Klipsch R-41PM Review

As one of the world’s oldest speaker factories, Klipsch’s innovation never stops. They have launched two two-channel active speakers. One is the larger R-51PM. But if you have a smaller space or want to put it on the table, Klipsch has a more suitable solution: R-41PM.

R-41PM is equipped with a 1-inch aluminum diaphragm driver, with a patented Tractrix horn with a 90°×90° opening structure. The high-frequency extension can reach up to 24kHz. The mid-bass unit uses a 4-inch driver unit, and the diaphragm uses Klipsch’s signature technology. The graphite-containing IMG diaphragm is very hard and can effectively reduce distortion.

As a famous horn speaker factory with more than 70 years, Klipsch still maintains the vitality of innovation. In other words, as long as you buy this pair of speakers,r41 pm, and connect to the sources you want to use, you can listen to music immediately, no need for additional budget and space for purchasing an amplifier, making it easier to enjoy the music.

The Design

The size of the Klipsch R-41PM powered loudspeaker system is 28.7×14.6×21.6cm (height x width x depth), which is relatively small in terms of bookshelf speakers, but not yet miniature. In addition to being placed in the living room as a general two-channel speaker, it is also very suitable for setting up on a desk as a desktop music system. It is not only flexible in use but also easy to set up. Just put the main speakers on the right channel and another passive speaker on the left channel. Connect the two with a speaker cable and connect the right channel to the power supply and it’s done, it’s easy enough!

R-41PM adopts two-way two channels and two single bass reflex port designs. It is equipped with a 1 LTS 1 inch aluminum diaphragm tweeter. The full name of LTS is Linear Travel Suspension. Klipsch emphasizes that this design is effective in reducing distortion and improving high-frequency details.

The surrounding of the tweeter is equipped with Klipsch’s proud 90°×90° patented Tractrix horn, and the high-frequency extension can reach up to 24kHz. The bronze-colored mid-bass driver is 4 inches. The diaphragm is also using Klipsch’s signature technology. The graphite-containing IMG (Injection Molded Graphite) diaphragm’s outstanding features are lightweight and high rigidity, which can reduce the effect of distortion.

The built-in amplifier module can provide 35 watts of output power, with a total power of 70 watts for the two-channel. The instantaneous peak output can climb to as much as 140 watts.

The Connections

It has a wealth of input options. In terms of digital input and Bluetooth wireless transmission, there is also a USB type B and an optical input, allowing you to connect digital streamers, computers, TVs, Xboxes, and other pieces of equipment.

Turn to the back of the Klipsch R-41PM Powered Monitor Speakers’ main speaker. You can see tons of input terminals. The digital input has two types: USB Type-B input and optical fiber input. You can connect directly to a computer through a USB cable or connect a digital streamer, computer, or TV through the optical fiber input.

There are 3.5mm analog input and RCA input. Note that there is a switch beside the RCA terminal for the Line/Phono input switching. In other words, this RCA input can be connected to an available analog source and a vinyl turntable.

If you think the wiring is still too much trouble, it doesn’t matter! Klipsch R-41PM also provides Bluetooth wireless transmission function, convenient for users to use mobile phones/tablets and other devices to play music wirelessly. For the Bluetooth pairing, press the Bluetooth button on the remote control for 3 seconds or the volume control knob for 3 seconds to enter the pairing mode. In the pairing mode, the blue light flashes quickly as an indication.

If you don’t know what the signal source is currently being used, it doesn’t matter. There is an indicator number on the front baffle of the right channel speaker. Blue represents the Bluetooth connection state, and purple represents the Phono input state, green represents AUX input, representing optical fiber input, and white representing USB input. The source can be selected through the remote control, or press the volume knob on the back panel to switch cyclically.

The cabinet of Klipsch R-41PM 2-Way Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers is exquisite and limited in volume. In addition to the small size of the driving unit, the low-frequency performance is naturally not sufficient. In order to meet the user’s desire for low frequency, the Klipsch has a set of subwoofer outputs on the back panel. You can decide whether to add a subwoofer according to actual needs to enhance the power of the bass.

Klipsch already has many active subwoofers to choose from, and you can easily set it up to a 2.1-channel system.

To make the operation and control more convenient and the control panel on the back of the right channel, Klipsch also comes with remote control, which can turn on/off, input switching, volume control, and independently adjust the volume of the subwoofer.

