In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by Klipsch. Klipsch Reference R 40M is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the Reference R 40SA is a Surround speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch Reference R 40M and Klipsch Reference R 40SA first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Reference R 40M and Reference R 40SA are members of Klipsch's Reference (R) series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Klipsch Reference (R) Series
History
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both Reference R 40M and Reference R 40SA are 2-way speakers.
Klipsch Reference R 40MKlipsch Reference R 40SA
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
Klipsch Reference R 40M |
Klipsch Reference R 40SA |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
Reference R 40M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Woofer. On the other hand, the Reference R 40SA features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Woofer.
Frequency Response
Reference R 40M has a frequency range of 71-21k Hz whereas Reference R 40SA has a frequency range of . With a minimum frequency of Hz, the Reference R 40SA can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Reference R 40M's min frequency of 71Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 Reference R 40M's and Klipsch Reference R 40SA's external dimensions. Klipsch Reference R 40M has external dimensions of 298.5 x 147.6 x 214.3mm () whereas Klipsch Reference R 40SA has external dimensions of 177.8 x 147.6 x 281.0mm ().
Size, drawn to scale
Both speakers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same surface and pushed back to the same wall, so the deeper one visibly sticks out further.
Klipsch Reference R 40SA needs about 31% more floor or shelf area. Klipsch Reference R 40SA is 67mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. Klipsch Reference R 40M is 121mm taller.
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 Reference R 40M is approximately 316.3cm2 / 49.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch Reference R 40SA is approximately 414.8cm2 / 64.3inch2. The Reference R 40M requires 24% less surface area than the Reference R 40SA which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.