In this review, we will be comparing R-51PM and R-15PM, two Powered Bookshelf speakers by Klipsch 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 Klipsch R-15PM first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
R-51PM and R-15PM are members of Klipsch's Reference (R) Bookshelf series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch R-51PM and Klipsch R-15PM 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 R-15PM are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-51PM |
Klipsch R-15PM |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.0-inch
|
1.0-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 R-15PM features a 1.0" Aluminum Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1800Hz.
Frequency Response
R-51PM has a frequency range of 68-21k Hz whereas R-15PM has a frequency range of 62-24k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 62Hz, the R-15PM 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 R-15PM 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 Klipsch R-15PM'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 Klipsch R-15PM has external dimensions of 317.5 x 177.8 x 250.8mm ( 12.5 x 7 x 9.875inch) .
Klipsch R-51PM is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 1.6mm wider, 12.7mm taller and 9.5mm deeper than Klipsch R-15PM.
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 Klipsch R-15PM is approximately 445.9cm2 / 69.1inch2. The R-51PM requires 5% more surface area than the R-15PM 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 Klipsch R-15PM weighs 4.67kg / 10.3lbs. This makes the R-51PM 3% heavier than the R-15PM.
Here is a comparison of how R-51PM and R-15PM'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 Klipsch R-15PM?
Here are the items that come with the R-15PM:
Powered speaker (right)Passive speaker (left)68-inch AC power cordRemote controlCR2025 3V battery (installed in remote)16-feet Length of 18AWG speaker wire (bare tinned wire on each end)6.5-feet USB-A to USB-B cable6-feet Stereo RCA cable5-feet Optical digital cable8 Self-adhesive rubber feetInstruction BookletWarranty InformationImportant Safety Instructions
 USB Port |
USB-B
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
 Low Frequency Response |
62 Hz
vs
68 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
24k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
317mm
vs
330mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
445cm2 (177x250mm)
vs
467cm2 (179x260mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
599USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| USB Port |
Type-B
vs
No
|
USB port adds flexibility |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R-51PM |
Klipsch Reference R-15PM |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
Powered Stereo Speakers |
| Frequency Response |
68-21k Hz |
62-24k 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 |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Tweeter Size |
1.0" |
1.0" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Hard-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1663Hz |
1800Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
330.2mm (13") |
317.5mm (12.5") |
| Width |
179.4mm (7.1") |
177.8mm (7") |
| Depth |
260.3mm (10.2") |
250.8mm (9.9") |
| Weight |
4.80kg (10.6lbs) |
4.67kg (10.3lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Aux Inputs |
3.5mm, RCA |
3.5mm, RCA |
| USB Port |
USB-B |
Type-B |
| Phone Input |
Yes |
Yes |
| Subwoofer Output |
Wired |
Wired |
| Digital Input |
Optical |
Optical |
| HDMI Input |
No |
No |
| Headphone Jack |
No |
No |
| Ethernet Port |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
1 Year |
1 Year |
| Labor Warranty |
1 Year |
1 Year |