In this review, we will be comparing XT15 and R-41M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk XT15 and Klipsch R-41M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Polk XT15 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 5.25" Bi-laminate paper Woofer
- 48-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 86 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:30-150watts
- Weight:4.09kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 270.0" x 6-9/16" x 7-3/16"( 270.0 x 167.0 x 183.0mm )
Klipsch R-41M Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
- 4" Copper-spun IMG Woofer
- 68-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 90 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:50watts
- Weight:3.20kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 287.0" x 5.7" x 7.8"( 287.0 x 146.0 x 200.0mm )
What size room are the Polk XT15 and Klipsch R-41M 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Polk XT15 |
Klipsch R-41M |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Good |
| Small Room |
Average |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Average |
| Large Room |
Average |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
No way |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Polk XT15 and Klipsch R-41M 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 XT15 and R-41M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk XT15 |
Klipsch R-41M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
XT15 features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Bi-laminate paper Woofer . On the other hand, the R-41M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Copper-spun IMG Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1730Hz.
Frequency Response
XT15 has a frequency range of 48-40k Hz whereas R-41M has a frequency range of 68-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 48Hz, the XT15 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the R-41M's min frequency of 68Hz.
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
XT15 and R-41M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. XT15 sensitivity is rated at 86 dB and the R-41M's is at 90 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-41M a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk XT15, 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.
XT15 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-41M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS, 100 watts less than the XT15.
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
XT15 features Single Gold Plated Binding Posts type posts and R-41M has a Single Gold Plated Binding Posts type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Klipsch R-41M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts terminals
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 Polk XT15's and Klipsch R-41M's external dimensions. Polk XT15 has external dimensions of 270.0 x 167.0 x 183.0mm ( 10-5/8 x 6-9/16 x 7-3/16inch) whereas Klipsch R-41M has external dimensions of 287.0 x 146.0 x 200.0mm ( 11.2 x 5.7 x 7.8inch) .
Polk XT15 is 17mm shorter and 17mm less deeper than Klipsch R-41M but it is also 21mm wider.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Polk XT15 and Klipsch R-41M in scale.
Comparison image of Polk XT15 and Klipsch R-41M 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 Polk XT15 is approximately 305.6cm2 / 47.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-41M is approximately 292.0cm2 / 45.3inch2. The XT15 requires 5% more surface area than the R-41M which gives it a small disadvantage 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:
Size Comparison image of Polk XT15 and Klipsch R-41M on a Media Console
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 Polk XT15 weighs 4.09kg / 9lbs and the Klipsch R-41M weighs 3.20kg / 7lbs. This makes the XT15 28% heavier than the R-41M.
Here is a comparison of how XT15 and R-41M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Polk XT15?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of XT15:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grilles (attached)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
What's in the Box of Klipsch R-41M?
Here are the items that come with the R-41M:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles (installed) 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet Quick Setup Guide Important Safety Instructions Warranty Information