Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf Speakers or Klipsch Reference Premiere Center Channel? Which Klipsch Model to Buy
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When comparing klipsch r 51m bookshelf speakers vs reference premiere center channel, you see two distinct roles for the same brand. Both use Tractrix horn technology and LTS tweeters for clear highs. The R-51M is a bookshelf pair with dual woofers and a rear port. The RP-500C II is a single center channel speaker with a larger horn and ceramic metallic woofers. You must choose based on where the speakers sit in your room and what audio channel they serve.
Key differences
| Aspect | Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf Speakers | Klipsch Reference Premiere Center Channel Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| Speaker Type | Bookshelf (Pair) | Center Channel (Single) |
| Woofer Size | Dual 5.25" spun-copper IMG | Ceramic Metallic (size not listed) |
| Tweeter Type | 1" Aluminum LTS | 1" Titanium LTS |
| Enclosure Type | Bass-reflex via rear-firing port | Tractrix ported |
| Dimensions | 13.3" H x 7" W x 8.5" D | 6.87" H x 19.3" W x 10.6" D |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf Speakers if
- You need a pair of speakers for stereo music or rear surround channels.
- You prefer a vertical footprint that fits on standard shelves or stands.
- You want dual 5.25-inch woofers for slightly more bass output per side.
Choose Klipsch Reference Premiere Center Channel Speaker if
- You need a dedicated speaker for movie dialogue and front center channels.
- You want a horizontal design that fits easily on an entertainment center.
- You prefer a titanium diaphragm tweeter for potentially crisper high-frequency detail.
Verdict: The R-51M bookshelf speakers are the practical choice for stereo setups or surround sound pairs due to their compact vertical size and dual woofers. The RP-500C II center channel is better suited for home theater front stages, offering a wider horizontal profile and a larger horn for dialogue clarity. Select the bookshelf pair if you need flexibility, or the center channel if you prioritize dedicated front audio performance.
Bookshelf Versus Center Channel Roles
speaker type
The Klipsch R-51M is a bookshelf speaker sold as a pair. This setup allows you to place speakers on stands or shelves for stereo imaging in a music or surround setup. The Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II is a dedicated center channel speaker. It is designed to sit below or above your television. This form factor focuses on anchoring dialogue and on-screen action. You choose the bookshelf pair for flexible placement or the center channel for precise front-center audio delivery.
woofer size
The R-51M features dual 5.25-inch spun-copper IMG woofers. Having two drivers in each cabinet helps move more air for bass response. The RP-500C II uses all-new Cerametallic woofers. The exact count and size are not listed in the provided specifications. The R-51M explicitly lists its dual configuration, which can provide a different bass texture compared to the single or dual setup of the center channel. Both aim for efficient sound reproduction.
tweeter type
Both speakers use 1-inch LTS tweeters for high-frequency clarity. The R-51M employs aluminum LTS tweeters. The RP-500C II uses a titanium diaphragm LTS tweeter. Titanium is often lighter and stiffer, which can reduce distortion at high volumes. The center channel also features a vented tweeter housing to enhance detail. The bookshelf speakers do not list this specific vented housing feature. This design choice in the center channel may offer slightly crisper dialogue reproduction.
size
The R-51M measures 15.3 inches in height, 7 inches in width, and 8.5 inches in length. It weighs 11 pounds per unit. The RP-500C II is wider at 19.3 inches but shorter at 6.87 inches in height. It weighs 18 pounds. The center channel is much wider to fit under most TVs. The bookshelf speakers are taller and narrower, making them easier to fit on standard shelves. You must check your furniture dimensions carefully for each option.
enclosure type
The R-51M uses a bass-reflex enclosure with a rear-firing port. This design helps extend low-frequency response but requires space behind the speaker. The RP-500C II uses Tractrix ports for efficient air transfer. The specific port location is not listed in the data, but Tractrix geometry is designed for faster, cleaner bass. The rear-firing port on the bookshelf speakers dictates how close you can place them to a wall. The center channel design may offer different placement flexibility.
Which Klipsch Speaker Fits You
You want stereo music imaging
The R-51M bookshelf pair lets you place speakers on stands or shelves for wide stereo separation. Dual 5.25-inch spun-copper woofers handle music frequencies with clarity. The 90x90 Tractrix horn ensures precise sound dispersion. This configuration is ideal for listening to music in a dedicated stereo setup rather than just watching movies.
You need clear movie dialogue
The RP-500C II center channel is designed specifically for voice reproduction. Its larger 90x90 silicone composite Tractrix horn provides crisper, clearer dialogue. The vented tweeter housing enhances detail in speech. The ceramic metallic woofers deliver efficient bass response. This single unit anchors your surround system directly below your TV for optimal center imaging.
You prefer furniture-grade aesthetics
The RP-500C II features furniture-grade materials and a walnut finish. It includes a removable magnetic grille for an elegant look. The brown color option blends well with home decor. The R-51M is a standard black bookshelf speaker. If you want a speaker that looks like a piece of furniture, the center channel is the better choice.
