Klipsch’s Beloved Bookshelf Speakers Are Suddenly Way More Affordable

The American hi-fi maker has brought its signature horn-loaded design to its entry-level loudspeakers.

Black Klipsch speaker with copper woofer cone next to a wooden cabinet with drawers.

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Klipsch is currently running a massive sale to coincide with Prime Day. Many of its bookshelf and floorstanding speakers are significantly discounted.

One of the standout deals is on the brand’s entry-level, most affordable bookshelf speakers, the R-51M. They’re over half off.

Welcome to Shop Smarter: A series dedicated to highlighting not just what’s on sale, but why it’s worth owning. Discover more here.

Klipsch’s Entry-Level Bookshelf Speakers

Wooden media cabinet with drawers, black guitar, black speakers on stands, and a large potted plant against a brick wall. — The Klipsch R-51M are the brand’s most affordable passive bookshelf speakers.

Released in 2018, the Klipsch R-51M are the most affordable speakers in the brand’s Reference series of loudspeakers.

Each passive speaker features a two-way design with a 5.25-inch mid-bass driver and Klipsch’s signature horn-loaded tweeter. Together, the pair delivers a rich, punchy sound with deep bass.

Black bookshelf speaker with copper woofer on a curved black stand against a brick wall. — Each speaker packs a 5.25-inch driver along with Klipsch’s signature Tractrix horn tweeter.

They’re great entry-level bookshelf speakers because of their high sensitivity (93dB), making them easy to drive. A wide array of AV and stereo receivers can drive them.

Additionally, removing the grilles gives the R-51M a distinct, retro look — thanks to their large drivers, especially the copper woofer — that sets them apart from other bookshelf speakers in this price range.

The upgrades

Black leather lounge chair with a gray pillow next to a black speaker on a stand and a small round black side table. — In 2022, Klipsch introduced the R-50M bookshelf speakers to replace the R-51M.

Now, it’s worth noting that the R-51M bookshelf speakers are so steeply discounted because it’s actually a clearance sale. In 2022, Klipsch introduced new bookshelf speakers, the R-50M, that replace the R-51M.

The main difference is that R-50M bookshelf speakers have been updated with a larger horn-loaded tweeter, redesigned woofer and a “sleeker” design. They’re also quite a bit more expensive.

Black home theater speakers and subwoofer on and beside a blue media console in a modern living room. — The R-50M are essentially updated versions of the R-51M … and they are a touch more expensive.

Both models are on sale

The good news is that both the R-51M and newer R-50M bookshelf speakers are currently on sale.

The Klipsch R-51M are normally priced at $384, but right now you can pick up a pair for $189. That’s 51 percent off.

If you want the newer model, the Klipsch R-51M, which typically costs $425, is selling for $255. That’s 40 percent off.

Pair of black rectangular Klipsch Reference bookshelf speakers with copper-colored woofers.

Klipsch R-51M

$189 at Klipsch

$384 (51% off)

Pair of black Klipsch Reference speakers with copper-colored woofers on a white background.

Klipsch R-50M

$255 at Klipsch

$425 (40% off)

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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