Short answer: the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 for better sound quality, the Klipsch R-41M for the lower price. The Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 ranks #48 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $249. The Klipsch R-41M ranks #54 at $149, $100 cheaper.
The case for the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000: Bass distortion is well controlled per the measurements, and the slow bass rolloff means it can be pushed fairly hard for its size. The tradeoff: CEA2034 spinorama shows severely reduced bass energy between 40-120Hz, a directivity mismatch between the tweeter and woofer, and a severe resonance/interference issue around 14kHz.
What the Klipsch R-41M gets right: Binding posts are unusually nice for the price point, and impedance is well controlled in the bass, easing the load on the amplifier. The catch: CEA2034 spinorama shows a sharp, prominent peak around 1kHz that the reviewer compared to “Pinocchio’s nose,” plus poor directivity that makes the off-axis sound diverge sharply from on-axis.
Buy the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Klipsch R-41M if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 56 bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 | Klipsch R-41M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.00 | $149.00 |
| Ranked | #48 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #54 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 95Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 1" aluminum dome tweeter, 5.25" BDSS mid/woofer, 5.25" planar bass radiator | 4" spun-copper IMG woofer, 1" Tractrix horn-loaded aluminum dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 10.88H x 6.25W x 6.5D in | 11.3H x 5.75W x 7.9D in |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.29 kg each | 7 lbs / 3.18 kg each |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 68Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review - reviewer noted this vs. a manufacturer spec of 91dB) | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 8 ohms nominal (per spec; measured lower) |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator | ported, rear |
| Power Handling | - | 50W RMS / 200W peak |
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- Polk T15 vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000
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The Two Speakers In Full
Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000: $249.00 Amazon
Pros: Bass distortion is well controlled per the measurements, and the slow bass rolloff means it can be pushed fairly hard for its size. Ships with a footer that keeps the small cabinet planted despite its light weight.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows severely reduced bass energy between 40-120Hz, a directivity mismatch between the tweeter and woofer, and a severe resonance/interference issue around 14kHz. Distortion at 96dB SPL was so bad the reviewer limited testing to 86dB. Direct comparison to a $118/pair Pioneer SP-BS22-LR left the reviewer calling the $500/pair ProMonitor 1000 “a bad experiment that should be forgotten” and concluding “there is nothing Pro about it.”
Full Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 95Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 10.88H x 6.25W x 6.5D in |
| Drivers | 1" aluminum dome tweeter, 5.25" BDSS mid/woofer, 5.25" planar bass radiator |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review - reviewer noted this vs. a manufacturer spec of 91dB) |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.29 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs JBL Stage A130
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Q Acoustics 5020
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- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Q Acoustics 3020i
- See all 10 comparisons
Klipsch R-41M: $149.00 Amazon
Pros: Binding posts are unusually nice for the price point, and impedance is well controlled in the bass, easing the load on the amplifier. The horn-loaded tweeter can play loud without strain.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows a sharp, prominent peak around 1kHz that the reviewer compared to “Pinocchio’s nose,” plus poor directivity that makes the off-axis sound diverge sharply from on-axis. Sensitivity is only 85dB through most of the music-energy range despite Klipsch’s horn-loaded reputation for efficiency. In an A/B against a $118/pair Pioneer SP-BS22-LR, the R-41M had “no bass” and all mid-to-treble energy; the reviewer’s verdict was “please avoid the Klipsch R-41M unless you just want a speaker as an ornament.”
Full Klipsch R-41M review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 11.3H x 5.75W x 7.9D in |
| Drivers | 4" spun-copper IMG woofer, 1" Tractrix horn-loaded aluminum dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 68Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (per spec; measured lower) |
| Power Handling | 50W RMS / 200W peak |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured) |
| Weight | 7 lbs / 3.18 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons