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Mackie CR4-XBT vs Klipsch R-15PM Comparison

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Mackie CR4-XBT

Powered Bookshelf | 65-20k Hz

Mackie CR4-XBT
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Klipsch R-15PM

Powered Bookshelf | 62-24k Hz

Klipsch Reference R-15PM
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Mackie CR4-XBT Mackie CR4-XBT
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Klipsch R-15PM Klipsch R-15PM
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Mackie CR4-XBT
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Klipsch R-15PM
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Mackie CR4-XBT vs Klipsch R-15PM Speaker Comparison

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.


**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 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

Mackie CR4-XBT
R-15PM
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Mackie CR4-XBT
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.

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 monitor
  • 6.5-feet Speaker wire
  • 5-feet Stereo mini to RCA cable
  • Quick 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 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 Mackie CR4-XBT over Klipsch Reference R-15PM
    Height 222mm vs 317mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 335cm2 vs 445cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 170USD vs 499USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    Headphone Output 3.5mm vs No Connect your headphone

    Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-15PM over Mackie CR4-XBT

    Woofer Size 5.25 inches vs 4 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 62 Hz vs 65 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 24k Hz vs 20k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Handheld Remote Yes vs No Control the speaker by the included RC
    USB Port Type-B vs No USB port adds flexibility
    3.5mm Connection Yes vs No Connection via 3.5mm AUX input
    RCA Connection Yes vs No Connection via RCA input
    Phono Input Yes vs No Connect your turntable directly
    Digital Input Optical vs No Connect digital inputs directly
    Subwoofer Output Wired vs No Pair your speakers with external subwoofer
    Mackie CR4-XBT vs Klipsch R-15PM Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Mackie CR4-XBT Klipsch Reference R-15PM
    Brand Mackie Klipsch
    Speaker Type Powered Stereo Speakers Powered Stereo Speakers
    Frequency Response 65-20k Hz 62-24k Hz
    Amplifier
    Watts RMS (Continuous) 25-watt RMS 100-watt RMS
    Watts Peak (Max) 50-watt RMS n/a
    Max Bit Depth N/A 24-bit
    Max Sample Rate N/A 96 kHz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 4" 5.25"
    Woofer Composition Polypropylene Copper-spun IMG
    Tweeter Size 0.75" 1.0"
    Tweeter Type Dome Hard-Dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency n/a 1800Hz
    Firing Direction rear rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 222.3mm (8.8") 317.5mm (12.5")
    Width 155.6mm (6.1") 177.8mm (7")
    Depth 215.9mm (8.5") 250.8mm (9.9")
    Weight n/a 4.67kg (10.3lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Grille n/a Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Aux Inputs RCA 3.5mm, RCA
    USB Port No Type-B
    Phone Input No Yes
    Subwoofer Output No Wired
    Digital Input No Optical
    HDMI Input No No
    Headphone Jack 3.5mm No
    Ethernet Port No No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 1 Year 1 Year
    Labor Warranty 1 Year 1 Year

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