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Klipsch R-51PM vs Kanto YU6 Comparison

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Klipsch R-51PM

Powered Bookshelf | 68-21k Hz

Klipsch Reference R-51PM
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Kanto YU6

Powered Bookshelf | 50-20k Hz

Kanto YU6
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Klipsch R-51PM Klipsch R-51PM
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Kanto YU6 Kanto YU6
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Klipsch R-51PM
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Kanto YU6
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Klipsch R-51PM vs Kanto YU6 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing R-51PM and YU6, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from Klipsch and Kanto. 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 Kanto YU6 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 )

Kanto YU6 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 100-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
  • 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
  • 5.25" Kevlar Woofer
  • 50-20k Hz Frequency Response
  • 24-bit Max Depth / 96 kHz Max Sample Rate
  • Built-in 4.0 Bluetooth
  • Weight:4.00kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 272.0" x 6.9" x 8.1"( 272.0 x 175.0 x 205.0mm )

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch R-51PM and Kanto YU6 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 YU6 are 2-way speakers.

Driver Klipsch R-51PM Kanto YU6
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1.0-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 5.25-inch 1 x 5.25-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 YU6 features a 1" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Kevlar Woofer .

Frequency Response

R-51PM has a frequency range of 68-21k Hz whereas YU6 has a frequency range of 50-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 50Hz, the YU6 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

R-51PM
YU6
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Klipsch R-51PM
Kanto YU6
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

Both R-51PM and YU6 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 Kanto YU6'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 Kanto YU6 has external dimensions of 272.0 x 175.0 x 205.0mm ( 10.7 x 6.9 x 8.1inch) .

Klipsch R-51PM is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 4.4mm wider, 58.2mm taller and 55.3mm deeper than Kanto YU6.

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 Kanto YU6 is approximately 358.8cm2 / 55.6inch2. The R-51PM requires 30% more surface area than the YU6 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 Kanto YU6 weighs 4.00kg / 8.8lbs. This makes the R-51PM 20% heavier than the YU6.

Here is a comparison of how R-51PM and YU6's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch R-51PM
Kanto YU6
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 Kanto YU6?

    Here are the items that come with the YU6:
  • Remote with Batteries
  • Power Cord
  • Speaker Wire (16′)
  • 3.5mm Auxiliary Cable (6.5′)
  • 8 x Rubber Feet
  • Manual

  • Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-51PM over Kanto YU6
    High Frequency Response 21k Hz vs 20k Hz Generates higher frequency
    USB Port USB-B vs No USB port adds flexibility

    Reasons to choose Kanto YU6 over Klipsch Reference R-51PM

    Low Frequency Response 50 Hz vs 68 Hz Generates deeper bass
    Height 272mm vs 330mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 358cm2 vs 467cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 540USD vs 599USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    USB Port Charge only vs No USB port adds flexibility
    Klipsch R-51PM vs Kanto YU6 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Klipsch Reference R-51PM Kanto YU6
    Brand Klipsch Kanto
    Speaker Type Powered Stereo Speakers Powered Stereo Speakers
    Frequency Response 68-21k Hz 50-20k Hz
    Amplifier
    Watts RMS (Continuous) 120-watt RMS 100-watt RMS
    Watts Peak (Max) 240-watt RMS n/a
    Max Bit Depth 24-bit 24-bit
    Max Sample Rate 96 kHz 96 kHz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 5.25" 5.25"
    Woofer Composition Copper-spun IMG Kevlar
    Tweeter Size 1.0" 1"
    Tweeter Type Tractrix Horn Soft-Dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency 1663Hz n/a
    Firing Direction rear rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 330.2mm (13") 272.0mm (10.7")
    Width 179.4mm (7.1") 175.0mm (6.9")
    Depth 260.3mm (10.2") 205.0mm (8.1")
    Weight 4.80kg (10.6lbs) 4.00kg (8.8lbs)
    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, RCA
    USB Port USB-B Charge only
    Phone Input Yes Yes
    Subwoofer Output Wired Wired
    Digital Input Optical Optical (2)
    HDMI Input No No
    Headphone Jack No No
    Ethernet Port No No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 1 Year 2 Years
    Labor Warranty 1 Year 2 Years

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