Need a pair of value for money powered speakers? Paul Rigby reviews the R-41PM speakers from Klipsch
At the moment, the hi-fi industry is in an all-in-one everything frenzy. If there’s a chance to combine two or more products in a single chassis, then manufacturers are doing it. The industry believes that value sells and that people are also concerned with minimising footprint.
There’s the convenience issue too, of course. There’s fewer boxes to mess around with, less set-up issues and cable numbers are reduced along with the attendant clutter. Budget is another factor. You can lower the price when you bundle items together.
It’s arguable that, for all of the bundling going on in the market, the powered speaker design is the most popular. They’re a big favourite with second systems, budget vinyl systems, student hi-fi users and more.
This relatively low cost powered option from Klipsch features a built-in amplifier and featured Bluetooth, so wireless connections with phones and tablets are possible. There’s also optical, aux, analogue RCA and USB inputs to offer further connectivity options. Vinyl fans will be happy to know that the speakers also include a built-in phono amplifier for MM cartridges.
The R-41PMs also, “…dynamically match the ear’s ability to hear lower frequencies. Typically, only available with audio/video receivers, dynamic volume is a first for Klipsch powered monitors,” said the company. What you effectively get is enhanced bass when the listening volume is low. A remote is also part of the package.
A figure-of-eight-terminated power cable brings the whole thing to life. Spanning 24.8 x 14.9 x 19.1cm, the speakers weigh in at 8.5kg.
SOUND QUALITY
I started by plugging my Red Wine-modded Astell&Kern AK120 into the rear of the speakers, via the optical port and listened to the 24bit/88kHz version of Dire Straits’ Money for Nothing.
Glancing at the price tag, I was prepared for fairly serious compromises. After all, the price is not just for the speakers but all of the other gear inside too. Hence the speakers themselves, if you think about the project budget as a whole, are actually only a part of the overall price.
What I heard though was surprisingly balanced. In fact, I was very surprised at just how evenly, in relative terms, the sound was delivered. I have heard powered speakers at twice the price produce a coloured sound in comparison. Although the R-41PM speakers could verge on the strident at high volumes, in general terms they produced an open and airy midrange which allowed the lead vocal the freedom to roam around the stereo image, giving it a grand and significant presence. It also helped the backing vocal from Sting, giving the lead and backing voices a distance and a sense of the 3D.
The open nature of the mids also aided the keyboards, adding to their grandeur and giving them an important part to play in the mix.
Bass was satisfyingly tight, the small mid-bass units offering a welcome wallop for their size while the attack from the percussion was not as plastic as I thought it might be. The admirably neutral aspect of the drums softened and helped the lower end to infuse a touch of naturalism into the bass.
This particular rendition is a little strident in the mastering and the R-41PM speakers didn’t veil that part of the delivery. The treble was a touch pinched and the upper mids a little edgy but I wanted to the truth from this track and that’s what I was given.
I then swopped the AK120 and the optical cable it was attached to, moving it to the phono connections and upgrading the cable to a high quality example form Chord. Playing the same song, I was very happy to hear that the speakers could translate the sounds from the better cable. That is, the cable’s superiority was fully represented in the sonic output.
Via the phono sockets, the music was mature, rounded and better structured. Drums had a more organic output, the midrange produced a less pronounced edge during crescendos while the treble was bearable, this time around.
Turning to a slice of low key piano from Erik Satie and Gymnopedie (16bit/44.1kHz), the relatively neutral stance of the speakers – except for some slight tightening in the upper mids during high volume sequences – allowed the piano’s detail to be satisfyingly conveyed. Of course, the resolution of the file and the quality of the speakers themselves will only allow the fine quality of this performance to be taken so far but, putting those factors into consideration, the R-41PM speakers did remarkably well. The piano is arguably the most difficult of all instruments to track properly by any hi-fi component, it is a chaotic production of conflicting tones and resonances. The Klipsch, although struggling a touch as any hi-fi in this price bracket will, offered an admirable translation.
I ended with my MacBook as a USB source, playing through Audirvana Plus, and Sonny Rollins’ Jazz track, St. Thomas at 24bit/96kHz.
