In this review, we will be comparing Mackie CR4-XBT and R-15PM, 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 CR4-XBT and Klipsch R-15PM first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Mackie CR4-XBT Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 25-watt RMS( 50-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
- 0.75" Dome Tweeter
- 4" Polypropylene Woofer
- 65-20k Hz Frequency Response
- N/A Max Depth / N/A Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 4.2 Bluetooth
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 222.3" x 6.125" x 8.5"( 222.3 x 155.6 x 215.9mm )
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 Mackie CR4-XBT 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 Mackie CR4-XBT and R-15PM are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Mackie CR4-XBT |
Klipsch R-15PM |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1.0-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Mackie CR4-XBT features a 0.75" Silk Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Polypropylene 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
Mackie CR4-XBT has a frequency range of 65-20k Hz whereas R-15PM has a frequency range of 62-24k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 62Hz, the R-15PM can go slightly deeper then the Mackie CR4-XBT's min frequency of 65Hz.
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 CR4-XBT 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 Mackie CR4-XBT's and Klipsch R-15PM's external dimensions. Mackie CR4-XBT has external dimensions of 222.3 x 155.6 x 215.9mm ( 8.75 x 6.125 x 8.5inch) 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-15PM is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 22.2mm wider, 95.2mm taller and 34.9mm deeper than Mackie CR4-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 CR4-XBT is approximately 335.9cm2 / 52.1inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-15PM is approximately 445.9cm2 / 69.1inch2. The Mackie CR4-XBT requires 25% less surface area than the R-15PM which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Mackie CR4-XBT?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Mackie CR4-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-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
Height 
Base Surface Area 
Price per pair* 
Headphone Output 
Woofer Size 
High Frequency Response 
Handheld Remote 
USB Port 
3.5mm Connection 
RCA Connection 
Phono Input 
Digital Input