In this review, we will be comparing SS-CS5 and R-41M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from Sony and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Sony SS-CS5 and Klipsch R-41M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Sony SS-CS5 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Sony SS-CS5 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that SS-CS5 is a 3-way design whereas the R-41M is a 2-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
Sony SS-CS5 |
Klipsch R-41M |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
2-way
|
|
Super Tweeter
|
0.75-inch |
- |
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
SS-CS5 features a 1" polyester fiber Soft-Dome Tweeter , a 0.75" Supertweeter and 1 x 5.25" Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) 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
SS-CS5 has a frequency range of 53-50k Hz whereas R-41M has a frequency range of 68-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 53Hz, the SS-CS5 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
SS-CS5 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the R-41M which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. SS-CS5 sensitivity is rated at 87 dB and the R-41M's is rated at 90 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Klipsch R-41M a more sensitive speaker compared to Sony SS-CS5, 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.
SS-CS5 can handle a max power of 100 watts RMS from the amp the whereas R-41M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the SS-CS5.
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
SS-CS5 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.
Sony SS-CS5's Post terminals
Klipsch R-41M's Single Gold Plated Binding Posts terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both SS-CS5 and R-41M 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 Sony SS-CS5's and Klipsch R-41M's external dimensions. Sony SS-CS5 has external dimensions of 335.0 x 178.0 x 220.0mm ( 13.1 x 7.0 x 8.6inch) whereas Klipsch R-41M has external dimensions of 287.0 x 146.0 x 200.0mm ( 11.2 x 5.7 x 7.8inch) .
Sony SS-CS5 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 32mm wider, 48mm taller and 20mm deeper than Klipsch R-41M.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Sony SS-CS5 and Klipsch R-41M in scale.
Comparison image of Sony SS-CS5 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 Sony SS-CS5 is approximately 391.6cm2 / 60.7inch2 and base area of the Klipsch R-41M is approximately 292.0cm2 / 45.3inch2. The SS-CS5 requires 34% 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 Sony SS-CS5 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 Sony SS-CS5 weighs 4.50kg / 9.9lbs and the Klipsch R-41M weighs 3.20kg / 7lbs. This makes the SS-CS5 41% heavier than the R-41M.
Here is a comparison of how SS-CS5 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 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
 Max Input Power |
100 watts
vs
50 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
53 Hz
vs
68 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
50k Hz
vs
21k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
148USD
vs
229USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
87 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Mounting Bracket |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows mounting on walls |
 Height |
287mm
vs
335mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
292cm2 (146x200mm)
vs
391cm2 (178x220mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Sony SS-CS5 |
Klipsch Reference R-41M |
| Brand |
Sony |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
up to 100 watts |
50 watts |
| Sensitivity |
87 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
53-50k Hz |
68-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
4" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mica Reinforced Cellular (MRC) |
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 |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
335.0mm (13.2") |
287.0mm (11.3") |
| Width |
178.0mm (7") |
146.0mm (5.7") |
| Depth |
220.0mm (8.7") |
200.0mm (7.9") |
| Weight |
4.50kg (9.9lbs) |
3.20kg (7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
Keyhole |
| Recommended Stand Height |
n/a |
26-31" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
2 years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 years |
5 Years |