The R-41PM speakers performed well here taking note, not just of the fine music output, but also the silences that were as much of a part of the track. Yes, the piano was slightly rolled off but, on the whole, the midrange was splendidly insightful bestowing a naturalistic tone on the Rollins sax while tracking the delicate cymbal work with ease. Bass also performed well, proving to be a sure foundation for the entire track.
CONCLUSION
Throughout the test I never felt short changed by the Klipsch R-41PM speakers. You have to keep in mind how much you’re asking these speakers to do for the money and, as such, they offer a lot for the price. Coupled with the wide array of connectivity options (more than some expensive models I could mention), the comparatively neutral sound output and the admirable clarity over the entire soundstage, the R-41PM speakers offer tremendous value for money. If you’re looking for a pair of powered speakers, keep the Klipsch R-41PMs at the top of your demo list.
KLIPSCH R-41PM ACTIVE SPEAKERS
Price: £400
Tel: 01235 511166
Website: www.henleyaudio.co.uk
TO BUY CLICK BELOW:
EUROPE – https://amzn.to/3286VhD
GOOD: connectivity, open midrange, punchy bass, clarity
BAD: slight stridency at high volumes
RATING: 8
[Don’t forget to check out my Facebook Group, The Audiophile Man: Hi-Fi & Music here: www.facebook.com/groups/theaudiophileman for exclusive postings, exclusive editorial and more!]
REFERENCE
Rega RP1 Turntable
Pro-Ject RPM3 Turntable
Rega Brio-R amplifier
Tellurium Q cabling
Blue Horizon Professional Rack System
Harmonic Resolution Systems Noise Reduction Components
All vinyl was cleaned using an Audio Desk’s Ultrasonic Pro Vinyl Cleaner
64 Comments
Jon
23rd December 2018 at 9:18 pmYou don’t mention the performance of the phono stage. I think many people looking to buy this speaker will be using it to plug a turnatble into and so I cannot see why you have not covered it. I know most built-in phono-stages at this price are probably inferior in performance to a stand-alone unit, even a cheap one, but I really think this will be a key issue for people at this price point.
Paul Rigby
28th December 2018 at 2:49 pmI was initially puzzled by this because I thought I’d covered this area, Jon. I see from my notes that I did but I never transcribed the comments into the review! Sorry. Bottom line? Good, not great. Passable but not preferable to an external model. The issue is the noise from the speaker vibrations that veils the mids a tad. If you’ve no other choices, use it but I’d look to upgrade to an external model ASAP.
Bill
5th October 2020 at 8:37 pmHi Paul!
I have everything hooked up correctly using the optical ports to my TV but the remote doesn’t seem to work. At the store they worked through Blu Tooth. Hoping you can give me an answer that will remedy this. Thank you!
Paul Rigby
6th October 2020 at 11:09 amHi Bill – you mean the speaker remote and not the TV remote, yes? Has the remote ever worked? At all? Try the simple stuff first. Remind me – what batteries are in there? Been a while, y’see. Check the batteries and the orientation of the same. Can you swop the battery/batteries for a new one? Clean the sensing unit in the remote and the same on the speakers. Try the remote close up to the speaker to see if there’s any response to possibly indicate a sensing fault. Is the speaker power actually on? Unplug the cables and re-attach. Then let me know how you get on.
NED
31st December 2018 at 12:45 amWhich DAC is used? Does it supports hi-res audio? Can’t find any info on Klipsch website.
Paul Rigby
31st December 2018 at 5:08 pmGood question, NED – let me ask. I’ll get back to you ASAP.
Paul Rigby
2nd January 2019 at 11:05 amHi NED, this direct from Klipsch, “The DAC inside is a Cirrus Logic CS8416-CZZ. It’s capable of 192kHz sample rates.”
Asrahal
13th July 2019 at 7:40 pmHuge thanks for this review and, particularly, the DAC model!
I will soon move to an appartement and want to buy the R-51PM as a first hi-fi system 🙂
Paul Rigby
14th July 2019 at 10:56 amGlad I could be of help, Asrahal.
