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
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-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
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 Grilles68-inch AC power cordRemote control2
What's in the Box of Audioengine A1 Wireless?
Here are the items that come with the A1 Wireless:
Wireless powered left speakerPassive right speaker6-feet AC power cord6.5-feet Length of 18 gauge speaker wire6.5-feet Stereo minijack-to-RCA cable6-feet Stereo minijack cableQuick Start GuideAudioengine product brochure
 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 |
| 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 (106x181mm)
vs
467cm2 (179x260mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
199USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| 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 |