Short answer: the Polk T15 ranks #47 of 56 bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $149; the Klipsch R-41M ranks #54 at $149. Close enough in price that the sound-quality gap is the deciding factor.
What the Polk T15 gets right: Extremely affordable 2-way design that actually measured better at +/-20 degrees vertical off-axis than directly on-axis. The catch: Spinorama analysis reveals what Amir called a “horrific drop in upper mids/lower treble region of 3 to 6 kHz,” likely from tweeter-woofer phase cancellation directly on-axis.
The case for the Klipsch R-41M: Binding posts are unusually nice for the price point, and impedance is well controlled in the bass, easing the load on the amplifier. The tradeoff: 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 Polk T15. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Klipsch R-41M at the same price, so there is no real case for the other one.
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
| Polk T15 | Klipsch R-41M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.00 | $149.00 |
| Ranked | #47 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #54 of 56 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 0.75" tweeter, 5.25" woofer | 4" spun-copper IMG woofer, 1" Tractrix horn-loaded aluminum dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 10.63H x 6.5W x 7.25D in | 11.3H x 5.75W x 7.9D in |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs / 3.74 kg each | 7 lbs / 3.18 kg each |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 68Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 8 ohms nominal (per spec; measured lower) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | - | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured) |
| Power Handling | - | 50W RMS / 200W peak |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, rear |
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- Micca RB42 vs Polk T15
- Micca RB42 vs Klipsch R-41M
The Two Speakers In Full
Polk T15: $149.00 Amazon
Pros: Extremely affordable 2-way design that actually measured better at +/-20 degrees vertical off-axis than directly on-axis. In near-field desktop use, the reviewer found the T15 “didn’t sound that horrible,” partly because nearby desk reflections mask the frequency response dip.
Cons: Spinorama analysis reveals what Amir called a “horrific drop in upper mids/lower treble region of 3 to 6 kHz,” likely from tweeter-woofer phase cancellation directly on-axis. Measured impedance ranges from 4-8 ohms, contradicting the specified 6-8 ohm range, and there’s a distortion peak around 400Hz. On- and off-axis response “vary a ton,” making listening position unusually important. The reviewer recommends saving up for the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR instead: “I can’t justify recommending the Polk T15 even though subjective performance was not horrible.”
Full Polk T15 review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 10.63H x 6.5W x 7.25D in |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 0.75" tweeter, 5.25" woofer |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs / 3.74 kg each |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head 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
- Klipsch R-41M vs Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR
- Klipsch R-41M vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000
- Klipsch R-41M vs JBL Control 1 Pro
- Klipsch R-41M vs Fluance Signature HFS
- Klipsch R-41M vs JBL Stage A130
- Klipsch R-41M vs Q Acoustics 5020
- Klipsch R-41M vs Micca RB42
- Klipsch R-41M vs Q Acoustics 3020i