Jordan Ramsay
17th February 2019 at 11:30 amHi Paul,
Would you recommend the R 41 or 51 for bedroom DJ use? Do they have enough punch in the bass for electronic music?
Paul Rigby
17th February 2019 at 11:51 amIf you’re budget can take it, Jordan, I’d lean towards the 51s for your use.
Claudiu
15th March 2019 at 4:38 pmHey Paul,
I was wondering if you heard any type of hiss/hum from these? (like from 1m away, even when not connected to any inputs)?
Basically just in stand by.
Paul Rigby
15th March 2019 at 4:57 pmI wish I had them here (they’ve been returned) so that I could double check and listen out specifically but I can’t I’m afraid Claudiu. During the review, that effect never sprang out at me, I must say. It is possible that some outside interference was causing it or the volume was up high, of course, or even that there might have been an issue with the speakers themselves. As I say, though, I didn’t ave any cause for concern. Sorry I can’t be of help on that score. Why do you ask?
Vince Lawrence
10th April 2019 at 2:33 pmHello Paul:
Found your website while researching these particular speakers. Somewhat of an audiophile and musician I listen to almost every genre except (modern commercial) C&W. Lots of jazz old and new and a heavy does of symphonic. I have been digitally recording from vinyl to digital for many years using Diamond Cut DC-ART via a quality turntable and cartridge/needle and old but still clean Yamaha CR-600 (pre-amp portion,) at a normal sampling rate (24kHz?) as WAV files. Have had the setup to try sampling at 48kHz but confess I never could hear the difference and digital storage space restrictions never justified the higher rate.
Everything I’ve read about these speakers has been positive, and I was intrigued by the digital input ability via USB and the DAC at the speaker/amplifier. Someone else’s review (can’t find it again) stated that the supplied DAC (from your earlier reply, the Cirrus Logic CS8416-CZZ) may be superior to the motherboarded DAC of my computer (an upper-end Dell of about 5yrs age.) Thanks for reviewing this feature’s performance.
Also of interest is the option to directly connect a turntable. I am (or was) conversant with the distinction between moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, but refresh my memory please: moving coil has lower signal output than MM, and MM stylus/cartridge setups are the typical, standard devices? When I bought several stylus/cartridge packages about 10yrs ago the prices were about $125 and $250 each, and I believe they are MM. Just want to verify that my equipment will be compatible.
I’m currently completing a connecting addition to my home; a fairly small and odd-shaped room, but it opens to all other parts of the house, and will be moving my computer (and these speakers) there. Of course I have a classic audiophile stand alone system (old but clean Yamaha CR-800, Pioneer DD turntable, Onkyo CD player) but will be moving that to a remote entertainment room. I’m hoping that these speakers (with the eventual addition of a sub-woofer) will provide sounds for the majority of the house, with source files supplied from my computer. I occasionally crank up the jams, but most duty will be just to supply quality, true sound for everyday enjoyment.
Good site and great review. Thanks.
Paul Rigby
11th April 2019 at 9:22 amHi Vince – thanks for your post and questions. I can refer you to a post on the Audio Technica site which sets out the differences between Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) in techie terms, with illustrations.
https://blog.audio-technica.com/audio-solutions-question-week-differences-moving-magnet-moving-coil-phono-cartridges/
In practical and very broad terms, you’ll find that MM provides excellent sound quality and relatively lower prices for budget and super budget components while MC cartridges tend to offer the potential for finer and more impressive sound quality as you rise up the price point. MC cartridges become more expensive very quickly indeed.
These speakers will handle MM cartridges only via the internally fitted phono amplifier. You’ll need an external model if you ever want to utilise MC cartridges.
Powered speakers are ideal for those with not too much space to spare because they bundle the speakers and amplifiers together, as in this case via Klipsch.
I would think carefully about adding a sub and would recommend a demo to make sure you’re happy with the overall sound, just to make sure that the Klipsch and the sub work well together. It is possible that the two can sound disconnected, where the sub can ‘drag’ its bass after the nippy Klipsch has finished a section of music, leaving the Klipsch tapping its foot, waiting for the sub to catch up. What I normally recommend in such circumstances, is to look at floor standing speakers instead. A design that increases bass response but with an integrated approach that works well as a unit. This is just a gentle caution, though, and a recommendation that you demo a possible future pairing.
