Klipsch R-15M Review: Compact Bookshelf Speaker with Power

Like many other people, I love music but do not have space for a sizeable floor-standing speaker system, so getting bookshelf speakers may have crossed your mind as it did mine.

Bookshelf speakers are the go-to choice for many people who simply want to enjoy every audio nuance a speaker system has to offer but do not have space in their home for large speakers. 

When it comes to bookshelf speakers, one of the first names which come to mind is the Klipsch R 15-M.

Klipsch R-15M Bookshelf Speaker (Pair)



If you are interested in getting this speaker, then read this Klipsch R 15-M review.

If you’ve already decided on the Klipsch R 15-M click over to Amazon here.

In this R 15-M review, you will find out all you need to know about why many consider Klipsch to be one of the best. Not just when it comes to designing robust, compact speakers. But for delivering exceptional audio quality as well.


[amazon fields=”B00LMF41IY” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

What to Consider Before Buying the Klipsch R 15-M Bookshelf Speakers?

If you’re like me, you’re probably not blessed with a considerable home that can house large concert speakers.

While it would be cool for any audiophile to own the largest speakers available in the market, it’s not a matter of choice, but rather space, or the lack thereof. 

Having a lack of space to show off your extensive speaker system is no excuse to discontinue listening to your favorite tunes with the volume at full blast or skip the speakers altogether for a pair of earphones (groan!).

Enter bookshelf speakers. As the name implies, bookshelf speakers are designed for one reason only. And that is to be small enough to display neatly even on a bookshelf (although, we suggest finding a more suitable location).

You can place bookshelf speakers anywhere. Their sleek and modern design allows them to fit comfortably in any setting.

What sets bookshelf speakers apart from their larger cousins, the floor-standing speakers are that they are smaller and lighter. It makes them easy to carry or move around the room until you get the perfect acoustics.

But, bookshelf speakers also have another crucial function. For instance, it can be tempting to throw away a sofa to make way for a pair of large floor-standing speakers in a room.

But it won’t mean you will get to enjoy the acoustic efficiency of said speakers. It’s mainly because larger speaker systems are designed and built for larger rooms and halls.

The larger than usual, woofers and tweeters work together to deliver a bass-thumping sound that can fill up an entire hall, or a large room, which sounds brilliant.

While these large floor-standing speakers are a great choice if you have a big home with plenty of space to spare, buying these floor-standing speakers for small to medium-sized rooms will have the exact opposite effect.

More often than not, when you decide to get too much speaker for your room, the room ends up not being able to handle the speaker system’s bass output, which results in a muffled or distorted sound.

On the other hand, compact bookshelf speakers are mainly designed for use in smaller rooms. In this way, the Klipsch R 15-M bookshelf speaker solves the problems of:

  • Not having enough space in a room
  • Speakers that sound muffled
  • Getting speakers that are too small
  • Having to invest in expensive speaker systems

If you’ve also been experiencing some or all of these problems listed above, then its time you did something about it.

Getting the Klipsch R 15-M bookshelf speakers ensures you can get a speaker system that is not only compact and lightweight but sounds perfect in a small or medium-sized room. So, let’s learn more in this Klipsch bookshelf speakers review.

Presenting the Klipsch R 15-M Bookshelf Speakers

Speakers from Klipsch have adorned many an American home, and also enjoys a considerable following abroad in many other countries.

This popularity is because Klipsch is a brand that has become synonymous with great-sounding speaker systems of all sizes. 

Klipsch Audio Technologies is a US-based loudspeaker brand that operates out of Indiana. Founded by Paul W. Klipsch in 1946, it has come a long way from its humble beginnings.

Today, Klipsch loudspeakers are considered to be amongst the best when it comes to premium quality speaker systems.

Since the brand is known for delivering an exceptional level of quality with its speaker systems, you can rest assured you will enjoy the same high level of sound quality with the Klipsch bookshelf speakers (pair), which gets you;

  • A sleek, modern designed bookshelf speaker
  • Compact and lightweight construction
  • The latest audio technologies 
  • Small footprint fits conveniently anywhere
  • An affordable bookshelf speaker

If you’re looking to buy a quality bookshelf speaker that delivers in spades when it comes to excellent sound quality and a sleek, modern design, the Klipsch bookshelf speakers should be right up your alley. 

