The Klipsch R-51PM is a pair of powered bookshelf speakers designed to connect directly to a variety of audio sources, including turntables, televisions, computers and Bluetooth devices.
Its biggest advantage for vinyl listeners is the built-in switchable phono preamp. Unlike many powered speakers that accept only line-level audio, the R-51PM has a dedicated PHONO/LINE input and a grounding terminal. This means you can connect a compatible turntable directly without buying a separate phono preamp.
The speakers also include optical, USB, 3.5mm and Bluetooth connectivity, plus a subwoofer output for future expansion.
This review covers the specifications, turntable setup, connectivity and what to consider before buying.
Klipsch R-51PM: Quick Specifications
| Specification | Klipsch R-51PM |
|---|---|
| Speaker type | Powered bookshelf speakers |
| Total system power | 120W |
| Continuous power | 60W per channel |
| Peak power | Manufacturer documentation varies by specification sheet |
| Woofer | 5.25-inch spun-copper IMG |
| Tweeter | 1-inch aluminum diaphragm compression driver |
| Horn | 90° × 90° Tractrix |
| Frequency response | 68Hz–21kHz |
| Dynamic bass extension | 49Hz at 35% volume |
| Maximum output | 107.3dB |
| Inputs | PHONO/LINE RCA, 3.5mm, USB, optical, Bluetooth |
| Phono preamp | Built-in, switchable |
| Ground terminal | Yes |
| Subwoofer output | Single RCA line-level output |
| Enclosure | MDF, rear-firing bass-reflex port |
| Remote control | Included |
The R-51PM is an active speaker system, meaning its amplification is built into the primary speaker. The second speaker connects to it using the supplied speaker cable, so there is no need for a separate stereo amplifier.
Built-In Phono Preamp: The Main Advantage for Vinyl
The R-51PM stands out because it includes a genuine phono input rather than only standard line-level connections.
A conventional turntable cartridge produces a low-level PHONO signal that needs amplification and RIAA equalization before it can be played through ordinary speakers.
The R-51PM handles this internally.
Its RCA input has a switch that lets you select between PHONO and LINE:
- PHONO: For a turntable sending an unamplified cartridge signal.
- LINE: For a turntable that already has a built-in phono preamp switched on, or another line-level source.
There is also a grounding terminal beside the RCA connection. If your turntable has a separate ground wire, connect it to this terminal when using the PHONO input.
This makes the R-51PM particularly convenient for turntables without a built-in preamp.
Connectivity: Five Ways to Connect Audio
The R-51PM supports several analogue, digital and wireless sources.
1. PHONO/LINE RCA Input
This is the main connection for vinyl playback.
Connect a turntable directly to the RCA input and select the appropriate switch position. Use PHONO for an unamplified cartridge signal and LINE for an already-preamped signal.
2. Optical Digital Input
The optical input is useful for connecting a television or another digital audio source.
It allows the speakers to serve as a compact TV audio system without requiring a separate receiver. Check that the source is configured to output a compatible two-channel PCM signal.
3. USB Digital Input
The USB input allows a compatible computer to connect directly to the speakers.
This is useful if you want to use the R-51PM for music from a desktop or laptop in addition to vinyl playback.
4. 3.5mm Auxiliary Input
The 3.5mm input provides a simple analogue connection for compatible phones, computers and portable audio devices.
The source needs to provide a line-level or headphone-level output.
5. Bluetooth
Bluetooth allows wireless music streaming from compatible phones, tablets and computers.
The R-51PM acts as a Bluetooth receiver. It can receive audio from your phone, but it does not transmit turntable audio to Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
Can You Connect a Turntable Directly to the R-51PM?
Yes. This is one of the speaker system’s strongest features.
There are two main connection methods, depending on your turntable.
Option 1: Turntable Without a Built-In Phono Preamp
If your turntable provides a raw PHONO signal:
- Connect the turntable’s RCA cables to the R-51PM’s RCA input.
- Connect the turntable’s ground wire to the speaker’s grounding terminal, if provided.
- Set the input switch to PHONO.
- Select the RCA input using the remote or speaker controls.
- Start playback and adjust the volume.
The R-51PM’s internal phono stage handles the required amplification and RIAA equalization.
Option 2: Turntable With a Built-In Phono Preamp
If your turntable has a built-in preamp:
- Set the turntable’s output to LINE.
- Connect its RCA cables to the R-51PM.
- Set the speaker input switch to LINE.
- Select the RCA source and begin playback.
Using LINE on both devices avoids applying phono equalization twice.
Important: Never connect an already-amplified LINE signal to the R-51PM’s PHONO setting. This can cause excessive gain and distorted sound.
For more information, see our guide to what a phono preamp does.
Turntable Pairing Examples
The R-51PM can work with a variety of turntables, including models with and without built-in phono preamps.
| Turntable | Recommended connection |
|---|---|
| Audio-Technica AT-LP60X | LINE output → R-51PM LINE |
| Sony PS-LX310BT | LINE output → R-51PM LINE |
| Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB | PHONO output → R-51PM PHONO, or LINE → LINE |
| Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO | R-51PM PHONO |
| Fluance RT85 | R-51PM PHONO |
The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO and Fluance RT85 do not include built-in phono preamps, so the R-51PM’s internal phono stage is particularly useful with these models.