Sound Performance

As mentioned earlier, the setup of Klipsch R-41PM is very simple. From the beginning of unpacking, speaker connections, and speaker positioning to finally connecting to Bluetooth and starting to play music, it takes about 10 minutes to get it all done. If you want to use a computer to play music, pull another USB cable, connecting to the computer, and everything will be done.

I placed the R-41PM in a listening room, the size of a typical living room, about 2 meters away from the speaker. I used Bluetooth connections to play Ingrid Fliter’s <24 Preludes, Op.28: No.15 in. D flat Major’Raindrop’>. The first impression that Klipsch R-41PM gave me was that it has a good sound field. The shape of the piano played by Ingrid Filter is clear and cohesive. The sound of the piano is soft and warm. The treble contains a soft luster and is not irritating. The background of the music is spotless, highlighting the physical sense of the piano.

Listen to another song, “Almost Like Being in Love,” sung by Joe Stilgoe. The R-41PM presents a moderately open sound field. But it is not very heavy. If you want to get a fuller bass, remember to add a subwoofer. As the piano has a solid feeling, the overall sense of layering is perfect, and the tone is relatively soft.

Next, I moved the speaker to the desktop, changed it to the desktop listening mode, and then connected the MacBook Pro directly to the R-41P via USB, without any settings or driver installation. In the state of near-field listening, the details are richer and more vivid, and the sound field is opened, and the sense of positioning is more precise than before.

Although the strength is much better than long-distance listening, for those who love extra low-frequency, the sense of energy may still be a bit weak. But it doesn’t matter! The advantage of R-41P is that you can add a subwoofer freely.

Conclusion

The Klipsch R-41PM Powered Bookshelf Speaker has a small cabinet and a 4-inch small woofer, making it challenging to produce powerful and deep low frequencies. Klipsch has arranged a subwoofer option for it, which can be connected to an external subwoofer to make the frequency response more perfect. Klipsch has various subwoofers to choose from, which is convenient for users to match the set.

Generally, the most troublesome aspect of active speakers is that the control panel is located on the back, and it is not quite convenient to adjust the volume and switch the input. Klipsch has a remote control to R-41PM, which can switch the source and adjust the volume and has an independent bass adjustment function.

If you haven’t bought a subwoofer yet, you can enjoy more powerful sound effects using the built-in Bass EQ. With Klipsch R-41PM, you don’t need a surround amplifier to watch movies.

On the whole, Klipsch R-41PM has given me an enjoyable experience. Not only is it easy to install, but it is also easy to move around. It is not too big and looks beautiful, and it is also very suitable for placement on the desktop. In terms of sound performance, R-41PM’s high-frequency power is sufficient, soft, and non-stimulating. The mid-frequency vocals are slightly thicker, clear, condensed, and detailed. As for the low frequency is a bright and fast personality, with a sense of volume but not enough strength.

If You want the kind of low-frequency impact, don’t hesitate to buy a subwoofer and turn it into a 2.1-channel system. But if you are like me, you usually listen to music while working, only a pair of R-41PM can meet your needs, and there is no need for an external amplifier!

---

Klipsch R-41PM Specs

• SYSTEM DESCRIPTION: Powered Monitor (pair)
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 76Hz – 21kHz
• DYNAMIC BASS EXTENSION: 66Hz @ 35% Volume
• MAX OUTPUT: 105.5dB
• TOTAL SYSTEM POWER: 70W Total System Power (140W Peak) / 35W per channel cont. @ <%1 THD
• HIGH FREQUENCY DRIVER: 1” (2.5cm) Aluminum diaphragm compression driver mated to 90° x 90° square Tractrix horn
• LOW FREQUENCY DRIVER: 4” (10.2cm) copper spun magnetically shielded IMG woofer
• CROSSOVER FREQUENCY: 1730 Hz (Passive)
• ENCLOSURE MATERIAL: MDF
• ENCLOSURE TYPE: Bass-reflex via rear-firing port
• INPUTS: Bluetooth wireless technology; Phono/Line analog (with switch and ground screw terminal); 3.5mm analog mini jack; USB digital; Optical digital;
• OUTPUTS: Single RCA line level output for connection to subwoofer
• HEIGHT, WIDTH, DEPTH: 11.3” (28.7 cm), 5.75” (14.6 cm), 8.51” (21.6 cm)
• WEIGHT: 8.1 lbs (3.7 kg)
• FINISH: Black
• VOLTAGE: 100V-240V 50/60Hz internal power supply with region specific power cords
• INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: Remote control (with 2 x AAA batteries); 4M speaker wire with soldered tips; 2M power cord (region specific); 2M USB Type A to Type B cable; Rubber feet