If you need any more help or if I missed something from your post, please shout.
Vince Lawrence
11th April 2019 at 2:05 pmPaul:
No you didn’t miss anything, and after posting my questions I did wonder if I should go in another direction. I stated I am an audiophile; when I visit sites like yours and see a lot of gear that I have no idea how it fits into listening to music, I know I’m just a piker. My brother uses a moving coil stylus/cartridge on his system (similar in age to mine – circa 70’s & 80’s, and his tt is a Technics 1200 series) and the reproduction is noticeably better. I did however buy MM stylus/cartridge units that strained my budget, but were well worth it. I clean my vinyl prior to use (a real wet bath cleaning using a safe, thoroughly researched recipe) and am sure my pickups will last quite some time.
I’m sure I’d be perfectly satisfied using the (converted) line output from my computer fed into my old CR-600 and played through (good quality) floor model speakers. I’ve always been dubious about expecting the kind of sound from a bookshelf-sized speaker system that would compare to some of the conventional floor speakers I’ve had over the years. The physics of size and moving waves and all. It shouldn’t be too hard to identify which DAC my computer uses and if I should consider upgrading to some sort of better plug-in sound card.
But my Yamaha CR-600 is very long in the tooth (bought it in ’74) and I would like to have it tested, cleaned, and repaired if necessary. It was that series of Yamaha that ushered in a wave of high end reproduction for people of modest means like myself. Is it even possible (or economically justifiable) to “refurbish” that generation of audio technology? My amp continues to perform well most of the time, but there are intermittent problems I can’t identify. If the answer is a matter of varying opinion, I’d still appreciate hearing yours. My ears are what I’m trying to satisfy, not my vanity.
Thanks for your reply.
Paul Rigby
11th April 2019 at 3:29 pmYou could find a local engineer who could service the Yamaha – maybe a local dealer might point you in the direction of a talented chap, if you don’t know one.
If you enjoy the Yamaha’s sound then why fix something that’s not broken? I use Quad speakers built in 1957! 🙂
I can offer you buyer’s advice for new or replacement parts but I’d need a target and a reason – a component that you feel is weak and needs changing or one that specifically needs adding to the system, for example. Plus a budget figure. I wouldn’t change for the sake of it Vince.
At the moment, you sound a little unsure but mostly that you like and enjoy your current system but you’d just like it to be freshened up a tad. Is that right? Or have I got that wrong? If so, I’d chat with that dealer or approach an engineer friend.
Vince Lawrence
11th April 2019 at 5:45 pmI surely would like to keep my Yamaha in operation; currently I use the pre-amp from that between my turntable and computer. Currently for output I have an old cheap pair of powered bookshelf speakers that came with an old computer. I would like to play the WAV files from my computer through a sound system that is similar in quality to my traditional stand-alone system, once my homebuilding is complete. If my old Yamaha is till serviceable, of course I’d prefer using that.
Since my original post I’ve learned that there are external DAC’s that connect via USB which automatically bypass the computer’s onboard hardware/software, and which output analog via standard RCA connections and I expect they would connect to the amp’s aux input jacks. I guess it was this piece of info that I was missing, and if my amp is still serviceable, then an external DAC and a decent pair of speakers chosen for my amp is all I really need to get where I want to go.
Again, thanks for your help and advice. Nearest metropolitan area is Pittsburgh, Pa., if you have any knowledge of reliable dealers/service in that area.
Paul Rigby
12th April 2019 at 10:58 amHi Vince – ahh, gotcha now. Budget is a big thing here. If budget is an issue, then the source or the component nearest to the source is the most important bit so I’d just grab a DAC for now and upgrade the other items later, if that’s possible. Of course, if cash is swimming around then that’s not a problem. If you need buying advice for the DAC (and/or speakers), give me a figure and I’ll offer a few suggestions 🙂
Anh Tran
21st September 2020 at 4:46 pmHello Paul. does Schiit Modi 3 improve sound quality of R-51PM? Thanks.
