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Mackie CR4-XBT vs Klipsch R-51M Comparison

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Mackie CR4-XBT

Powered Bookshelf | 65-20k Hz

Mackie CR4-XBT
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Klipsch R-51M

Passive Bookshelf | 62-21k Hz

Klipsch Reference R-51M
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Mackie CR4-XBT Mackie CR4-XBT
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Klipsch R-51M Klipsch R-51M
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Mackie CR4-XBT
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Klipsch R-51M
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Mackie CR4-XBT vs Klipsch R-51M Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Mackie CR4-XBT and R-51M, two Bookshelf speakers from Mackie and Klipsch. The main difference between these two speakers is that the Mackie CR4-XBT is a Powered speaker which means that it has a built-in amplifier inside the speaker body so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp whereas the Klipsch R-51M is a Passive speaker so has to be matched with an amplifier to get any sound from it.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Mackie CR4-XBT and Klipsch R-51M 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-51M Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer
  • 62-21k Hz Frequency Response
  • 93 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:Up to 85watts
  • Weight:5.00kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 338.0" x 7.0" x 8.4"( 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm )

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Mackie CR4-XBT 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.


**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-51M are 2-way speakers.

Driver Mackie CR4-XBT Klipsch R-51M
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 0.75-inch 1-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-51M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1660Hz.

Frequency Response

Mackie CR4-XBT has a frequency range of 65-20k Hz whereas R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 62Hz, the R-51M 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-51M
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Mackie CR4-XBT
Klipsch R-51M
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-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 Mackie CR4-XBT's and Klipsch R-51M'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-51M has external dimensions of 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm ( 13.3 x 7.0 x 8.4inch) .

Mackie CR4-XBT is 22.4mm narrower and 115.7mm shorter than Klipsch R-51M but it is also 0.90000000000001mm deeper.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Mackie CR4-XBT and Klipsch R-51M in scale.

Mackie CR4-XBT vs Klipsch R-51M Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Mackie CR4-XBT 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 Mackie CR4-XBT is approximately 335.9cm2 / 52.1inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-51M is approximately 382.7cm2 / 59.3inch2. The Mackie CR4-XBT requires 12% less surface area than the R-51M which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.

Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:

Mackie CR4-XBT vs Klipsch R-51M Size Comparison on a Media Console
Size Comparison image of Mackie CR4-XBT and Klipsch R-51M on a Media Console

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-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

  • Reasons to choose Mackie CR4-XBT over Klipsch Reference R-51M
    Speaker Type Powered vs Passive Built-in amplifier
    Height 222mm vs 338mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 335cm2 vs 382cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 170USD vs 359USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    RCA Connection Yes vs No Connection via RCA input

    Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-51M 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 21k Hz vs 20k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Mackie CR4-XBT vs Klipsch R-51M Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Mackie CR4-XBT Klipsch Reference R-51M
    Brand Mackie Klipsch
    Speaker Type Powered Stereo Speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Sensitivity n/a 93 dB
    Impedance n/a 8 ohms
    Frequency Response 65-20k Hz 62-21k Hz
    Amplifier
    Watts RMS (Continuous) 25-watt RMS n/a
    Watts Peak (Max) 50-watt RMS n/a
    Max Bit Depth N/A n/a
    Max Sample Rate N/A n/a
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 4" 5.25"
    Woofer Composition Polypropylene Copper-spun IMG
    Woofer Surround Material n/a Rubber
    Tweeter Size 0.75" 1"
    Tweeter Type Dome Tractrix Horn
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency n/a 1660Hz
    Firing Direction rear rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 222.3mm (8.8") 338.0mm (13.3")
    Width 155.6mm (6.1") 178.0mm (7")
    Depth 215.9mm (8.5") 215.0mm (8.5")
    Weight n/a 5.00kg (11lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish n/a MDF/Wood-grain vinyl
    Available Colors n/a Black
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Recommended Stand Height n/a 24-28"
    Grille n/a Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs n/a No
    Aux Inputs RCA n/a
    USB Port No n/a
    Phone Input No n/a
    Subwoofer Output No n/a
    Digital Input No n/a
    HDMI Input No n/a
    Headphone Jack 3.5mm n/a
    Ethernet Port No n/a
    Other
    Parts Warranty 1 Year 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 1 Year 5 Years

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