In this review, we will be comparing S10 and R-51M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Polk Audio and Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Polk S10 and Klipsch R-51M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Polk S10 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 4" Mica-reinforced polypropylene Woofer
- 67-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 87 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:20-100watts
- Weight:2.73kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 214.0" x 5.0" x 6.1"( 214.0 x 127.0 x 155.0mm )
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 )
What size room are the Polk S10 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:
| Listening Environment* |
Polk S10 |
Klipsch R-51M |
| Near-field |
Average |
Average |
| Small Room |
Good |
Good |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Average |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Bad |
Bad |
(* 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 S10 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 S10 and R-51M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Polk S10 |
Klipsch R-51M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
S10 features a 1" Terylene Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4" Mica-reinforced polypropylene Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500Hz. 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
S10 has a frequency range of 67-40k Hz whereas R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 62Hz, the R-51M can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the S10's min frequency of 67Hz.
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
S10 and R-51M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. S10 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the R-51M's is at 93 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-51M a more sensitive speaker compared to Polk S10, 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.
S10 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 S10.
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
S10 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.
Polk S10's 5-way post terminals
Klipsch R-51M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both S10 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 Polk S10's and Klipsch R-51M's external dimensions. Polk S10 has external dimensions of 214.0 x 127.0 x 155.0mm ( 8.4 x 5.0 x 6.1inch) 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 clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 51mm wider, 124mm taller and 60mm deeper than Polk S10.
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 S10 is approximately 196.9cm2 / 30.5inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-51M is approximately 382.7cm2 / 59.3inch2. The S10 requires 49% less surface area than the R-51M which gives it a small advantage 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 Polk S10 weighs 2.73kg / 6lbs and the Klipsch R-51M weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs. This makes the R-51M 83% heavier than the S10.
Here is a comparison of how S10 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 Polk S10?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of S10:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 Grille (attached)8 Self-adhesive rubber feetWall-mount templateOwners ManualOnline Product Registration
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 |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Height |
214mm
vs
338mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
196cm2
vs
382cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
62 Hz
vs
67 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Polk Audio Signature S10 |
Klipsch Reference R-51M |
| Brand |
Polk Audio |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Satellite speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
20-100 watts |
Up to 85 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
93 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
67-40k Hz |
62-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mica-reinforced polypropylene |
Copper-spun IMG |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Butyl rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2500Hz |
1660Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
214.0mm (8.4") |
338.0mm (13.3") |
| Width |
127.0mm (5") |
178.0mm (7") |
| Depth |
155.0mm (6.1") |
215.0mm (8.5") |
| Weight |
2.73kg (6lbs) |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
Meddite MDF |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
Keyhole |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
28-31" |
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 |