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  1. Home
  2. Klipsch Speakers
  3. Powered Stereo Speakers
  4. Klipsch Reference R-51PM
Klipsch R-51PM Review
Klipsch R-51PM - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1.0" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer
  • 68-21k Hz Frequency Response
  • 120-watt RMS( 240-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
  • 24-bit Max Depth / 96 kHz Max Sample Rate
  • Built-in 3.0 Bluetooth
  • Weight: 10.60 lbs / 4.80 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 13"x7.0625"x10.25" / 330.2 x 179.4 x 260.3mm
MSRP: $599 (list price)
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Klipsch R-51PM Review
Klipsch R-51PM Klipsch R-51PM
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Klipsch · United States · since 1946 · sold through dealers

Klipsch Reference R-51PM is a 2-way Powered Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Klipsch. It was released in 2018. R-51PM's built-in amplifier provides 120-watt RMS( 240-watt Peak). The built-in power amplifier saves space & eliminates the need to connect Klipsch R-51PM to a stereo receiver or external power amp. It features a 1.0" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Copper-spun IMG Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 68-21k Hz. Klipsch R-51PM has an MSRP of 599$ per pair.

Klipsch's Reference (R) Bookshelf Series of Loudspeakers

R-51PM is a member of Klipsch's Reference (R) Bookshelf series of Powered speakers. These are the bookshelf models in Klipsch's affordable Reference (R) range, with horn-loaded tweeters for dynamic sound. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Klipsch Reference (R) Bookshelf Series Speakers
Model Frequency Watts RMSMax Depth / Sample Rate Woofer
Klipsch R-51PM
68-21k Hz 120-watt24-bit/96 kHz 1 x 5.25"
Klipsch R-15PM
Compare
62-24k Hz 100-watt24-bit/96 kHz 1 x 5.25"
Klipsch R-41PM
Compare
76-21k Hz 70-watt24-bit/96 kHz 1 x 4.0"

Frequency Response of the Klipsch R-51PM Speaker

Klipsch R-51PM has a Frequency response range of 68-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 68 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from R-51PM so depending on your use case, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.

Here we have a comparison of how R-51PM's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch R-51PM
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Klipsch R-51PM?
  • Powered subwoofers under $750 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Klipsch R-51PM Tweeter
Klipsch R-51PM's Aluminum LTS Tractrix Horn Tweeter

Crossover frequency of the Klipsch R-51PM?

The crossover frequency of the R-51PM is set to 1663Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

Klipsch R-51PM driver frequency bands68-1.7kWoofer 5.25"1.7k-21kTweeter 1"20501002005001k2k5k10k20k40kHz, log scale
Klipsch R-51PM Back View
Klipsch R-51PM Back View

Handheld Remote

Klipsch R-51PM comes with a handheld remote which is obviously very useful to control your powered speakers from a distance.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Klipsch R-51PM employs Built-in 3.0 Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows PC, Mac computers/laptops. R-51PM can playback up to 24-bit / 96 kHz with compatible devices.

Inputs and Outputs

  • 3.5mm Minijack Input
  • RCA Input
  • USB Port: USB-B
  • Phono Input
  • Wired Subwoofer Output
  • Digital Input: Optical

Klipsch R-51PM Connections
Klipsch R-51PM Connections

Klipsch R-51PM External Dimensions and Weight

Klipsch R-51PM has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 13 x 7.0625 x 10.25inch (330.2 x 179.4 x 260.3mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Klipsch R-51PM is approximately 467.0cm2 / 72.4inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The Klipsch R-51PM weighs 4.80kg / 10.6lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how R-51PM's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch R-51PM
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $750
Klipsch R-51PM
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Klipsch R-51PM has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Port Position

Klipsch R-51PM is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

Wall Mounting

R-51PM doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the Klipsch R-51PM come with a Grille?

