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Polk XT15 vs Klipsch R-41M Comparison

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Polk XT15

Passive Bookshelf | 48-40k Hz

Polk Audio Monitor XT15
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Klipsch R-41M

Passive Bookshelf | 68-21k Hz

Klipsch Reference R-41M
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Polk XT15 Polk XT15
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Klipsch R-41M Klipsch R-41M
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Polk XT15
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Klipsch R-41M
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Polk XT15 vs Klipsch R-41M Speaker Comparison

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.


**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 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

XT15
R-41M
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Polk XT15
Klipsch R-41M
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.

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

XT15
R-41M
Min
Average
Max

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-41MSingle Gold Plated Binding Posts Terminals
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.

Polk XT15 vs Klipsch R-41M Size Comparison - Front View
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:

Polk XT15 vs Klipsch R-41M Size Comparison on a Media Console
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
Polk XT15
Klipsch R-41M
Min
Average
Max

What's in the Box of Polk XT15?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of XT15:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles (attached)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owners Manual
  • Online 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

  • Reasons to choose Polk Audio Monitor XT15 over Klipsch Reference R-41M
    Max Input Power 150 watts vs 50 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Woofer Size 5.25 inches vs 4 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 48 Hz vs 68 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 40k Hz vs 21k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Height 270mm vs 287mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Price per pair* 199USD vs 229USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)

    Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R-41M over Polk Audio Monitor XT15

    Sensitivity 90 dB vs 86 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Mounting Bracket Yes vs No Allows mounting on walls
    Base Surface Area 292cm2 vs 305cm2 Takes less floor space
    Polk XT15 vs Klipsch R-41M Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Polk Audio Monitor XT15 Klipsch Reference R-41M
    Brand Polk Audio Klipsch
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 30-150 watts 50 watts
    Sensitivity 86 dB 90 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Frequency Response 48-40k Hz 68-21k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 5.25" 4"
    Woofer Composition Bi-laminate paper Copper-spun IMG
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type Soft-Dome Tractrix Horn
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency n/a 1730Hz
    Firing Direction n/a rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 270.0mm (10.6") 287.0mm (11.3")
    Width 167.0mm (6.6") 146.0mm (5.7")
    Depth 183.0mm (7.2") 200.0mm (7.9")
    Weight 4.09kg (9lbs) 3.20kg (7lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF, Vinyl MDF/Wood-grain vinyl
    Available Colors Black Black
    Mounting Bracket No Keyhole
    Recommended Stand Height 28-32" 26-31"
    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

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