Paul Rigby
21st September 2020 at 5:16 pmThe DAC is a good performer and will help your hi-fi system in terms of sound quality. It depends on the rest of your hi-fi, of course and how that’s set up but the Schiit product is recommended.
Anh Tran
21st September 2020 at 10:31 pmThanks!
Ronny Sips
22nd June 2019 at 6:08 pmHi Paul
Do you know which type of class-D amp is used inside these speakers?
Thanks in advance
Rgds
Ronny
Paul Rigby
23rd June 2019 at 10:17 amI’ll see if I can find more details for you Ronny – may be a little while so please be patient for an answer.
Paul Rigby
18th July 2019 at 2:44 pmHi Ronny sorry for the delay, this is all I could get. The company didn’t want to go too much into detail I’m afraid: “The R-41PM uses a full-fledged DSP in conjunction with passive crossover network to deliver peak performance out of the powered bookshelf. The DSP also acts as the DAC for USB and Optical input sources.”
gerdez
10th September 2019 at 10:12 pmTotal newbie here. I just got an AT-LP3 and an R-41PM today. It’s not much, but it’s a start for me within waste budget. My question is, should I use the turntable phono or the speaker’s? What’s the usual people do? For the moment, I am using the phono of the speakers, because for me it seems a little crispier. Another question is, does it worth buying an external phono for this setup? (I am planing a cartridge upgrade in the future).
Paul Rigby
11th September 2019 at 12:02 pmHi gerdez – that’s a very nice set-up, nothing to be ashamed of there at all. Thanks for your questions, the first of which you’ve already answered. I was going to say…have a listen. Trust your ears on this one and choose the best one. As you say, the speaker phono amp sounds the best. Possibly because the phono amp in the speakers features higher quality components. That would be my guess (and it is only a guess). Onto your other point, yes, an external phono amplifier would sound better. Isolating the phono amp reduces masking electrical noise damaging sound quality.
Gretchen
15th October 2019 at 4:49 amHello Paul, thanks for the thoughtful review! I love my old Pioneer PL-510A turntable and finally have my own space again where I can set it up and start spinning some of my vinyl. I am, however, fed up with my persnickety old Harmon-Kardon 230-A receiver and bookshelf speaker setup. I started looking into the powered speaker market thinking this might be a way to ditch the receiver altogether (the turntable is the only thing I run through it – I don’t even listen to the radio). I’ve been reading a lot of favorable reviews of the Klipsch r-41 pm speakers and was wondering if they would work with my old trusty turntable? I’m not much on the technical side of things – I just want to kick back to some music without all the fuss of components and speaker cables and finding a stereo cabinet that fits it all. Of course, I want the sound to be good, but my room (a converted garage) isn’t large, and neither is my budget – these speakers would be about the limit I could do budget-wise. Before I drop the cash, I’d like to know, would they work with my vintage turntable? Without having to buy any other box of amp or something to bring it up to line level?
Paul Rigby
15th October 2019 at 3:08 pmThat should be fine Gretchen.
Later on, if you would like to upgrade the system a bit and enhance the sound quality you might want to consider…
…an external phono amp (I’ve linked one below for £65 – it’s only small) and cables to run from that to your speakers (£22). Good news is that an external phono amp sounds way better than an internally fitted phono amp. These cables will help sonics too.
Pro-Ject phono amp: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pro-Ject-Phono-Box-MM-Amplifier-Black/dp/B000YEK1AQ
These QED cables will sort you out: https://www.amazon.co.uk/QED-Performance-Graphite-Audio-Cable/dp/B00KXZR3D4/ref=pd_bxgy_23_img_2/258-4866525-8853729?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00KXZR3D4&pd_rd_r=39e92341-2112-4d33-a23f-4cef56fd764d&pd_rd_w=f3OWT&pd_rd_wg=EHT8S&pf_rd_p=31fcc995-2418-43ae-a37c-f1ef453a46b3&pf_rd_r=XQ6Q21Y7W6HDXDMNV9VB&psc=1&refRID=XQ6Q21Y7W6HDXDMNV9VB
gerdez
28th November 2019 at 6:49 pmHi Paul, I followed your advice on upgrading the AT-LP3 with cartridge and external phono amp. All I can say is thank you man! I got the AT-VM95E and the amp you recommended above from Pro-Ject and wow, I begin to wonder, if this rig sounds this good, what’s further down the rabbit hole 😜. But for now I am very happy with what I have, LP3+R41+VM95E+PhonoMM. Thank you again for the reviews and the recommendations.
