In this review, we will be comparing Q Acoustics 5010 and R-51M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Q Acoustics and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Q Acoustics 5010 and Klipsch R-51M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Q Acoustics 5010 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 Q Acoustics 5010 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 Q Acoustics 5010 and R-51M are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Q Acoustics 5010 |
Klipsch R-51M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4.5-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Q Acoustics 5010 features a 1" Soft-dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.5" Continuous Curved Cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2500 Hz. 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
Q Acoustics 5010 has a frequency range of 56-30k Hz whereas R-51M has a frequency range of 62-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 56Hz, the Q Acoustics 5010 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to 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
Q Acoustics 5010 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the R-51M which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. Q Acoustics 5010 sensitivity is rated at 86.3 dB and the R-51M's is rated at 93 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-51M a more sensitive speaker compared to Q Acoustics 5010, 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.
Q Acoustics 5010 can handle a max power of 90 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-51M has a max power handling value of 85 watts RMS, 5 watts less than the Q Acoustics 5010.
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
Q Acoustics 5010 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.
Q Acoustics 5010's Binding post terminals
Klipsch R-51M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts - 5-way terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Q Acoustics 5010 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 Q Acoustics 5010's and Klipsch R-51M's external dimensions. Q Acoustics 5010 has external dimensions of 266.0 x 161.0 x 266.0mm ( 10-7/16inch x 6-5/16inch x 10-7/16inch ) whereas Klipsch R-51M has external dimensions of 338.0 x 178.0 x 215.0mm ( 13.3 x 7.0 x 8.4inch) .
Q Acoustics 5010 is 17mm narrower and 72mm shorter than Klipsch R-51M but it is also 51mm deeper.
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 Q Acoustics 5010 is approximately 428.3cm2 / 66.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-51M is approximately 382.7cm2 / 59.3inch2. The Q Acoustics 5010 requires 12% 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 Q Acoustics 5010 weighs 5.59kg / 12.3lbs and the Klipsch R-51M weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs. This makes the Q Acoustics 5010 12% heavier than the R-51M.
Here is a comparison of how Q Acoustics 5010 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 Q Acoustics 5010?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Q Acoustics 5010:
2x 5010 loudspeaker 1x Owners manual 2x Foam bung
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 |
90 watts
vs
85 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
56 Hz
vs
62 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
30k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
266mm
vs
338mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Sensitivity |
93 dB
vs
86 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Base Surface Area |
382cm2 (178x215mm)
vs
428cm2 (161x266mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
359USD
vs
749USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Q Acoustics 5010 |
Klipsch Reference R-51M |
| Brand |
Q Acoustics |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
15-90 watts |
Up to 85 watts |
| Sensitivity |
86.3 dB |
93 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.3 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
56-30k Hz |
62-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4.5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Continuous Curved Cone |
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 |
2500 Hz |
1660Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
266.0mm (10.5") |
338.0mm (13.3") |
| Width |
161.0mm (6.3") |
178.0mm (7") |
| Depth |
266.0mm (10.5") |
215.0mm (8.5") |
| Weight |
5.59kg (12.3lbs) |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Relfex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Holme Oak,Satin Black,Satin White,Santos Rosewood |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
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 |