In this review, we will be comparing Monitor SE Atom and R-51M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Paradigm and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Paradigm SE Atom and Klipsch R-51M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Paradigm SE Atom and Klipsch R-51M speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Paradigm SE Atom 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.
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Drivers
Both Monitor SE Atom and R-51M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Paradigm SE Atom |
Klipsch R-51M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Monitor SE Atom features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.5" Mineral-filled 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
Monitor SE Atom has a frequency range of 61-21k Hz whereas R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 61Hz, the Monitor SE Atom can go slightly deeper then the R-51M's min frequency of 62Hz.
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.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Monitor SE Atom and R-51M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Monitor SE Atom sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the R-51M's is at 93 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-51M a more sensitive speaker compared to Paradigm SE Atom, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Monitor SE Atom can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-51M has a max power handling value of 85 watts RMS, 15 watts less than the Monitor SE Atom.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Monitor SE Atom 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.
Paradigm SE Atom's Post terminals
Klipsch R-51M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Monitor SE Atom 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 Paradigm SE Atom's and Klipsch R-51M's external dimensions. Paradigm SE Atom has external dimensions of 324.0 x 181.0 x 277.0mm ( 12-3/4 x 7-1/8 x 10-7/8inch) whereas Klipsch R-51M has external dimensions of 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm ( 13.3 x 7.0 x 8.4inch) .
Klipsch R-51M is 3mm narrower and 62mm less deeper than Paradigm SE Atom but it is also 14mm 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 Paradigm SE Atom is approximately 501.4cm2 / 77.7inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-51M is approximately 382.7cm2 / 59.3inch2. The Monitor SE Atom requires 31% 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 Paradigm SE Atom weighs 5.45kg / 12lbs and the Klipsch R-51M weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs. This makes the Monitor SE Atom 9% heavier than the R-51M.
Here is a comparison of how Monitor SE Atom 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 Paradigm SE Atom?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Monitor SE Atom:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
2 Grilles
8 Rubber feet
Owner's Manual
Online Registration Card
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
 Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
85 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Woofer Size |
5.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
61 Hz
vs
62 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
324mm
vs
338mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Price per pair* |
300USD
vs
359USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Base Surface Area |
382cm2 (178x215mm)
vs
501cm2 (181x277mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Paradigm Monitor SE Atom |
Klipsch Reference R-51M |
| Brand |
Paradigm |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
15-100 watts |
Up to 85 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
93 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
61-21k Hz |
62-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mineral-filled polypropylene |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Hard-Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1660Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
324.0mm (12.8") |
338.0mm (13.3") |
| Width |
181.0mm (7.1") |
178.0mm (7") |
| Depth |
277.0mm (10.9") |
215.0mm (8.5") |
| Weight |
5.45kg (12lbs) |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Matte Black,Gloss White |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
26-28" |
24-28" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |