Klipsch R-15PM Powered Monitor Product Review

Contrary to popular belief, not all speakers are created equal. It is not enough to pick one off the shelf or from the Internet. After all, speakers do come in different design, make and function. One can even choose a speaker, such as a studio monitor, that can let them hear “pure sounds” or sound imperfections. This kind of speaker has a flat response regardless of frequency.

If you are a lookout for one, then you may want to consider the Klipsch R-15PM Powered Monitors. Just how does it fare?

The Many Virtues of the Klipsch R-15PM Powered Monitors

The Klipsch R-15PM Powered Monitors promise to deliver great sounds with their built-in amplifiers and high-performing speakers. The product is equipped with Bluetooth Wireless Technology, USB inputs and analog RCA, which make them quite versatile.

This set of speakers boasts of being custom-engineered that maximizes both output and sound quality. It features an individual ultra-low noise amplifier that reduces the need for external amplification. The product also has a pair of phono level inputs complete with a switch to give users a chance to either use a phono or line input. It also has USB digital audio capability so that users can either connect via their laptops or desktop RCA level output that can also be connected to a subwoofer to improve low frequencies.

This pair of studio monitors comes with a full-feature IR remote that allows users to access the system features easily. Each monitor also has a one-inch aluminum diaphragm compression driver that is mated to a 90-degree by 90-degree square Tractrix Horn as well as a 5.25-inch magnetically shielded IMG woofer copper spun.

The product measures 8.2 by seven by 12.5 inches and weighs 10.3 pounds.

Pros

• Versatile with its Bluetooth Wireless Technology, USB inputs, and analog RCA
• Built-in amplifiers
• High-performing speakers
• Custom-engineered
• Ultra-low noise amplifiers
• Phono level inputs with a switch
• USB digital audio capacity
• Full-feature IR remote
• One-inch aluminum diaphragm compression driver

Cons

• Hard to pair with other devices
• Bluetooth capability performs inconsistently
• Goes on a sleep mode after a few minutes of playing
• Volume goes to default low level after shut down

Summary

The Klipsch R-15PM Powered Monitors promise versatility and minimalist design. This set has many virtues such as its ability to provide options with its Bluetooth Wireless Technology, USB inputs, and analog RCA. The studio monitors are custom-engineered and have built-in and low-noise amplifiers, phono level inputs, and aluminum diaphragm compression drivers. They also come with a full feature IR remote.

The product, however, has a number of flaws that are hard to ignore. For one, they are hard to pair with other devices mainly due to the inconsistent and poor performance of its Bluetooth capability. Plus, they tend to go on sleep mode after a few minutes of use. Unfortunately, there are no settings that can prevent the speakers from shutting off for a few minutes. The volume level goes back to its default low-level settings after a shutdown, too.

Comparison

The Klipsch R-15PM Powered Monitors are not without any competitors on the market as some products are highly similar. For example, the Edifier S2000pro Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers – Near-Field Active Studio Monitor Speakers also promise great sound quality.

This set boasts of a flat diaphragm that provides a fast-response rate and can take advantage of high frequencies. The woofers are aluminum, which creates crisp and clear sounds. The rear panel contains the set of controls and inputs, including the RCA inputs that are available for RCA to AUX connections. There is also the option to connect a mixer for more advanced audio needs. The product has four EQ settings, namely the monitor, the classic, the vocal, and the dynamic to suit the needs of the users.

The pair also comes with wireless remote control and a five-meter connecting cable. The studio monitors measure 20.8 by 17.2 by 14.5 inches and weigh 43.7 pounds.

Meanwhile, the Yamaha HS5 Powered Studio Monitors are another competitor. This set of studio monitors boasts of a two-way bass-reflex bi-amplified nearfield feature and five-inch cone woofer dome tweeter. They also have the Yamaha’s newly developed transducers that can achieve smooth response over a wide range of bandwidth.

This set also features that two-response controls complete with a detailed setting that allows the monitors to adapt to the acoustics of the room. The inputs can handle a variety of unbalanced and balanced sources like keyboards, mixers or audit interfaces either with TRS or XLR phone jacks. The speakers also have a noise-reduction mechanism that reduces the air vibrations inside the port.

Verdict

The Klipsch R-15PM Powered Monitors have many promises to potential buyers. But do they deliver? Are they worth purchasing?

This set has its virtues such as its ultra-low noise amplifiers, phono level inputs with switch and aluminum diaphragm compression driver, to name a few. The monitors’ main selling point is their versatility with their analog RCA, Bluetooth Wireless Technology, and USB inputs.

Unfortunately, their primary selling point might also be a buyer’s biggest disappointment as it is hard to pair a device with the monitors. Plus, the Bluetooth capability does not function consistently. This powered monitor also has other flaws such as going on sleep mode after a couple of minutes. Their volume level also goes back to the default settings after a shutdown.

The product under review also pales in comparison to other studio monitors that offer many features for the serious musicians and recording artists.

For example, the Yamaha HS5 Powered Studio Monitors offer a variety of features such as two-response controls, two-way bass reflex, and bi-amplified near-field, newly developed transducers and noise reduction mechanism. These studio monitors from Yamaha have virtues that more than make-up for their lack of connectivity choices.

Those who are on the lookout for great studio monitors for recording should consider other options on the market as the Klipsch R-15PM Powered Monitors are not at par with other similar items on the markets. However, buyers who intend to purchase one for their entertainment needs might do well with this item, although they need to be warned that some of the promised features may be a disappointment.