In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Klipsch. Klipsch Reference R-620F is a Floor-standing speaker whereas the R-51M is a Bookshelf speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch R-620F and Klipsch R-51M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Klipsch R-620F and Klipsch R-51M speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch R-620F and Klipsch R-51M 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-620F and R-51M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Klipsch R-620F |
Klipsch R-51M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1.0-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
R-620F features a 1.0" Tweeter and 2 x 6.5" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2000Hz. On the other hand, the R-51M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1660Hz.
Frequency Response
R-620F has a frequency range of 38-21k Hz whereas R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 38Hz, the R-620F can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-51M's min frequency of 62Hz.
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 Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing 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.
Impedance and Sensitivity
R-620F and R-51M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. R-620F sensitivity is rated at 96 dB and the R-51M's is at 93 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-620F a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch R-51M, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
R-620F can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-51M has a max power handling value of 85 watts RMS, 15 watts less than the R-620F.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
R-620F features Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way type posts and R-51M has a Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-620F's Post terminals
Klipsch R-51M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both R-620F and R-51M 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-620F's and Klipsch R-51M's external dimensions. Klipsch R-620F has external dimensions of 1021.0 x 239.0 x 369.0mm ( 40-3/16 x 9-3/8 x 14-1/2inch) whereas Klipsch R-51M has external dimensions of 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm ( 13.3 x 7.0 x 8.4inch) .
Klipsch R-620F is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 61mm wider, 683mm taller and 154mm deeper than Klipsch R-51M.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch R-620F and Klipsch R-51M in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch R-620F and Klipsch R-51M Size and External Dimensions
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-620F is approximately 881.9cm2 / 136.7inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-51M is approximately 382.7cm2 / 59.3inch2. The R-620F requires 130% more surface area than the R-51M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-620F?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-620F:
Floorstanding loudspeaker Grille (installed) 2 Feet 4 Screws Quick Setup Guide Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information Loudspeaker Feet note
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-51M?
Here are the items that come with the R-51M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Quick Setup Guide Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information