In this review, we will be comparing R-51PM and BW 606, two Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and Bowers Wilkins. The main difference between these two speakers is that the Klipsch R-51PM is a Powered speaker which means that it has a built-in amplifier inside the speaker body so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp whereas the B&W 606 is a Passive speaker so has to be matched with an amplifier to get any sound from it.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-51PM and B&W 606 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 )
B&W 606 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Continuum Woofer
- 52-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-120watts
- Weight:6.90kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 345.0" x 7-1/2" x 12-13/16"( 345.0 x 190.0 x 324.0mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch R-51PM and B&W 606 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 BW 606 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-51PM |
B&W 606 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.0-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-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 BW 606 features a 1" Decoupled Carbon Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Continuum Woofer .
Frequency Response
R-51PM has a frequency range of 68-21k Hz whereas BW 606 has a frequency range of 52-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 52Hz, the BW 606 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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
Both R-51PM and BW 606 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-51PM's and B&W 606'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 B&W 606 has external dimensions of 345.0 x 190.0 x 324.0mm ( 13.5 x 7.4 x 12.7inch) .
B&W 606 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 10.6mm wider, 14.8mm taller and 63.7mm deeper than Klipsch R-51PM.
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 B&W 606 is approximately 615.6cm2 / 95.4inch2. The R-51PM requires 24% less surface area than the BW 606 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 B&W 606?
Here are the items that come with the BW 606:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles2 Two-piece foam port plugs8 Self-adhesive rubber feet4 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)ManualBowers & Wilkins brochureWarranty Information