Short answer: the Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR for better sound quality, the Klipsch R-41M for the lower price. The Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR ranks #51 of 56 bookshelf speakers at $749. The Klipsch R-41M ranks #54 at $149, $600 cheaper.
What the Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR offers: Unique dual-driver design combines a front-facing 3-way speaker with an up-firing 2-way Dolby Atmos coaxial driver in one cabinet, designed by Andrew Jones. Watch for: A wide dip between 3-10kHz makes the front speaker sound “somewhat dull” without EQ, and impedance dips below 4 ohms demand a capable amplifier.
On the Klipsch R-41M side: Binding posts are unusually nice for the price point, and impedance is well controlled in the bass, easing the load on the amplifier. Set against that: 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 Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR 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
| Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR | Klipsch R-41M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $749 pair, discontinued | $149.00 |
| Ranked | #51 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #54 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum-cone woofer, 2x 4" aluminum-cone midrange, 2x 1" silk dome tweeter (front 3-way + up-firing 2-way Atmos coaxial) | 4" spun-copper IMG woofer, 1" Tractrix horn-loaded aluminum dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 15.7H x 7.4W x 9.7D in | 11.3H x 5.75W x 7.9D in |
| Weight | 15.7 lbs / 7.1 kg each | 7 lbs / 3.18 kg each |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (manufacturer specified) | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured) |
| Impedance | below 4 ohms minimum | 8 ohms nominal (per spec; measured lower) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Frequency Response | - | 68Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Power Handling | - | 50W RMS / 200W peak |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, rear |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR: $749 pair, discontinued
Pros: Unique dual-driver design combines a front-facing 3-way speaker with an up-firing 2-way Dolby Atmos coaxial driver in one cabinet, designed by Andrew Jones. With corrective EQ applied, the reviewer found “substantially more brilliance and detail,” and the up-firing Atmos driver produced “remarkable” spatial effects from a single box.
Cons: A wide dip between 3-10kHz makes the front speaker sound “somewhat dull” without EQ, and impedance dips below 4 ohms demand a capable amplifier. Distortion is elevated at the crossover points, around 180Hz and 2600Hz. Amir concluded: “The hole in frequency response and high distortion around the crossover point rule out this speaker for any kind of hifi use, certainly at these prices.” Long discontinued.
Full Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 15.7H x 7.4W x 9.7D in |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum-cone woofer, 2x 4" aluminum-cone midrange, 2x 1" silk dome tweeter (front 3-way + up-firing 2-way Atmos coaxial) |
| Impedance | below 4 ohms minimum |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 15.7 lbs / 7.1 kg each |
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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 |
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