Paul Rigby
29th November 2019 at 1:57 pmNot a problem, and thanks for the update, gerdez. I’m happy that you’re happy 🙂
joebiden
4th December 2019 at 9:28 amDo you know which Blutooth Version they have and do they have aptX?
Paul Rigby
4th December 2019 at 11:52 amI’ll check for you, Joe – be back ASAP.
Nick
12th June 2020 at 6:26 pmHi, Paul! Sorry to be bringing up an old article but I just purchased a set of Klipsch R-51PM’s and hooked them up to my Audio Tehnicha LP60 turntable. They sound great, but the volume with the turntable does not get nearly as loud as I can go if I bluetooth my phone to the speakers. The max volume with the turntable is pleasant in my small room, but there are times it would be nice to have it just a tad louder. Do you think the Pro-Ject phono amp would solve this?
I’m also not sure I have them set up right? The turntable has a built in phone amp like the speakers and I’ve tried setting both to line and both to phono with the same results. Switching one of them to line and one to phone didn’t work either, one resulting in just loud feedback and the other resulting in barely any volume at all.
Would love some help on this if possible. Thanks for the great wehsite!
Paul Rigby
14th June 2020 at 12:35 pmNot at all – all reviews, news, features, etc on here are fully supported, no matter how old they are.
Try connecting the 60’s RCA plugs to the Klipsch’s RCA sockets, flick the 60’s phono switch to Phono and the Klipsch also to Phono. How does that sound? Don’t forget to turn the Klipsch to On via the Remote and alter the Volume, make sure Mute is Off and the Source is Phono.
A Pro-Ject phono amp may help in volume terms but it definitely will improve sound quality, so it’s worth it for the latter alone.
Mick
31st January 2023 at 7:34 amHi Paul, brilliant review and comments in the thread very helpful. Have just set up the R-41PMs and will take your advice on the external phono amp. My question is the same as Nick’s in that the volume via the turntable is adequate (albeit short of what I would like) in terms of max volume but when connected via Bluetooth the max volume is substantially higher. Have tried setting both the turntable and R-41PMs to phono but max volume issue remains. Any help would be welcome. Cheers.
Paul Rigby
1st February 2023 at 9:50 amHi Mick – so you have a turntable with a built-in phono amp? What’s the turntable, by the way? If so, are you sure that your phono amplifier is connected and switched correctly? The phono amplifier is switch to ‘use the turntable’s phono amp’ and not ‘use an external amp’?
Mick
2nd February 2023 at 1:27 amHi Paul, appreciate the quick reply. Turntable is Sony PS-LX310BT. I have set turntable output to ‘Phono’ and I have set the speakers to ‘Phono’ also. Don’t get me wrong, this delivers decent max volume but nowhere near the max volume compared to music played from phone via Bluetooth. I’ve also tried setting turntable to ‘Line’ and speakers to ‘Line’ and seem to get the same result (albeit with possibly a little less quality). I don’t have much experience with this stuff but just a bit puzzled as to why I can’t get the same level of volume when playing vinyl compared to when my phone is hooked up via Bluetooth? Is this to be expected? Thanks again.
Paul Rigby
2nd February 2023 at 1:57 pmHi Mick,
Before you do the following, turn the volume down to minimum and *then* slowly increase the volume after you’ve flicked your switches. Don’t do this test with the volume high in case you blow your speakers with a rogue signal pop. After each successful connection, increase the volume on the rear of the speakers.
OK, have you tried setting the turntable to Line and the speakers to Phono (which uses the speakers phono amp). Then setting the turntable to Phono and the speakers to Line? (which uses the turntable’s phono amp). To see if there are volume differences?
Unusually, the Sony arrives with a ‘gain’ switch. Try changing that to see if you find the volume you’re after. Again, lower the speaker volume *first* before you change this gain switch and slowly increase the volume knob afterwards.
