Klipsch R-15PM Review
The right speaker acts as the master. Through its terminals, it powers the passive left speaker. In addition to Bluetooth, it can also be connected via cables from various sources. These include PCs (via USB) and even turntables, which can be connected directly after switching the RCA inputs.
By Stefan Schickedanz
With the R-15PM, the American speaker manufacturers show that they can also excel in smaller sizes than with the Klipschorn and others. Without exaggeration, one can say that these small active speakers are pretty much the smartest thing the traditional brand has ever created.
They can replace an entire stereo system and leave little to be desired. Ultimately, everyone has a suitable source and can play room-filling music shortly after unpacking these power dwarfs. Not only audio components with coaxial or optical S/PDIF digital outputs are suitable as sources. Smartphones can also be used wirelessly via Bluetooth.
Variety Included
Even turntables can be connected directly, as the R-15PM has an MM phono input with grounding screw. This usage assumes that the volume can be controlled directly on the speaker. For this purpose, in addition to a credit card-sized remote control, there is a volume control on the back of the right R-15PM, which functions as the master with all the electronics. However, it has no stop and no level indicator.
At least, a blinking triangle at the bottom right of the right speaker indicates the reception of volume commands. Smartly, the R-15PM gently ramps up the volume when switched on, allowing enough time to react and avoid nasty surprises.
But the direct connections to the source, which also include a USB-B port for using the speakers as an external PC sound card, are just one application of these versatile Klipsch speakers. Their analog RCA sockets are also suitable for connection to a preamp. For this purpose, they can be switched from phono to line level on the back.
To operate the left speaker, you have to connect it via a speaker cable to the output terminals of the master. However, this economical construction method excludes control and monitoring of the individual drivers as well as a digital crossover that splits the signal into the two working ranges.
At a price of approximately $530, however, this approach is acceptable. The workmanship of the coated MDF cabinets is impeccable. The two drivers of each R-15PM are in line with the best Klipsch traditions. For the high-frequency range, a rectangular Tractrix horn is used, featuring a 2.5 cm aluminum diaphragm. For the low/midrange of the two-way bass-reflex boxes, the Americans rely on their proven copper-coated IMG diaphragms with a diameter of 13.3 centimeters. The bass reflex opening exits at the rear. This is not optimal for bookshelf operation and placement against the wall, likely due to the limited space on the baffle with its flush-mounted drivers without visible screws.
The compact speaker feels quite comfortable near the wall. Although Klipsch—thanks to the corner horn—is primarily associated with full bass, this small smart speaker presented itself as slim and fast. Using the subwoofer buttons on the tiny remote control didn’t change that much. With the R-15PM, Klipsch exercises utmost restraint, clearly putting quality before quantity. Those who don’t place the compacts freestanding in a too large, heavily damped room are unlikely to find much to criticize.
The tonality of the R-15PM was like a poem. Despite its neutrality, it never seemed dry or boring and hit exactly the right note.
Both female and male voices had enough fullness without appearing thickened or veiled. The Klipsch combined great transparency in the midrange with a well-measured amount of body. No trace of horn-typical funnel effects clouded the positive image of these small, fine monitors.
Great Performance
For their compact dimensions, the Americans produced a remarkably large soundstage, which, thanks to carefully preserved subtle reverb and echo components, conveyed a sense of depth. Soloists were depicted quite realistically and well-focused between the two speakers. Regardless of their price, the small Klipsch belongs to those rare speakers that give less the feeling that the instruments are in the listening room. They go a step further and almost transport the listener to the place of the recording.
Their impulsiveness pleased us very much for their class and size, as did the effortlessly achievable maximum volume. Those who overdo it will rather overwhelm the small woofer/midrange driver than the highly efficient tweeter horn, which, by the way, shone with silky overtones. The timing of the playback was also spot-on, making the R-15PM an all-around successful speaker.
Those who use it as a USB sound card have to accept slight sound losses compared to operating it with a high-quality preamp or the digital output of a CD player. However, the basic virtues remain completely intact. Nevertheless, the USB input, usable up to 24-bit/96 kHz, is a standard solution focusing on versatility rather than the last ounce of sound quality. On the other hand, Bluetooth surprised with an exceptionally fresh, clear performance with even more convenience. The playback from the iPhone could even be controlled via the remote control. For a price of under $530, we are almost inclined to speak of a small sensation.
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