Pros of the Klipsch R 15-M

  • 5.25-inch copper-spun high-output IMG woofers
  • Rear-firing port
  • Brushed black polymer veneer cabinet
  • Boasts of bass reflex technology
  • 1-inch linear aluminum travel suspension home-loaded tweeter
  • Comes in two colors
  • Small, compact footprint

Cons of the Klipsch R 15-M 

  • Requires an amplifier
  • No mounting support

Let’s look in greater detail at the Klipsch R 15-M bookshelf speakers and the powergate amplifier bundle.

Robust Modern Design for Enhanced Audio and Visual Experience

If this were a beauty contest, then Klipsch R 15-M would easily win. If you’re looking for a speaker that doesn’t just sound great but looks great, the R 15-M is what you need.

It’s easy to see the designers put a lot of work into getting everything perfect with the Klipsch R 15-M. 

The speakers are designed so well that they can easily set off a room with or without the carbon black grille. When it comes to Klipsch r-15m vs. r-14m, these speakers certainly have an edge in appearance.

If you want the appearance of these bookshelf speakers to pop, then removing the grille will unveil its ultra-stylish interior, which looks just as good as it sounds.

What takes the appearance of these bookshelf speakers to another level is the premium copper spun woofers, which are not just there for functionality – they undoubtedly set off the dark laminate cabinets.

The amount of attention to detail and the high level of quality materials that have gone into designing these bookshelf speakers make sure that the Klipsch R 15-M bookshelf speakers will unquestionably turn heads and make for a great conversation starter.    

Large 5.25-inch Copper Spun Woofer Delivers a Solid Audio Performance that Fills the Room

If you think Klipsch took a step back in the sound department, just because they have created a visually stunning speaker system, think again.

Under the hood, the Klipsch R 15-M reference bookshelf monitor speaker sports a large and powerful woofer, which measures at 5.25-inches.

The copper spun woofer sits at the core of the R 15-M’s audio performance. When it comes to Klipsch R-15M vs. R-51M, the larger woofer size does make a significant difference. 

What sets the IMG woofer apart from the rest is the injection-molded graphite, which nicely compliments the spun copper woofer design.

It also means the woofer in the R 15-M is a lot lighter than other bookshelf speakers at its price point. But what makes the IMG woofers stand out even though they lightweight in construction? It’s that they are robust with extreme rigidity.  

The result is that the Klipsch R 15-M reference bookshelf monitor speakers can deliver incredible low-frequency responses while minimizing any distortion because of the smart cabinet design.

Linear Travel Suspension Tweeter Keeps Any Distortion Under Wraps While Delivering a Crisp and Clear Audio Experience 

The second most crucial component in the Klipsch bookshelf speaker is the tweeters, which you’ll notice if you have a previous model and are pitting Klipsch R-15M vs. RP-150M head to head.

The Klipsch R 15-M reference bookshelf monitor speaker boasts an aluminum tweeter designed to keep high notes crystal clear.

But this time around, Klipsch has given its tweeters a bit of oomph, by throwing in their proprietary 90×90 Tractrix horn. The horn widely believed to be the most cutting edge speaker technology available in the market today. 

The Tractrix horn helps enhance not only the top-end response of the Klipsch R 15-M speakers but also the imaging of the speaker system as well, enabling the speakers to produce a livelier and natural-sounding top-end.

Klipsch has always been on point when it has come to speaker design, and the Klipsch R 15-M bookshelf speaker is no exception. You can easily recognize Klipsch’s signature sound quality echo across the room. 

The sound the Klipsch R 15-M can deliver hits all of the right notes in the frequency spectrum, without giving any distortion or disturbance throughout its performance.

The linear travel suspension tweeter helps minimize distortion and reduces cone breakup, making sure you get to experience a clear sound quality, even in lower notes.  

