In this review, we will be comparing XR50 and R-51M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from McIntosh and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of McIntosh XR50 and Klipsch R-51M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | McIntosh XR50 | Klipsch R-51M |
|---|
| Brand | McIntosh
United States · founded 1949 | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 |
|---|
| Design | 3-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 0.75" Hard-Dome | 1" Tractrix Horn |
|---|
| Midrange | 2" | — |
|---|
| Woofer | 6" | 5.25" Copper-spun IMG |
|---|
| Frequency response | 40-45k Hz | 62-21k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 81 dB | 93 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | — | Up to 85 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 8.85kg / 19.5lbs | 5.00kg / 11lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 17" x 8" x 11-3/4"
431.8 x 203.2 x 298.5mm | 13.3" x 7.0" x 8.4"
338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm |
|---|
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that XR50 is a 3-way design whereas the R-51M is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
McIntosh XR50Klipsch R-51M
TweeterMidrangeWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
McIntosh XR50 |
Klipsch R-51M |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 2-inch |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
XR50 features a 0.75" Hard-Dome Tweeter, a 2" Midrange and 1 x 6" 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
XR50 has a frequency range of 40-45k Hz whereas R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 40Hz, the XR50 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-51M's min frequency of 62Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
XR50 and R-51M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. XR50 sensitivity is rated at 81 dB and the R-51M's is at 93 dB. This 12 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-51M a more sensitive speaker compared to McIntosh XR50, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
XR50 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-51M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way terminals
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare McIntosh XR50's and Klipsch R-51M's external dimensions. McIntosh XR50 has external dimensions of 431.8 x 203.2 x 298.5mm () whereas Klipsch R-51M has external dimensions of 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm (13.3 x 7.0 x 8.4inch).
McIntosh XR50 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 25.2mm wider, 93.8mm taller and 83.5mm deeper than Klipsch R-51M.
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
McIntosh XR50 needs about 58% more floor or shelf area. McIntosh XR50 is 84mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. McIntosh XR50 is 94mm taller.
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 McIntosh XR50 is approximately 606.6cm2 / 94.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-51M is approximately 382.7cm2 / 59.3inch2. The XR50 requires 59% more surface area than the R-51M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The McIntosh XR50 weighs 8.85kg / 19.5lbs and the Klipsch R-51M weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs. This makes the XR50 77% heavier than the R-51M.
Here is a comparison of how XR50 and R-51M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
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
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Woofer Size |
6 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
40 Hz
vs
62 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
45k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
81 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Height |
338mm
vs
431mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
382cm2
vs
606cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
McIntosh XR50 |
Klipsch Reference R-51M |
| Brand |
McIntosh |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Sensitivity |
81 dB |
93 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
40-45k Hz |
62-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
Copper-spun IMG |
| Woofer Surround Material |
n/a |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
0.75" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
2" |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1660Hz |
| Firing Direction |
n/a |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
431.8mm (17") |
338.0mm (13.3") |
| Width |
203.2mm (8") |
178.0mm (7") |
| Depth |
298.5mm (11.8") |
215.0mm (8.5") |
| Weight |
8.85kg (19.5lbs) |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
| Enclosure |
|
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
Real wood veneer |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Walnut (red) |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
24-28" |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
n/a |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
No single best speaker here - they are built to different priorities, and the right one depends on your room, your amplifier and what you listen to.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | A | McIntosh XR50 digs deeper - 40Hz against 62Hz. |
| Amplifier needs | B | Klipsch R-51M is more sensitive (93dB vs 81dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Size | depends | Klipsch R-51M is easier to place; McIntosh XR50 is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
A McIntosh XR50 B Klipsch R-51M
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Neither runs away with it - they trade advantages. Let the "depends" rows and your own room settle it. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 62Hz anyway, so judge these on the other rows instead. In a large or open-plan room, McIntosh XR50 has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, Klipsch R-51M is the easier speaker to get right.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.