Main trade-off
Klipsch R-50PM
No HDMI ARC input, so the normal HDMI TV-control path is unavailable.
Head-to-head
Klipsch R-50PM vs The Fives: Fives adds TV remote control in a shallower body
The short answer
Choose original The Fives when television use is shared and supported HDMI ARC control would simplify volume changes. Fives is also 1.55 inches shallower than R-50PM. Choose R-50PM when the system mainly serves records and USB computer audio, the larger cabinet fits and HDMI control is unnecessary. Both include a compatible MM phono setting and USB audio. Fives does not add built-in Wi-Fi streaming or a separate RCA line input.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
The TV benefit belongs to everyone using the room
R-50PM can take optical TV audio, but Fives adds HDMI ARC and CEC. In a household where several people watch television without managing the music system, that can make the familiar TV remote the volume control after compatible setup. If one person mainly uses records or a USB computer, the same upgrade may solve little. Match the premium to the shared daily routine rather than assuming HDMI improves every source.
What this is based on
Verified HDMI control path crossed with multiple users. Actual TV and CEC behavior must be checked.
Main trade-off
Klipsch The Fives
Original Fives still shares RCA phono and line, and is not the II network-streaming model.
Klipsch R-50PM
- Choose it for
- Records and computer audio dominate, with no need for HDMI TV control.
- The 10.8-inch cabinet depth fits and the TV’s existing optical routine is acceptable.
- Main trade-off
- No HDMI ARC input, so the normal HDMI TV-control path is unavailable.
Klipsch The Fives
- Choose it for
- Other household members expect the TV remote to control speaker volume.
- Shallow furniture makes a 9.25-inch body easier to place before rear clearance.
- Main trade-off
- Original Fives still shares RCA phono and line, and is not the II network-streaming model.
About this comparison
R-50PM or original The Fives for TV, records and work audio? Compare the daily remote routine, shallow furniture and the source limits both retain.
These powered Klipsch pairs overlap for a turntable, computer and television. The useful premium question is whether HDMI control and smaller cabinets solve everyday friction.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
Shared TV should use its familiar remote
Fives provides the HDMI ARC and CEC route.
- Klipsch R-50PM
- Caution
- Klipsch The Fives
- Better fit
Shallow television unit
Fives is 1.55 inches shallower before installation clearance.
- Klipsch R-50PM
- Caution
- Klipsch The Fives
- Better fit
Records and USB computer audio, without TV
Both cover those sources directly.
- Klipsch R-50PM
- Good
- Klipsch The Fives
- Good
Need built-in Wi-Fi music streaming
Neither of these original systems supplies that platform.
- Klipsch R-50PM
- Not suitable
- Klipsch The Fives
- Not suitable
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
The TV benefit belongs to everyone using the room
R-50PM can take optical TV audio, but Fives adds HDMI ARC and CEC. In a household where several people watch television without managing the music system, that can make the familiar TV remote the volume control after compatible setup. If one person mainly uses records or a USB computer, the same upgrade may solve little. Match the premium to the shared daily routine rather than assuming HDMI improves every source.
How we reached this conclusion
Verified HDMI control path crossed with multiple users. Actual TV and CEC behavior must be checked.
The TV-focused model can recover furniture space too
Fives is 1.55 inches shallower and 2 inches shorter than R-50PM. That can make it the easier pair on a shallow television unit, even though it has the extra TV connection. This comparison is about body dimensions. Leave room for cables, ventilation and stable support, and do not use the depth saving to push either cabinet into an unsuitable enclosed shelf.
How we reached this conclusion
10.8 − 9.25 = 1.55 inches depth. 14 − 12 = 2 inches height.
Records plus a computer do not create the same reason to upgrade
Both already accept USB audio and a compatible MM turntable through the phono setting. A desk used for computer listening during the day and records at night can therefore retain both sources without buying Fives for those inputs. Both still share the RCA phono/line pair, so adding an analog-only CD player needs an auxiliary or switching plan. Fives earns its place through TV control and physical fit, not by solving every source-count problem.
How we reached this conclusion
Shared USB and phono capabilities separate a genuine HDMI advantage from unchanged source limitations.
Choice A
Klipsch, R-50PM
R-50PM
Records and computer audio dominate, with no need for HDMI TV control.
- Best matched use
- Records and computer audio dominate, with no need for HDMI TV control.
Checked facts
- TV audio and control: Optical, no HDMI
- Body depth: 10.8 inches
- Body height: 14 inches
- Turntable: Shared RCA phono/line
Choice B
Klipsch, The Fives
The Fives
Other household members expect the TV remote to control speaker volume.
- Best matched use
- Other household members expect the TV remote to control speaker volume.
Checked facts
- TV audio and control: HDMI ARC with CEC plus optical
- Body depth: 9.25 inches
- Body height: 12 inches
- Turntable: Shared RCA phono/line
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Klipsch R-50PM | Klipsch The Fives | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV audio and control | Optical, no HDMI | HDMI ARC with CEC plus optical | Fives offers the supported TV-remote volume path. |
| Body depth | 10.8 inches | 9.25 inches | Fives saves 1.55 inches before cables and placement space. |
| Body height | 14 inches | 12 inches | Fives also fits a lower opening, subject to clearance. |
| Turntable | Shared RCA phono/line | Shared RCA phono/line | Neither gives two independent RCA source pairs. |
| Computer | USB audio | USB-B audio | Direct computer audio does not require the Fives upgrade. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Klipsch R-50PM
- A TV-control workaround may add complexity beyond the speaker price.
If you choose Klipsch The Fives
- Check actual TV CEC compatibility. HDMI ARC is useful only if the television and settings support the intended routine.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
The system is primarily for records and USB audio
Choose Klipsch R-50PM. R-50PM already supplies the required connection types if its size fits.
Shared TV control or shallow furniture is the unresolved problem
Choose Klipsch The Fives. Fives addresses both with HDMI ARC and the smaller body.
What matters in practice
Before you choose
A music-first pair can cover the TV electrically while still making the household reach for another remote.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- No measured sound-quality winner. Source convenience and body fit do not establish acoustic superiority.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current powered speakers comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
See the checked facts and calculation notes
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Klipsch R-50PM |
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| Klipsch The Fives |
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Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Open either model on Amazon to check the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Klipsch R-50PM
Records and computer audio dominate, with no need for HDMI TV control.
The 10.8-inch cabinet depth fits and the TV’s existing optical routine is acceptable.
See price & reviews on AmazonKlipsch The Fives
Other household members expect the TV remote to control speaker volume.
Shallow furniture makes a 9.25-inch body easier to place before rear clearance.
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.