When shopping for bookshelf speakers, you'll find options ranging from under $200 to well over $1000 per pair. Today we're comparing two popular but very different choices: the premium $959 B&W 707 S2 and the value-oriented $220 Klipsch R-51M. Let's explore what you get at these different price points and who each speaker might be best for.
Bookshelf speakers have come a long way from their basic origins. Modern versions pack sophisticated technology into compact cabinets, offering sound quality that can rival tower speakers in many situations. Their smaller size makes them ideal for apartments, offices, or as part of a larger home theater system.
The key considerations when choosing bookshelf speakers are:
The B&W 707 S2 and Klipsch R-51M represent two distinct approaches to speaker design. B&W focuses on advanced materials and neutrality, while Klipsch emphasizes efficiency and dynamics through their horn-loaded design.
Released in 2018, the 707 S2 showcases B&W's latest tech:
The R-51M, part of Klipsch's Reference line, builds on their 75-year heritage:
The 707 S2 excels in revealing subtle details in music. Its Carbon dome tweeter extends to 47kHz (well beyond human hearing) which contributes to exceptional clarity in the audible range. Think of it like a sports car with higher capabilities than you'll ever use on public roads - that headroom matters for overall performance.
The R-51M delivers good detail too, but with a different character. Its horn-loaded tweeter provides excellent clarity but can sometimes sound more forward or aggressive, especially with bright recordings.
Despite similar woofer sizes (5" vs 5.25"), these speakers handle bass very differently:
B&W 707 S2:
Klipsch R-51M:
Here's where the designs really diverge:
The 707 S2 needs quality amplification:
The R-51M is much easier to drive:
Both speakers create convincing soundstages but in different ways:
B&W presents:
Klipsch delivers:
The 707 S2 excels with:
It's particularly good at reproducing natural instruments and voices with minimal coloration. The speaker disappears into the room, creating a convincing illusion of live music.
The R-51M shines with:
Its dynamic, exciting presentation makes it especially good for content where impact matters more than absolute accuracy.
For home theater use, these speakers have different strengths:
B&W 707 S2:
Klipsch R-51M:
The B&W 707 S2 and Klipsch R-51M both excel in their respective price categories. The B&W offers superior absolute performance and refinement, while the Klipsch delivers remarkable value and user-friendly efficiency.
If budget isn't a primary concern and you're after the most accurate, detailed sound possible, the 707 S2 is worth its premium price. However, if you want engaging, dynamic sound and excellent bang for your buck, the R-51M is an outstanding choice at less than a quarter of the price.
Remember: excellent sound quality is available at both price points - it's more about matching your preferences and needs than simply buying the most expensive option.
| Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 | Klipsch Reference Series R-51M |
|---|---|
| Price - Reflects significant difference in materials and engineering | |
| $959 | $220 |
| Sensitivity - Determines how much amplifier power is needed | |
| 84dB (requires more powerful amp) | 93dB (works well with modest amps) |
| Frequency Response - Indicates bass extension and overall range | |
| 50Hz - 28kHz (±3dB) | 62Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) |
| Power Handling - Shows speaker's amplifier compatibility range | |
| 30W - 100W | 85W continuous/340W peak |
| Tweeter Design - Affects high frequency detail and dispersion | |
| 1" Decoupled Carbon Dome (advanced material) | 1" Aluminum LTS with Tractrix Horn (efficient design) |
| Woofer Design - Influences midrange clarity and bass quality | |
| 5" Continuum cone (proprietary material) | 5.25" Copper-spun IMG (traditional design) |
| Port Design - Affects bass performance and placement flexibility | |
| Front-firing Flowport (more placement options) | Rear-firing (needs space from walls) |
| Impedance - Indicates electrical load on amplifier | |
| 8Ω nominal (4Ω minimum) | 8Ω nominal |
| Dimensions - Important for shelf/stand placement | |
| 11" x 6.5" x 10.2" | 13.3" x 7" x 8.5" |
| Weight - Indicates cabinet construction solidity | |
| 13.2 lbs per speaker | 11 lbs per speaker |
| Key Technology - Shows manufacturer's focus | |
| Carbon dome tweeter, Continuum cone (accuracy-focused) | Horn-loaded tweeter, IMG woofer (efficiency-focused) |
The B&W 707 S2 offers higher absolute sound quality with better detail and more refined performance, but at more than four times the price of the Klipsch R-51M. Both are quality speakers for their respective price points.
The Klipsch R-51M at $220 offers exceptional value for money with impressive sound quality. The B&W 707 S2 at $959 delivers superior performance but with diminishing returns at its higher price point.
Both work well in home theater systems. The Klipsch R-51M is easier to drive with typical AV receivers and offers excellent dynamics for movies. The B&W 707 S2 provides more precise sound and better dialogue clarity but requires more powerful amplification.
The Klipsch R-51M is very efficient (93dB sensitivity) and works well with modest amplifiers. The B&W 707 S2 (84dB sensitivity) needs more power and benefits from higher quality amplification.
The B&W 707 S2 extends slightly lower (to 45Hz) with tighter, more controlled bass. The Klipsch R-51M produces punchy bass down to 62Hz but may benefit more from a subwoofer.
Both excel with music, but in different ways. The B&W 707 S2 is more accurate and refined, ideal for acoustic and classical music. The Klipsch R-51M is more dynamic and exciting, great for rock and pop.
Both speakers work well in small rooms. The B&W 707 S2's front-firing port offers more flexible placement near walls. The Klipsch R-51M needs more space behind it due to its rear port design.
Neither speaker is designed specifically for wall-mounting. Both perform best on stands or solid shelves away from walls, though the B&W 707 S2's front port design is more forgiving of close wall placement.
For music only, both can work without a subwoofer, though bass is limited. For home theater use, adding a subwoofer is recommended with either speaker for full-range sound.
Both are well-built with similar longevity expectations. The B&W 707 S2 uses more premium materials, but the Klipsch R-51M is also built to last with proper care.
Yes, but matching speakers across the front soundstage is recommended for home theater use. The B&W 707 S2 integrates well with other high-end speakers, while the Klipsch R-51M pairs well with similarly priced options.
Both perform well with streaming services. The B&W 707 S2 reveals more detail in high-quality streams, while the Klipsch R-51M is more forgiving of lower-quality sources.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: whathifi.com - safeandsoundhq.com - bestbuy.com - hifichoice.com - crutchfield.com - listenup.com - digitalcinema.com.au - worldradiohistory.com - youtube.com - frankstonhifi.com.au - cnet.com - youtube.com - community.klipsch.com - klipsch.com - catchgroove.com - techx.com.my - audiovideoplus.ca - target.com - crutchfield.com - voitektv.com - d2um2qdswy1tb0.cloudfront.net
