R-41PM Powered Speakers Review

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Quick Overview

Features
4.0
Quality
5.0
Price
5.0

Pros:

  • Wide soundscape
  • High-quality bass driver
  • Doesn’t require a receiver
  • Has a remote
  • Excellent connectivity for Bluetooth

Cons:

  • No automatic pairing for Bluetooth
  • Weak sub-bass level rumble
  • The volume knob is at the rear panel

If you are in the market for a new set of speakers, you may wonder what the best option for you is.

Buying a set of speakers usually requires time and effort to ensure that the product has both quality and performance.

A great set of speakers should live up to its name whether you want to use it for music, binge-watching, or gaming.

In this R-41PM Powered Speakers review, we will list everything you need to know before considering it your best pick.

R-41PM Powered Speakers Review

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The R-41PM is one of Klipsch’s two-channel active bookshelf speaker sets. Klipsch released it with the bigger R-51PM model in 2018. If you plan to save up a few bucks and some space, the R-41PM is the better option.

Klipsch designed this quality speaker model as an all-in-one plug-and-play solution for any customer. It doesn’t need additional equipment such as an amplifier for any user to enjoy audio from movies and music.

Who Is This Product For?

If you’re looking for high-quality and flexible speakers, then the Klipsch R-41PM speakers are the right fit. It has plenty of analog inputs that can connect to TVs, monitors, and other equipment. At the same time, it allows digital input via three options: a USB type-B connection, Bluetooth, and optical fiber.

Conveniently, almost anyone can use the powered speaker, as it both caters to those who want to use wired and digital connections. This design philosophy allows a variety of audiophiles to have an enjoyable experience with the speaker.

What’s Included?

Upon purchasing this speaker, you’ll receive a 70-watt subwoofer measuring 8.51 x 5.75 x 11.3 inches and weighing around 8.10 lbs.

It comes with a built-in phono amplifier which wouldn’t require you to purchase an additional receiver. Klipsch custom-tailored the amplifier to provide users with high crisp sound quality.

The speakers also feature Bluetooth wireless technology, analog RCA, optical, digital, and USB inputs that will make them work with almost any device.

The set includes a remote control with two AAA batteries, a 4M speaker wire, a power cord, and a USB type-A to B cable.

You’ll also find a set of rubber feet for the R-41PM speakers.

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Overview of the Features

The Klipsch R-41PM Powered Bookshelf Speaker boasts several features for its budget-friendly price. It’s light, compact, aesthetically pleasing, and convenient from the get-go.

Here’s a complete breakdown of what you’ll get with the R-41PM Powered Speakers:

  • Wood Grain Vinyl Design

From the design aspect, the speakers come in a simple black look.

It has a rectangular housing design with textured wood grain vinyl on the exterior that is also scratch resistant. Opening the speakers is very convenient with the magnetic grills and exposed fasteners.

You can use the rubber feet included in the box to minimize vibrations while the speaker is operating.

Overall, the sleek enclosure gives off a modern and polished appearance. 

  • Grills

The R-41PM Powered Speakers have magnetic grills. Typically, speakers have screwed-on grills that are difficult to remove.

Magnetic grills make the front covers easier to attach or detach while avoiding screws that reduce the aesthetics.

Whether you prefer to keep the grills on or off, both designs look nice and go along with most setups.

  • Drivers

Underneath the grills of the speaker, you’ll see a 1-inch gold-colored dome tweeter along with a black-colored 4-inch spun copper injection molded graphite (IMG) woofer.

The drivers complement each other by producing a pleasing audio output, while its sleek design adds another level to its look.

At the back of the R-41PM speakers are cardboard-like port tube extensions that differ from regular speakers’ solid plastic port tubes.

  • Customization

The rear panel of the right master speaker has a knob for adjusting the volume. Simultaneously, the knob acts as a source selector when pressed.

While you have to reach far back to adjust the volume knob, you can use the infrared remote included in the package.

  • Input

The American speaker manufacturer included several ports for various inputs and outputs.

The digital input section includes a USB type-B port and optical input. The analog input contains a line and phono switch, subwoofer output, analog RCA input, and an aux port.

These ports on the R-41PM speakers satisfy many users, as you can connect them to different hardware.

Selection of inputs might be a trouble for some. Fortunately, the speaker also boasts a cable-free Bluetooth option that can reach devices as far as 10 meters.

However, an annoying feature of connecting via Bluetooth is that the R-41PM speakers don’t have automatic pairing.

While Klipsch markets the set as desktop speakers, users can elevate it for various equipment, depending on usage. You can set them atop pedestals or bookshelves.

The other ports are for the AC input, micro USB service input, and ports for the speaker cable that will connect to the left passive speaker.

  • Grounding Protection

Sometimes, voltage fluctuations can be a problem for electronic appliances, and we cannot exempt speakers from this possibility.