R-51PM comes with grilles in Black color choices. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

Klipsch R-51PM  with Grille
Klipsch R-51PM with Grille

What's in the Box of Klipsch R-51PM?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of R-51PM:
  • Powered speaker (right)
  • Passive speaker (left)
  • 2 Grilles
  • 68-inch AC power cord
  • Remote control
  • 2

Klipsch R-51PM  - What's in the Box
Klipsch R-51PM - What's in the Box

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Klipsch Reference R-51PM.

  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
  • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Klipsch Reference R-51PM, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Klipsch R-51PM

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Klipsch Reference R-51PM speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Klipsch R-51PM

Warranty

1 Year of parts warranty and 1 Year of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Klipsch Reference R-51PM Alternatives in Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Watts RMS Bluetooth Frequency
Klipsch The Fives
Compare
2-way 160w Built-in 5.0 50-25k Hz
Klipsch R-51M
Compare
2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 62-21k Hz
Klipsch R-15PM
Compare
2-way 100w Built-in 3.0 62-24k Hz
Klipsch R-41PM
Compare
2-way 70w Built-in 3.0 76-21k Hz
Audioengine A5+ Wireless
Compare
2-way 100w Built-in 4.0 50-22k Hz
Kanto YU6
Compare
2-way 100w Built-in 4.0 50-20k Hz
Fluance Ai61
Compare
2-way 120w Built-in 5.0 32-20k Hz
Klipsch The Sevens
Compare
2-way 200w Built-in 5.0 39-25k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Klipsch Reference R-51PM

Does the Klipsch R-51PM need an amplifier?

The Klipsch R-51PM is an active speaker with a 120-watt RMS built-in amplifier (240-watt peak). You do not need a separate amplifier or receiver - just a source.

Does the Klipsch R-51PM need a subwoofer?

The Klipsch R-51PM reaches down to 68Hz (full range 68-21k Hz). That leaves the lowest octaves out, so a subwoofer will make a clear difference for films and bass-heavy music.

What drivers does the Klipsch R-51PM use?

The Klipsch R-51PM is a 2-way design using a 1.0" Tractrix Horn tweeter and a 5.25" Copper-spun IMG woofer.

Is the Klipsch R-51PM sealed or ported?

The Klipsch R-51PM uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Does the Klipsch R-51PM have Bluetooth or wireless streaming?

Yes. The Klipsch R-51PM supports Bluetooth 3.0.

Can the Klipsch R-51PM be wall mounted?

The Klipsch R-51PM does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the Klipsch R-51PM come with grilles?

Yes. The Klipsch R-51PM comes with removable grilles (Black).

How big and heavy is the Klipsch R-51PM?

The Klipsch R-51PM weighs 4.80kg / 10.6lbs each and measures 13 x 7.0625 x 10.25inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Klipsch R-51PM cost?

The Klipsch R-51PM has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $599 per pair.


Klipsch R-51PM Detailed Specifications

General
BrandKlipsch
Full Model NameKlipsch Reference R-51PM
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Frequency Response68-21k Hz
Release Date2018
Amplifier Specs
Watts RMS120 watts
Watts Max240 watts
TypeClass D
DAC Specs
Max Digital Audio Bit Depth24-bit
Max Digital Audio Sample Rate96 kHz
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.25-inch
Woofer CompositionCopper-spun IMG
Tweeter Size1.0-inch
Tweeter TypeTractrix Horn
Crossover freq1663Hz
Port Positionrear
DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM
Amazon AlexaNo
Google AssistantNo
Subwoofer OutputWired

CONNECTIONS
Ethernet PortNo
USB PortUSB-B
Aux Input3.5mm, RCA
Phono InputYes
Digital InputOptical
HDMI InputNo
Headphone JackNo
BluetoothBuilt-in 3.0
Wi-FiNo
Wi-Fi BandsNo
Wi-Fi BandsNo
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height330.2mm ( 13-inch)
Width179.4mm ( 7.0625-inch)
Depth260.3mm ( 10.25-inch)
Height330.2mm ( 13-inch)
Weight4.8 kg (10.6 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
Mounting BracketNo
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteYes
Parts Warranty1 Year
Labor Warranty1 Year
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