Mick
2nd February 2023 at 10:21 pmHi again Paul,
I tried ‘turntable to Line & speakers to Phono’ and just got nasty crackling distortion even at minimal volume. I then tried ‘turntable to Phono & speakers to Line’ and got output but volume was very very low. I tried lifting the ‘Gain’ switch from ‘Mid’ to ‘High’ on various settings and the only time this made a difference was when the settings were Turntable = Line & Speakers = Line’ (lifted the volume a bit but in the process delivered distortion at higher volume so no progress).
Paul I think you’ve exhausted all possible avenues so I really appreciate your help walking me through it. Seems it may simply be a limitation with the turntable? Maybe something for me to consider an upgrade in the future (any recommendations on some decent mid range models?) Thanks again.
Paul Rigby
3rd February 2023 at 10:52 amI refuse to be defeated on this! 🙂 (It’s my stubborn streak) Let me talk to Klipsch first before we give up.
Paul Rigby
3rd February 2023 at 12:16 pmWell, they were prompt! 🙂 From Klipsch,
“At face value this seems like the usual question of output at point of signal generation. Turntables are “always” quieter as even with an adjustable phono stage the signal strength produced from a turntable is typically lower than a digital source. The exact calculations are dependent on the cartridge/phono stage combination, which is difficult for me based on the Sony’s available information. But the Sony does seem to have an adjustable gain – so I would suggest he tries setting this to “High” (+6dB). That might make the difference he wants.
Similarly, it’s not clear if he’s tried the Bluetooth output from the turntable to the Bluetooth input on the R-41PM. Is it still quieter this way? Again, I don’t know the Sony in enough detail but I suspect this would also be a bit quieter compared to Bluetooth playback from his phone.
At it’s core, this is almost certainly nothing to do with the R-41PM and also it’s likely there is nothing wrong with the turntable. It is instead about the relative signal strength being received by the amplifier from each of the source devices.
Hope that helps.”
Nick
3rd February 2023 at 5:33 pmMick, This sounds like the exact problem I was having with my Audio Technica LP60 and the R-51’s. Adding the Pro-Ject phono amp Paul recommended solved my problem immediately.!1000% better!! I’ve since upgraded my turntable to one without a built-in phono amp and the ProJect is still very satisfying to my ears.
gerdez
14th June 2020 at 12:48 pmProJect Phono amp will improve sound quality a lot, but not the volume. At least this is my experience. I have AT-LP3 via ProJect Phono to Klipsch R-41PM. Bluetooth from phone is louder.
Nick
15th June 2020 at 2:37 amThanks for the help. You were right in that it only helped a bit with the volume, but made a huge difference in the quality. Thanks for bringing the topic up originally. Your post really pushed me to go ahead and give the Pro-Ject phono amp. Thanks for that!
Paul Rigby
15th June 2020 at 10:40 amNot a problem Nick! Are you still having volume issues then?
Nick
15th June 2020 at 4:03 pmNo, not at all. It wasn’t that I wasn’t getting any volume like you would get if you didn’t have the speakers powered on. The volume just wasn’t very overpowering even at full volume . With the Pro-Ject that’s all fixed. Excellent solution! Thanks for the help!
Paul Rigby
16th June 2020 at 8:59 amAhh, ok – glad you’re enjoying your music now Nick.
Nick
14th November 2020 at 11:04 pmHi Paul, thanks for the great review. I’ve just purchased the Rega Planar 1 Turntable and was looking at buying speakers with a phono preamp to use with it as I’m on a budget and have limited space. I keep changing my mind between the Klipsch R-51PM’s and Kanto YU6’s and was hoping you’d be able to offer me some advice on deciding which ones to buy. Thanks a lot.
Paul Rigby
16th November 2020 at 10:54 amYou may want to also look at the KEF Egg and Ruark powered speakers too. The Klipsch is a very nice speaker indeed. A bit bright at high volumes during crescendos perhaps. The Kantos are good all rounders but the KEFs may beat them for sound.