Unlike other speakers, the R-41PM has a ground port for added safety while music is playing from the speakers. All you need to do is connect a grounding cable to any grounded object.

Doing so ensures that any spikes in voltage and current do not damage the speakers.

  • Audio Performance

Performance-wise, the small speakers can provide powerful sounds while covering a sizeable field of around 2 meters.

The 90 x 90-degree Tractrix Horn Technology helps aim the high-frequency sound to the listener while reducing reverb from the sound bouncing off the walls.

On the other hand, the IMG woofers allow for a low-frequency response that minimizes distortion and cone breakup of the sound.

Klipsch incorporated a dynamic bass extension of 66Hz at 35 percent of the volume, and it can reach 105.5 decibels of maximum output.

While the frequency driver technology can reach ranges from 76Hz-21kHz, there is a noticeable difference when listening to sub-bass rumble. Such sounds are unable to reach deep lows.

How to Install

Right out of the box, you’ll receive the two speakers, a power cable, remote, rubber feet, wire inputs, and an instruction manual.

While the manual offers easy-to-follow instructions, you might want to get a headstart before making the purchase. When you get the R-41PM Powered Speakers, here’s what you’ll have to do:

Step 1: Connect both speakers.

The first thing that you have to do is to connect the two speakers using the speaker wires. The tips are already pre-soldered, so you don’t have to worry about the wire fibers.

Step 2: Power up.

The next step is to plug the power cable into the main speaker and its opposite end into a convenience receptacle.

Finally, place the included AAA batteries in the remote.

Step 3: Connect a source.

You can now connect your devices via Bluetooth. This option is the simplest way to install this desktop music speaker.

On the other hand, suppose you want to connect the speakers to another device using a wired connection. Take advantage of its selection of inputs and ports.

Step 4: Consider optional setup.

You can also increase the sound quality by installing an external subwoofer. Nevertheless, you can expect these speakers to deliver exceptional sound on their own. Regardless of your setup, you’ll surely spend a lot of time listening to sounds from this powerful device.

Other optional arrangements include the detachable front covers and dampening rubber feet.

Depending on your preference, you can choose whether to detach the magnetic grills or keep them attached.

If you are experiencing vibrations while using your speakers, you can simply install the rubber feet at the bottom of the speakers.

As an added safety factor, you can use a wire between the ground port and a grounded object such as a table leg.

Alternatives

If you are still looking for better options, here are some alternatives that you can explore:

1. Klipsch R-15PM

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The R-15PM is cheaper if you want to save some cash.

Compared to the R-41PM, a subwoofer, Klipsch only designed this alternative as a woofer. It means that it doesn’t cover a narrower range in low frequency.

Although it is slightly bigger and heavier than the R-41PM, you won’t notice the subtle difference between the two unless you are an audiophile.

This powered speaker has the same design philosophy as the R-41PM, with the two frequency drivers at the front magnetic grills.

The R-15PM also has a variety of switches, knobs, and inputs at the rear panel and an infrared remote control for convenience.

Likewise, both speakers can use an external subwoofer to improve the low sound frequency further.

2. Q Acoustics 3020i

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The Q Acoustics 3020i has four designs that suit almost any listening room.

These speakers are available in Graphite Gray, English Walnut, Carbon Black, and Arctic White.

It has a broader frequency reach than the R-41PM, with a 64Hz-30KHz range. You can hear clearer highs and lows with this powered speaker.

The Q Acoustics 3020i can be elevated with a floor stand or attached to a wall using the screw mountings found at the bottom.

It also has pre-installed rubber feet if you’ll consider using it as a set of bookshelf speakers.

These speakers have low-profile binding posts that enable closer attachments to the wall. These binding posts are also deep enough for use with banana plugs.

You can customize the speaker with the included foam bungs by inserting them at the backport.

Well, with all of these better features, the Q Acoustics 3020i is more expensive than the R-41PM.

3. Edifier R1700BT

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The Edifier R1700BT is another cheaper alternative to the R-41PM Powered Speakers.

From a design aspect, the Edifier bookshelf speakers sport a more aesthetic and expensive look from its classic wood finish.

It is slightly ahead of the R-41PM in reaching low frequencies, as it has a range of 60Hz-20kHz.

The main speaker has three knobs on the side that you can use to adjust the treble, bass (-6dB to +6dB), and volume.

Compared to the R-41PM, which has one knob at the rear, the knobs on the Edifier are more accessible and, therefore, easily configurable. It also has a remote control to adjust the input source and volume across the room.

On the other hand, it lacks some of the R-41PM’s input options.

Should You Buy R-41PM Powered Speakers?

In summing up this R-41PM Powered Speakers review, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth in this package.

Even with a small size, it surprisingly packs a punch when it comes to its loudness and sound quality.

Setting it up is quick and easy, offering convenience and flexibility depending on its use.

While the volume knob is located at the back and is annoying to adjust, the included remote makes up for it.

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