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.
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.
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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
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 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
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 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
 High Frequency Response |
21k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 USB Port |
USB-B
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
 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 (175x205mm)
vs
467cm2 (179x260mm)
|
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 |
| 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 |