Nick
19th November 2020 at 9:39 amHi Paul, thanks for the response. I’ve been looking into your great recommendations but seem to be leaning towards the Klipsch R-51PM. Sorry to hassle you with another question, but I intend to use the phono preamp built in to the speakers when connecting them to my Rega Planar 1 turntable. However, I watched your video review of the Kanto YU4’s and noticed you mentioned the sound wasn’t great when connecting them to your turntable due to the vibrations etc. Not sure if you’ve been able to test the phono preamp in the Klipsch R-51PM, but do you think I’d have the same issue with the sound when using those with my turntable? Thanks.
Paul Rigby
20th November 2020 at 10:05 amAn external phono amplifier is much preferred, Nick. A low-cost Pro-Ject MM phono amp would be an upgrade.
Katie
26th November 2020 at 1:40 pmThank you for this really helpful review. I’m trying to decide between the R41 and the Ruark MR1 Mk2 to set up with an entry level turntable (either the Sony PSLX310 or the Project Primary E). Interesting about the external preamp making such a difference. I’m still undecided which to go for – do you think that the Klipsch will sound noticeably better on a bookshelf setup?
Katie
26th November 2020 at 4:34 pmSince I posted this, I’ve decided to add the Rega Planar 1 into the mix, in case that changes anything 🙂
Ted
29th November 2020 at 2:20 pmI’m actually looking to buy the exactly the same setup. Would love to hear more about this pairing; especially at this price point and size.
Gav
15th December 2020 at 4:14 pmSame here, I am also in the market for a rega planar 1 and very undecided on which way to go for a speaker set up. I would be very interested to hear the recommendations betweeen a Ruark MR1 Mk2 vs Klipsch R-41PM vs something else in a similar price bracket?
Chris
12th December 2020 at 6:09 pmI think I made a huge mistake. I needed bookshelf speakers and on a whim while at Best Buy bought the R41-PM. I didn’t read about or research these speakers. Once getting them home, uh oh! I just wanted bookshelf speakers that I connect to my amp. The amp is in my basement and speaker wires run up through the ceiling/floor to my study. (My main listening is in the basement and the living room is just for dinner music) Anyway, these speakers won’t run this way?? I’m not an audiophile. Please be gentle with me. Thanks.
Paul Rigby
14th December 2020 at 10:49 amWhat would be your budget for a new pair of speakers, Chris?
Paul
22nd January 2021 at 12:39 amHi Paul, Great site, am subscribed to your youtube channel. Just a quick query. I’d like to team these with an old Pioneer turntable. Do the Klipschs – or the Kantos you’ve reviewed – have any provision for headphones? Many thanks!
Paul Rigby
26th January 2021 at 12:04 pmThanks Paul and I’m afraid not – you would need to grab a separate headphone amplifier to run your ‘phones.
Nick
27th May 2021 at 4:57 amHi again, Paul! I have the Klipsch R-51PM’s hooked up to a Fluance turntable using the Pro-Ject phono amp you recommended and it works like a charm. But occasionally I’d like to be able to listen to the turntable with some cordless headphones. Is there a headphone amp out there you’d recommend, preferably with Bluetooth capabilities? And where does the headphone amp go in the hook up?
Thanks for the help!
Paul Rigby
31st May 2021 at 5:40 pmHi Nick – this is the benefit of a separate amplifier. You can plug more things in it 🙂 That said, you should, using a convertor, be able to plug in something like an AudioQuest Dragonfly into one of the digital inputs on the rear of the Klipsch. The speakers have a Type B socket but the Dragonfly uses a Type A plug so you need a convertor for that.
Ian
3rd July 2021 at 2:17 pmPaul have you listened to the Peachtree Audio M25s? I am concerned about how bright the Klipsch are, as I find that can be fatiguing. It looks like they do not have as good a DAC as the Klipsch. Just wondering about an overall perception.
Paul Rigby
5th July 2021 at 12:12 pmSorry Ian – been some time since I heard any Peachtree. From what I hear, they do wander around a warmer sound signature than the Klipsch but I can’t offer any firm opinions I’m afraid. Last Peachtree product I reviewed was an amplifier, a combo valve/solid state thing that I liked a lot. Assuming that the company has retained its sense of values and quality then I would have high hopes that these speakers would do a job for you.