SpeakerDecision
  • SPEAKERS by TYPE
    • Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    • Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    • Passive Center Channel Speakers
    • Passive In-wall Speakers
    • All Passive Speakers
    • Powered Subwoofers
    • Powered Stereo Speakers
  • AMPLIFIERS
  • SMART FIND

Klipsch R-52C vs Klipsch R-15PM Comparison

x
Speaker to replace
Change

Klipsch R-52C

Passive Center Channel | 89-21k Hz

Klipsch Reference R-52C
CHECK PRICE
Change
    
Klipsch R-15PM

Powered Bookshelf | 62-24k Hz

Klipsch Reference R-15PM
CHECK PRICE
Klipsch R-52C Klipsch R-52C
See at AMAZON
Klipsch R-15PM Klipsch R-15PM
See at AMAZON
Klipsch R-52C
See at AMAZON
Klipsch R-15PM
See at AMAZON
Klipsch R-52C vs Klipsch R-15PM Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Klipsch. Klipsch Reference R-52C is a Center Channel speaker whereas the R-15PM is a Bookshelf speaker.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Klipsch R-52C and Klipsch R-15PM first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Klipsch R-52C Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Tractrix horn Tweeter
  • 2 x 5.25" copper spun IMG Woofer
  • 89-21k Hz Frequency Response
  • 95 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:up to 100watts
  • Weight:3.18kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 180.0" x 18-13/16" x 7-11/16"( 180.0 x 478.0 x 196.0mm )

Klipsch R-15PM Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 100-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
  • 1.0" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer
  • 62-24k Hz Frequency Response
  • 24-bit Max Depth / 96 kHz Max Sample Rate
  • Built-in 3.0 Bluetooth
  • Weight:4.67kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 317.5" x 7" x 9.875"( 317.5 x 177.8 x 250.8mm )

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch R-52C 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.


**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-52C and R-15PM are 2-way speakers.

Driver Klipsch R-52C Klipsch R-15PM
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1.0-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 2 x 5.25-inch 1 x 5.25-inch

R-52C features a 1" aluminum Tractrix horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" copper spun IMG Woofer . 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-52C has a frequency range of 89-21k 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-52C's min frequency of 89Hz.

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 Center Channel class in our database.

Low Frequency

Center Channel Speakers

R-52C
R-15PM
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Center Channel Speakers

Klipsch R-52C
Klipsch R-15PM
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.

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-52C's and Klipsch R-15PM's external dimensions. Klipsch R-52C has external dimensions of 180.0 x 478.0 x 196.0mm ( 7-1/16 x 18-13/16 x 7-11/16inch) 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-52C is 137.5mm shorter and 54.8mm less deeper than Klipsch R-15PM but it is also 300.2mm wider.

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-52C is approximately 936.9cm2 / 145.2inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-15PM is approximately 445.9cm2 / 69.1inch2. The R-52C requires 110% more surface area than the R-15PM which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.

What's in the Box of Klipsch R-52C?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-52C:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • Grille (installed)
  • 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Quick Setup Guide
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information
  • 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 cord
  • Remote control
  • CR2025 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 cable
  • 6-feet Stereo RCA cable
  • 5-feet Optical digital cable
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Instruction Booklet
  • Warranty Information
  • Important Safety Instructions

  • Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-52C over Klipsch Reference R-15PM
    Number of Woofers 2 vs 1 More woofers
    Height 180mm vs 317mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Price per pair* 349USD vs 499USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

    Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-15PM over Klipsch Reference R-52C

    Speaker Type Powered vs Passive Built-in amplifier
    Low Frequency Response 62 Hz vs 89 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 24k Hz vs 21k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Base Surface Area 445cm2 vs 936cm2 Takes less floor space
    3.5mm Connection Yes vs No Connection via 3.5mm AUX input
    RCA Connection Yes vs No Connection via RCA input
    Klipsch R-52C vs Klipsch R-15PM Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Klipsch Reference R-52C Klipsch Reference R-15PM
    Brand Klipsch Klipsch
    Speaker Type Center channel speaker Powered Stereo Speakers
    Sensitivity 95 dB n/a
    Impedance 8 ohms n/a
    Frequency Response 89-21k Hz 62-24k Hz
    Amplifier
    Watts RMS (Continuous) n/a 100-watt RMS
    Max Bit Depth n/a 24-bit
    Max Sample Rate n/a 96 kHz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 2 1
    Woofer Size 5.25" 5.25"
    Woofer Composition copper spun IMG Copper-spun IMG
    Tweeter Size 1" 1.0"
    Tweeter Type Tractrix horn Hard-Dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver N/A" No
    Crossover Frequency n/a 1800Hz
    Firing Direction n/a rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 180.0mm (7.1") 317.5mm (12.5")
    Width 478.0mm (18.8") 177.8mm (7")
    Depth 196.0mm (7.7") 250.8mm (9.9")
    Weight 3.18kg (7lbs) 4.67kg (10.3lbs)
    Enclosure Acoustic Suspension Bass Reflex
    Finish wood grain vinyl n/a
    Available Colors Black n/a
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Aux Inputs n/a 3.5mm, RCA
    USB Port n/a Type-B
    Phone Input n/a Yes
    Subwoofer Output n/a Wired
    Digital Input n/a Optical
    HDMI Input n/a No
    Headphone Jack n/a No
    Ethernet Port n/a No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 1 Year
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 1 Year

    Most Popular Speakers
    Klipsch Reference R-51M
    Klipsch R-51M
    2-way | 93 dB | 8 ohms
    Wharfedale Elysian 2
    Wharfedale Elysian 2
    3-way | 89 dB | 4 ohms
    ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
    ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
    2-way | 87 dB | 6 ohms
    Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition
    B&W 606 S2
    2-way | 88 dB | 8 ohms
    KEF Q150
    KEF Q150
    2-way | 86 dB | 8 ohms
    Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M
    Klipsch RP-500M
    2-way | 93 dB | 8 ohms
    Wharfedale EVO4.1
    Wharfedale EVO4.1
    2-way | 87 dB | 8 ohms
    Bowers & Wilkins 606
    B&W 606
    2-way | 88 dB | 8 ohms
    Copyright © 2025 by SpeakerDecision
    About Privacy Contact US Camera Decision

    Report a Correction