You can explore more compatible options in our best turntable speakers guide.
Sound and Performance
The R-51PM combines a 5.25-inch spun-copper IMG woofer with a 1-inch aluminum diaphragm compression tweeter mounted on a 90° × 90° Tractrix horn.
The horn-loaded tweeter is a central part of Klipsch’s speaker design. It directs high-frequency sound through the horn structure, while the woofer handles the lower and middle frequencies.
Klipsch specifies a frequency response of 68Hz–21kHz and a maximum output of 107.3dB.
The rear-firing bass-reflex port helps extend low-frequency output, while Dynamic Bass EQ is designed to maintain a fuller bass balance at lower listening volumes.
However, the speakers’ compact cabinets limit how deeply they can reproduce bass compared with a larger speaker or a dedicated subwoofer. Their published dynamic bass extension is 49Hz at 35% volume, which is a separate specification from the standard frequency-response figure.
Listening impressions are subjective. The horn tweeter and overall tuning may appeal to listeners who enjoy an energetic presentation, but the best choice depends on your room, placement and preferences.
Adding a Subwoofer
The R-51PM includes a dedicated RCA subwoofer output.
This gives you the option to add a powered subwoofer later without replacing the main speakers.
A subwoofer can provide additional low-frequency output for music, films and other audio sources. It may be particularly useful if you want more bass than the R-51PM’s compact cabinets can provide on their own.
When choosing a subwoofer, check that it has a compatible line-level input. You will also need to adjust its crossover and volume to integrate it with the main speakers.
Klipsch R-51PM vs. Edifier R1280T
The Edifier R1280T is a less expensive alternative for a simpler powered-speaker setup.
The biggest difference is connectivity and the built-in phono stage.
| Feature | Klipsch R-51PM | Edifier R1280T |
|---|---|---|
| Total rated output | 120W | 42W RMS |
| Woofer | 5.25-inch | 4-inch |
| Tweeter | 1-inch horn-loaded | 0.5-inch silk dome |
| Built-in phono preamp | Yes | No |
| Optical input | Yes | No |
| USB input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| 3.5mm input | Yes | No |
| RCA inputs | PHONO/LINE | Dual line-level RCA |
| Subwoofer output | Yes | No |
| Remote control | Yes | Yes |
The R-51PM offers considerably more connectivity and can accept a turntable’s raw PHONO signal directly.
The R1280T is simpler and can be a practical choice if you already have a turntable with a built-in preamp and don’t need the extra inputs.
For more details, read our Edifier R1280T review and Edifier R1280DB review.
Who Should Buy the Klipsch R-51PM?
The R-51PM makes sense if:
- You want powered speakers with a built-in phono preamp.
- Your turntable does not have its own phono stage.
- You want to connect a turntable, television and computer to the same speakers.
- Bluetooth streaming is useful for everyday listening.
- You want the option to add a powered subwoofer.
- You prefer a powered system without a separate stereo amplifier.
Consider another option if:
- Your budget is limited and you only need basic RCA connections.
- Your turntable already has a built-in preamp and you won’t use the additional inputs.
- You prefer a separate amplifier and passive bookshelf speakers.
- You want deeper bass without adding a subwoofer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Klipsch R-51PM have a real phono input?
Yes. It has a switchable PHONO/LINE RCA input with a dedicated ground terminal. The PHONO setting activates its internal phono preamp for a turntable’s raw cartridge signal.
Can I connect a turntable directly without an external preamp?
Yes. Connect a turntable without a built-in preamp to the RCA input, select PHONO and connect its ground wire if it has one.
Do I need to connect the turntable’s ground wire?
If your turntable has a separate grounding wire, connect it to the R-51PM’s ground terminal when using the PHONO input. If your turntable has no separate ground wire, there is nothing additional to connect.
Can I connect a subwoofer to the R-51PM?
Yes. It has a single RCA line-level subwoofer output for connecting a compatible powered subwoofer.
Does the R-51PM support Bluetooth?
Yes. You can stream audio wirelessly from compatible phones, tablets and computers. Bluetooth is an input to the speakers, not a way to transmit turntable audio to wireless headphones.
Does the R-51PM need a separate amplifier?
No. The amplification is built into the powered speaker system. The second speaker connects to the primary speaker using the supplied speaker cable.
Can I use the R-51PM with a television?
Yes. Connect a compatible TV’s optical digital audio output to the R-51PM’s optical input and configure the TV for two-channel PCM audio.
Final Verdict
The Klipsch R-51PM is a versatile powered speaker system with an especially useful feature for vinyl listeners: its built-in switchable phono preamp.
You can connect many turntables directly, without buying a separate phono preamp, while still having optical, USB, 3.5mm and Bluetooth inputs for other devices.
Its 120W total system power, horn-loaded tweeter and subwoofer output make it a flexible option for a compact home audio system.
It isn’t the cheapest powered speaker option, and its main advantage is not simply sound quality over less expensive alternatives. You’re paying for the built-in amplification, phono stage and broader connectivity.
If those features fit your setup, the R-51PM is a particularly convenient choice for building a turntable system.