The Klipsch Reference series has quite a number of solid performers and the Klipsch R-51M is definitely one of them. It is designed and built as a pair of budget bookshelf speakers, the sonic performance you are getting at this price point is definitely worth every penny. Pairing the Klipsch R-51M with the right amplifier is important, if you are currently on the lookout for one, then please continue to read on.
Matching with the wrong amplifier, may not get the type of sound you’ll like and this is why is important to find out more about the Klipsch R-51M speakers. By learning about their strengths, limitations, and sonic characteristics, will provide you with enough information to get the matching amplifier. We are also planning to share with you a list of amplifiers that you can go for and partner with the R-51M loudspeakers.
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Sonic Characteristics and Merits of Klipsch R-51M
With the speaker grille on, the Klipsch R-51M can look quite retro and without the grille, the speaker becomes bolder looking. There are two iconic features of this bookshelf speaker, first will be the 1 inch (25mm) LTS aluminum diaphragm compression tweeter guided by a 90° x 90° Tractrix horn, followed by the striking 5.25 inch copper spun magnetically shielded IMG woofer driver. The bass port is located at the back of the speaker cabinet and is rear-firing so you will need some distance between the walls and the speaker itself. You can adjust the speaker positions/placements until you get the right amount of bass output that you prefer.
The speaker sensitivity of 93dB is truly impressive and is above average when you compared it to other speakers of the same size. The power handling of the Klipsch R-51M is 85 Watts (RMS) / 340 Watts (Peak) and the impedance is 8 Ohms. Based on the current specs, it does indicate that the R-51M is quite an easy-to-drive speaker which does give us quite a lot of amplifier options. The frequency response of 62Hz-21kHz (±3dB) shows that it is capable of producing deep bass. We still think that a speaker of this size and price range will require support from a subwoofer when it comes to bass reproduction.
More Details at Amazon – Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf Speaker
The mid-bass response is good but the deep bass is very light. It does seem that the Klipsch R-51M speakers really need support from a subwoofer, and it should significantly improve the overall bass performance. The highs are as expected, it is clear and crisp, the clarity of the Klipsch R-51M is simply astounding. It is a bright-sounding speaker with a lively characteristic so it may not be suitable for listeners who are used to warm sounding systems. With their lively treble, they are actually really engaging and fun to listen to. It is an excellent pair of speakers for rock & roll genre type of music.
One of the strengths of Klipsch R-51M is the ease of pushing them to high volumes, and they really can go very loud without much power. Overall it is a bookshelf speaker that can produce clean sound quality and has plenty of details. The bass may not have the weight but it is still articulate and tight. Based on their sonic characteristics, the Klipsch R-51M will be amazing in a home theater setup, as long an active subwoofer is been added to the mix. With the right amplifier, they can be ideal speakers in a stereo setup. It will be even better in a 2.1 setup though.
The size of the Klipsch R-51M is small enough to be an ideal choice as a pair of desktop speakers. Using them as surround sound channel speakers will be a good idea too. The overall sonic characteristics of the Klipsch R-51M make them a very versatile speaker and enable them to take up almost any role in any type of system. Now we have all the data we need, it is time to share with you a list of the best amplifiers that you can match with the R-51M standmounters.
Klipsch R-51M Specifications
- Speaker Type: 2-way bass-reflex (rear-firing)
- Drive Units: 1 inch (25mm) LTS aluminum diaphragm compression tweeter with 90° x 90° Tractrix horn, 5.25 inch copper spun magnetically shielded IMG woofer driver
- Frequency Response (+/-3dB): 62Hz-21kHz
- Power Handling: 85 Watts (continuous) / 340 Watts (peak)
- Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms
- Sensitivity (2.83V/1M): 93dB
- Dimensions (H x D x W): 337mm x 215mm x 178mm, 13.3″ x 8.5″ x 7″
- Weight: 5kg (11lbs)
Best Amplifiers to pair with Klipsch R-51M
The Blue Aura V40 Valve amplifier will be one of the best choices to match with your Klipsch R-51M, as it helps to broaden the size of the soundstage, making it wider and deeper. This V40 Valve amp also provides warmth to the overall sound reproduction, allowing it to smoothen the edges a little, making them slightly less bright sounding. The music delivery still has the clarity and details, the midrange sounds a bit fuller as well. There is also a subwoofer output for you to connect to an active sub so that it can improve the overall bass performance.