Rear-Firing Port Ideal for the Drivers and Cabinet  

The Klipsch R 15-M reference bookshelf monitor speaker has a lot more to offer than its incredibly modern appearance and excellent audio performance.

Compared to other bookshelf speakers available at the same price point, the R 15-M speakers provide a level of versatility and functionality, that is simply unmatched.

When it comes to which is best between Klipsch R-15M vs. R-150pm, you’d be hard-pressed to choose between the two since both offer an excellent level of quality.

The Klipsch R 15-M reference speaker features a rear-firing port that identically matches the cabinet and drivers. The flared design minimizes any turbulence, even while hitting those low frequencies.

With up to 5-way binding posts, you get maximum connection versatility of any Klipsch bookshelf speaker system.   

What Do Buyers Say?

I’ve gone through a plethora of online reviews and had a hard time finding any negative reviews for the Klipsch R 15-M reference bookshelf monitor speaker because it is just that good.

It’s easy to see why the Klipsch R 15-M bookshelf speaker has become the go-to choice for many audiophiles who wish to get the same incredible audio experience that Klipsch speakers deliver but in a compact size.  

With the design of the R 15-M bookshelf speaker, Klipsch has managed to bundle up the latest speaker technologies packaged in a neatly designed bookshelf speaker system.

One area of concern for some buyers of the Klipsch R 15-M reference bookshelf monitor speaker is that the speaker does not have many mounting options.

Which could be a concern for some users, but is not a deal-breaker considering the premium design and sound quality on offer.   

Here Are Some Alternatives to the Klipsch R 15-M Bookshelf Speakers

Here are some alternatives to the Klipsch R 15-M bookshelf speakers you might want to try:


[amazon fields=”B00O8YLMVA” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

Features

  • 3 driver for better sound quality
  • 3-way, 3-speaker bass-reflex system
  • Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms
  • Max Power Input: 50 watts

When it comes to the Sony SSCS5 vs. Klipsch R-15M, the competition is pretty close, since both of these bookshelf speakers are designed by two of the best loudspeaker companies in the world.

While the SSCS5 has a lot going on for it, from its large woofer to the 3-way, 3-speaker bass-reflex system, it still somehow manages to fall short of the sheer audio quality of the Klipsch R 15-M bookshelf speakers. 

Apart from that, if you want to go with the SSCS5, you might want to get yourself a sub-woofer since it does not produce the same bass thumping sound of the Klipsch R 15-M

Check out the Sony SSCS5 Bookshelf Speaker on Amazon here.


[amazon fields=”B008NCD2LG” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

Features

  • 4-inch woofer
  • 1-inch high-efficiency soft dome tweeter
  • Nominal Impedance: 6 Ohms
  • Max Power Input: 80 watts

For those wondering which would perform better between Klipsch R 15-M vs. Pioneer BS22, the answer may not surprise you.

The Pioneer BS22 boasts a smaller size, making it the right choice if you’re short on space for a bookshelf speaker.

The Klipsch R 15-M does have an edge, though, because of its killer combination of the latest audio technologies and its sleek, modern design, which can give even the most premium bookshelf speakers a run for their money. 

If you’re after a great looking bookshelf speaker system, you’ll be disappointed with the Pioneer BS22 bookshelf speaker, which seems to be a rushed design compared to the smarter Klipsch R 15-M.

Check out the Pioneer BS22 bookshelf speakers here on Amazon. 

Verdict

Overall, the Klipsch R 15-M bookshelf speakers have a lot going on for them – from their sleek, modern design, which seems to pop wherever you place it, to the cutting-edge technology, which delivers an exquisite sound quality.

If you are looking for a lightweight bookshelf speaker, has a small footprint, offers an incredible sound, and does not make a dent in your savings, then the Klipsch R 15-M bookshelf speaker should be right up your alley.

If all this isn’t enough for you to decide, then the Klipsch R 15-M bookshelf speaker set & powergate amplifier playfi wireless gateway bundle does sweeten the deal and help you make a decision.

To check out the Klipsch R 15-M Bookshelf speakers on Amazon click here.

Want to look at other bookshelf speakers? Check out my post on the Best Bookshelf Speakers for 2020

Leave a Comment