The products compared
Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf Speakers
Best for: Stereo bookshelf setups with stands
- Speaker Type
- bookshelf
- Woofer Size
- 5.25" spun-copper IMG woofers
- Configuration
- dual 5.25" woofers
- Tweeter Type
- 1" aluminum LTS tweeters
- Enclosure Type
- bass-reflex via rear-firing port
- Dimensions
- 8.46 × 7.01 × 15.3 inches
View on Amazon: Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf Speakers Affiliate link
The Klipsch R-51M is a pair of bookshelf speakers designed for clear, dynamic audio. They feature 1-inch aluminum LTS tweeters and dual 5.25-inch spun-copper IMG woofers. The 90x90 Square Tractrix Horns help direct sound efficiently. These speakers use a bass-reflex enclosure with a rear-firing port. They measure 15.3 inches in height and weigh 11 pounds each. You get a pair in black. This setup suits those wanting high efficiency and detailed highs in a compact form.
Pros
- 1-inch aluminum LTS tweeters for crisp highs
- Dual 5.25-inch spun-copper IMG woofers for solid bass
- 90x90 Square Tractrix Horns for wide dispersion
- Compact bookshelf design at 15.3 inches tall
Cons
- Rear-firing port requires wall clearance
- Bookshelf form needs stands or mounts
- Pair sold separately from center channels
Good fit if
- You want high-efficiency bookshelf speakers
- You have space for stands or shelves
- You prefer detailed tweeter performance
Skip if
- You need a dedicated center channel
- You lack wall clearance for rear ports
- You want a single all-in-one unit
Verdict: Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf Speakers deliver efficient sound with aluminum tweeters and copper woofers. They fit well on stands for stereo setups, not as center channels.
Klipsch Reference Premiere Center Channel Speaker
Best for: clear dialogue in home theater
- Speaker Type
- Center channel
- Tweeter Type
- 1" LTS titanium diaphragm
- Enclosure Type
- Tractrix ported
- Dimensions
- 10.6 × 19.3 × 6.87 inches
- Weight
- 18 pounds
View on Amazon: Klipsch Reference Premiere Center Channel Speaker Affiliate link
This Klipsch center channel speaker uses a 1-inch LTS titanium diaphragm tweeter and Cerametallic woofers for clear dialogue. The 90° x 90° Tractrix horn and vented tweeter housing enhance detail. It measures 19.3 inches wide and weighs 18 pounds. The Tractrix ported enclosure ensures efficient bass transfer. It suits home theater setups needing focused audio performance.
Pros
- 1-inch LTS titanium diaphragm tweeter minimizes distortion
- 90° x 90° Tractrix horn for crisper dialogue
- Cerametallic woofers for maximum efficiency
- Tractrix ported enclosure for powerful bass
Cons
- Designed strictly for center channel use
- Large 19.3-inch width requires significant space
- 18-pound weight demands sturdy mounting
Good fit if
- You need dedicated center channel clarity
- You want detailed dialogue reproduction
- You have space for a wide speaker
Skip if
- You prefer bookshelf speakers for versatility
- You need a compact desktop solution
- You want stereo pair flexibility
Verdict: Klipsch RP-500C II Center Speaker delivers precise dialogue through its LTS tweeter and Tractrix horn. It fits viewers prioritizing clear voice reproduction in a home theater setup.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf Speakers | Klipsch Reference Premiere Center Channel Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| Speaker Type | bookshelf | Center channel |
| Woofer Size | 5.25" spun-copper IMG woofers | not stated |
| Configuration | dual 5.25" woofers | not stated |
| Tweeter Type | 1" aluminum LTS tweeters | 1" LTS titanium diaphragm |
| Enclosure Type | bass-reflex via rear-firing port | Tractrix ported |
| Dimensions | 8.46 × 7.01 × 15.3 inches | 10.6 × 19.3 × 6.87 inches |
| Weight | 11 pounds | 18 pounds |
| Size | Pair | not stated |
| Color | Black | Brown |
| Model | R-51M | RP-500C II Wal |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Klipsch R-51M as a center channel speaker?
You should not use the R-51M as a dedicated center channel. It is designed as a bookshelf speaker sold in a pair for stereo setups. Its dimensions and configuration suit stands or shelves, not the central position above a TV. For clear dialogue in a home theater, the Reference Premiere Center Channel is the better choice.
What is the size difference between the R-51M and the center channel?
The R-51M is significantly smaller and lighter than the center channel model. Each R-51M measures 15.3 inches in height and weighs 11 pounds. In contrast, the Reference Premiere Center Channel is 19.3 inches wide and weighs 18 pounds. You need more space on your shelf or stand for the center channel unit.
Which speaker is better for listening to music?
The R-51M Bookshelf Speakers are better for music. They come as a pair, allowing you to create a stereo image with proper left and right separation. This setup provides wider stereo imaging for music playback. The center channel speaker is optimized for mono dialogue and movie soundtracks, not stereo music reproduction.
Does the center channel speaker fit on a standard TV stand?
You need a wide surface for the center channel. It measures 19.3 inches in width. Ensure your TV stand or media console is wide enough to support this length. The R-51M is narrower at 7.01 inches wide, making it easier to fit on smaller shelves or speaker stands.
Are both speakers available in black?
The R-51M is available in black. The Reference Premiere Center Channel listed here is in brown. You must check the specific finish options for your setup. If you require a black finish for your center channel, you may need to look for a different model or finish option not listed in this comparison.
Can I use the R-51M for a surround sound setup?
Yes, you can use the R-51M for surround channels. They are bookshelf speakers designed for placement on stands or shelves. You can position them to the side or behind you for surround effects. They are not ideal for the front center role, but they work well as side or rear surrounds in a home theater system.