More Details at Amazon – Blue Aura v40 Blackline Hybrid Vacuum Tube Bluetooth Amplifier
Klipsch speakers are usually well-suited with partnering vacuum tube amplifiers, such as the coveted McIntosh tube amps but they are very expensive. This is where the Rockville BluTube tube amplifier comes in, it is a highly rated and affordable tube amp which you can match with your Klipsch R-51M bookshelf speakers. Go for the version with subwoofer output, connect to a powered sub, and your sound system will be all-set, not to mention, the bass reproduction will be fuller and more prominent. It is recommended to hear them out first and see if you like how the music is been presented to you.
More Info at Amazon – Rockville BluTube Tube Amplifier
As mentioned, the Klipsch R-51M can be an ideal desktop speaker, if that is what you are currently using them for then you might want to take a look at the NAD D 3020 V2. It is an award-winning compact digital amplifier that comes with a built-in DAC and has a subwoofer output to connect to an active sub. The size of this amplifier makes it easier for you to place them on your desk. If you want more power output to drive your Klipsch R-51M, the NAD D 3045 will be the next better choice. It is just slightly bigger but has more power output than its smaller brother. Both of these digital amplifiers are quite neutral sounding and so it is a good match with your Klipsch R-51M speakers.
More Info at Amazon – NAD D 3020 v2 Hybrid Digital Integrated Amplifier
More Info at Amazon – NAD D 3045 HybridDigital DAC/Amplifier
The Denon PMA-600NE is an amazing entry-level integrated amplifier that comes with a plethora of features, it has the power to drive your Klipsch R-51M and a dedicated subwoofer output to connect to your active sub. There is a built-in DAC for you to connect to your desktop PC/laptop for high-quality digital playback. A moving magnet phono input with phono equalizer and Analog mode for even better sound quality when playing your favorite vinyl music. There is also Bluetooth connectivity for you to stream your favorite songs. It is an incredibly versatile amplifier partner for your talented all-rounder Klipsch R-51M speakers.
More Details at Amazon – Denon PMA-600NE | Bluetooth Connectivity | Built-in DAC and Phono Pre-Amp
Denon also makes superb AV receivers, and their latest AVR models have the illustrious 8K Ultra HD video processing. For instance, the Denon AVR-X3700H is a 9.2 channel AV receiver that can process 8K/60Hz, and 4K/120Hz pass-through. Not only that, but this AVR also has the latest sound formats such as the Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, IMAX Enhanced, and more. There is also Audyssey room correction technology which is an essential tool to calibrate your Klipsch R-51M to work seamlessly with the rest of the speakers and solving room-acoustic problems. Definitely a worthy AVR for your beloved R-51M speakers.
More Details at Amazon – Denon AVR-X3700H 8K Ultra HD AV Receiver
Marantz also makes terrific AV receivers and if you love their house sound then you should really go for them. Marantz AVRs are also more musical sounding and their latest models are able to process 8K Ultra HD videos. If music is more critical then you might want to pair your Klipsch R-51M with them. We wouldn’t advise going with the HiFi separates route as most integrated amps or AV receivers are already powerful enough to drive them. It is also easier to find the right matching amps within the same price range as the Klipsch R-51M speakers. For similar brand subwoofers, you might want to take a look at Klipsch R-100SW. We will also recommend checking out SVS subwoofers, as their specialty is making high-performance active subs. The SVS PB-1000 will be an amazing entry-level powered subwoofer (300 Watts RMS).
More Information at Amazon – Klipsch R-100SW 10″ Subwoofer
More Information at Amazon – SVS PB-1000 Subwoofer 10-inch Driver
To Conclude
No doubt the Klipsch R-51M is one the most talented all-rounder speaker at this price range, by partnering them with the right amplifiers or AV receivers, you can either enjoy listening to them for music, movies, or both. The listed amplifiers and AV receivers are well worth your time to consider and the effort to audition them. Hear them out and see if you like the sound quality coming from the sound system through your Klipsch R-51M bookshelf speakers. If you like what you hear, just shortlist them and move on to hear more amps until you are really sure that’s the one.
