In this review, we will be comparing Mackie CR3-XBT and R-41PM, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from Mackie and 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 Mackie CR3-XBT and Klipsch R-41PM 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 Mackie CR3-XBT and Klipsch R-41PM 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 Mackie CR3-XBT and R-41PM are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Mackie CR3-XBT |
Klipsch R-41PM |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1.0-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 3-inch
|
1 x 4.0-inch
|
Mackie CR3-XBT features a 0.75" Silk Dome Tweeter and 1 x 3" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the R-41PM features a 1.0" Aluminum LTS Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4.0" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1770Hz.
Frequency Response
Mackie CR3-XBT has a frequency range of 80-20k Hz whereas R-41PM has a frequency range of 76-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 76Hz, the R-41PM can go slightly deeper then the Mackie CR3-XBT's min frequency of 80Hz.
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 Mackie CR3-XBT and R-41PM 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 Mackie CR3-XBT's and Klipsch R-41PM's external dimensions. Mackie CR3-XBT has external dimensions of 206.4 x 139.7 x 190.5mm ( 8.125 x 5.5 x 7.5inch) whereas Klipsch R-41PM has external dimensions of 281.0 x 147.6 x 241.3mm ( 11.0625 x 5.8125 x 9.5inch) .
Klipsch R-41PM is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 7.9mm wider, 74.6mm taller and 50.8mm deeper than Mackie CR3-XBT.
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 Mackie CR3-XBT is approximately 266.1cm2 / 41.2inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-41PM is approximately 356.2cm2 / 55.2inch2. The Mackie CR3-XBT requires 25% less surface area than the R-41PM which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Mackie CR3-XBT?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Mackie CR3-XBT:
Powered monitor w/ attached 5.5-feet power cord (C7 unpolarized)Passive monitor6.5-feet Speaker wire5-feet Stereo mini to RCA cableQuick Start Guide
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-41PM?
Here are the items that come with the R-41PM:
Powered speaker (right)Passive speaker (left)2 Grilles68-inch AC power cordRemote control2