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Klipsch RP-8000F vs Klipsch RP-400M Comparison

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Klipsch RP-8000F

Passive Floor-standing | 32-25k Hz

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F
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Klipsch RP-400M

Passive Bookshelf | 52-25k Hz

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M
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Klipsch RP-8000F Klipsch RP-8000F
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Klipsch RP-400M Klipsch RP-400M
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Klipsch RP-8000F
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Klipsch RP-400M
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Klipsch RP-8000F vs Klipsch RP-400M Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Klipsch. Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F is a Floor-standing speaker whereas the RP-400M is a Bookshelf speaker.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of Klipsch RP-8000F and Klipsch RP-400M first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Klipsch RP-8000F Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 2 x 8" Cerametallic Woofer
  • 32-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 98 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:up to 150watts
  • Weight:27.27kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 1099.0" x 10-7/8" x 17-1/2"( 1099.0 x 277.0 x 445.0mm )

Klipsch RP-400M Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 4" Cerametallic Woofer
  • 52-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 93 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:up to 50watts
  • Weight:4.10kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 298.0" x 5.6" x 7.5"( 298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm )

RP-8000F and RP-400M are members of Klipsch's Reference Premiere (RP) series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.

Klipsch Reference Premiere (RP) Series History
Model Body Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Klipsch RP-500M
  
Bookshelf 48-25k Hz 93 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Klipsch RP-400M
Bookshelf 52-25k Hz 93 dB8Ω 1 x 4"
Klipsch RP-600M
  
Bookshelf 45-25k Hz 96 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Klipsch RP-6000F
  
Floor-standing 34-25k Hz 97 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Klipsch RP-280F
  
Floor-standing 32-25k Hz 98 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
Klipsch RP-8000F
Floor-standing 32-25k Hz 98 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
Klipsch RP-160M
  
Bookshelf 45-25k Hz 95 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Klipsch RP-5000F
  
Floor-standing 35-25k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Klipsch RP-8060FA
  
Floor-standing 32-25k Hz 98 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
Klipsch RP-450C
  
Center Channel 58-25k Hz 97 dB8Ω 4 x 5.25"

What size room are the Klipsch RP-8000F and Klipsch RP-400M speakers good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:

Listening Environment* Klipsch RP-8000F Klipsch RP-400M
Near-field Bad Good
Small Room Poor Good
Mid-size Room Good Average
Large Room Good Poor
Very Large Room Poor No way

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch RP-8000F and Klipsch RP-400M compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Drivers

Both RP-8000F and RP-400M are 2-way speakers.

Driver Klipsch RP-8000F Klipsch RP-400M
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 2 x 8-inch 1 x 4-inch

RP-8000F features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 8" Cerametallic Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-400M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Cerametallic Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1500Hz.

Frequency Response

RP-8000F has a frequency range of 32-25k Hz whereas RP-400M has a frequency range of 52-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 32Hz, the RP-8000F can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the RP-400M's min frequency of 52Hz.

Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Floor-standing class in our database.

Low Frequency

Floor-standing Speakers

RP-8000F
RP-400M
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Floor-standing Speakers

Klipsch RP-8000F
Klipsch RP-400M
Min
Average
Max

None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.

Impedance and Sensitivity

RP-8000F and RP-400M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. RP-8000F sensitivity is rated at 98 dB and the RP-400M's is at 93 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-8000F a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch RP-400M, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Floor-standing Speakers

RP-8000F
RP-400M
Min
Average
Max

Power Range

Power range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.

RP-8000F can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-400M has a max power handling value of 50 watts RMS, 100 watts less than the RP-8000F.

Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.

Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring

RP-8000F features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-400M has a Single binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

Klipsch RP-8000F Terminals
Klipsch RP-8000F's Post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring

Klipsch RP-400MSingle binding posts Terminals
Klipsch RP-400M's Single binding posts terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

Both RP-8000F and RP-400M have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.

If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.

Klipsch RP-8000F  Port
Klipsch RP-8000F Port

Klipsch RP-400M  Port
Klipsch RP-400M Tractrix horn-shaped Port

Physical Specs

Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Klipsch RP-8000F's and Klipsch RP-400M's external dimensions. Klipsch RP-8000F has external dimensions of 1099.0 x 277.0 x 445.0mm ( 43-1/4 x 10-7/8 x 17-1/2inch) whereas Klipsch RP-400M has external dimensions of 298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm ( 11.7 x 5.6 x 7.5inch) .

Klipsch RP-8000F is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 133mm wider, 801mm taller and 254mm deeper than Klipsch RP-400M.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch RP-8000F and Klipsch RP-400M in scale.

Klipsch RP-8000F vs Klipsch RP-400M Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-8000F and Klipsch RP-400M Size and External Dimensions

Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base surface area of the Klipsch RP-8000F is approximately 1232.7cm2 / 191.1inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-400M is approximately 275.0cm2 / 42.6inch2. The RP-8000F requires 348% more surface area than the RP-400M which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.

What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-8000F?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-8000F:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • Stabilizer feet (installed)
  • Grille (installed)
  • 2 Terminal jumpers (installed)
  • User Manual
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information
  • What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-400M?

    Here are the items that come with the RP-400M:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles (installed)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • User Manual
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information

  • Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F over Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M
    Max Input Power 150 watts vs 50 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Sensitivity 98 dB vs 93 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Woofer Size 8 inches vs 4 inches Larger woofer
    Number of Woofers 2 vs 1 More woofers
    Low Frequency Response 32 Hz vs 52 Hz Generates deeper bass
    Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring Yes vs No Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections

    Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M over Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F

    Mounting Bracket Yes vs No Allows mounting on walls
    Height 298mm vs 1099mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 275cm2 vs 1232cm2 Takes less floor space
    Price per pair* 399USD vs 1658USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    Klipsch RP-8000F vs Klipsch RP-400M Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M
    Brand Klipsch Klipsch
    Speaker Type Floor-standing speaker Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range up to 150 watts up to 50 watts
    Sensitivity 98 dB 93 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Frequency Response 32-25k Hz 52-25k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 2 1
    Woofer Size 8" 4"
    Woofer Composition Cerametallic Cerametallic
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type Tractrix Horn Tractrix Horn
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency n/a 1500Hz
    Firing Direction rear rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 1099.0mm (43.3") 298.0mm (11.7")
    Width 277.0mm (10.9") 144.0mm (5.7")
    Depth 445.0mm (17.5") 191.0mm (7.5")
    Weight 27.27kg (60lbs) 4.10kg (9lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Wood-grain vinyl MDF/Wood-grain vinyl
    Available Colors Walnut, Black Ebony, Walnut, Piano Black
    Mounting Bracket No Keyhole
    Recommended Stand Height n/a 28-30"
    Grille Yes Yes
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs Yes No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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