In this review, we will be comparing Reference R 40M and Reference R 50M, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by Klipsch.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch Reference R 40M and Klipsch Reference R 50M first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | Klipsch Reference R 40M | Klipsch Reference R 50M |
|---|
| Brand | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 | Klipsch
United States · founded 1946 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 1" Tractrix Horn | 1" Tractrix Horn |
|---|
| Woofer | 4" | 5.25" |
|---|
| Frequency response | 71-21k Hz | 58-21k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 91 dB | 92 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
|---|
| Weight | 3.18kg / 7lbs | 4.99kg / 11lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 11-3/4" x 5-13/16" x 8-7/16"
298.5 x 147.6 x 214.3mm | 13-15/16" x 7-1/16" x 9-1/8"
354.0 x 179.4 x 231.8mm |
|---|
Reference R 40M and Reference R 50M 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 50M are 2-way speakers.
Klipsch Reference R 40MKlipsch Reference R 50M
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 50M |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Reference R 40M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Woofer. On the other hand, the Reference R 50M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Woofer.
Frequency Response
Reference R 40M has a frequency range of 71-21k Hz whereas Reference R 50M has a frequency range of 58-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 58Hz, the Reference R 50M 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.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Reference R 40M and Reference R 50M have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Reference R 40M sensitivity is rated at 91 dB and the Reference R 50M's is at 92 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Klipsch Reference R 50M a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch Reference R 40M, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Reference R 40M features Binding post type posts and Reference R 50M has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Physical Specs
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 50M's external dimensions. Klipsch Reference R 40M has external dimensions of 298.5 x 147.6 x 214.3mm () whereas Klipsch Reference R 50M has external dimensions of 354.0 x 179.4 x 231.8mm ().
Klipsch Reference R 50M is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 31.8mm wider, 55.5mm taller and 17.5mm deeper than Klipsch Reference R 40M.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Klipsch Reference R 40M and Klipsch Reference R 50M in scale.
Comparison image of Klipsch Reference R 40M and Klipsch Reference R 50M 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 Reference R 40M is approximately 316.3cm2 / 49.0inch2 and base area of the Klipsch Reference R 50M is approximately 415.8cm2 / 64.4inch2. The Reference R 40M requires 24% less surface area than the Reference R 50M which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of Klipsch Reference R 40M and Klipsch Reference R 50M on a Media Console
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Klipsch Reference R 40M weighs 3.18kg / 7lbs and the Klipsch Reference R 50M weighs 4.99kg / 11lbs. This makes the Reference R 50M 57% heavier than the Reference R 40M.
Here is a comparison of how Reference R 40M and Reference R 50M's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
 Height |
298mm
vs
354mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
316cm2
vs
415cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
92 dB
vs
91 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
4 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
58 Hz
vs
71 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Klipsch Reference R 40M |
Klipsch Reference R 50M |
| Brand |
Klipsch |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Sensitivity |
91 dB |
92 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
71-21k Hz |
58-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
4" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
|
|
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Tractrix Horn |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
298.5mm (11.8") |
354.0mm (13.9") |
| Width |
147.6mm (5.8") |
179.4mm (7.1") |
| Depth |
214.3mm (8.4") |
231.8mm (9.1") |
| Weight |
3.18kg (7lbs) |
4.99kg (11lbs) |
| Enclosure |
|
|
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
|
|
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
Siblings in Klipsch's Reference (R) series, so they share a family sound. It comes down to size, output and price.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | B | Klipsch Reference R 50M digs deeper - 58Hz against 71Hz. |
| Amplifier needs | evenly matched | Similar sensitivity (91dB vs 92dB) - both want much the same power. |
| Size | depends | Klipsch Reference R 40M is easier to place; Klipsch Reference R 50M is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
A Klipsch Reference R 40M B Klipsch Reference R 50M
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Klipsch Reference R 50M has the edge on paper, though the margin is not large. The rows marked "depends" may matter more to you than the score does. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 71Hz anyway, so judge these on the other rows instead. In a large or open-plan room, Klipsch Reference R 50M has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, Klipsch Reference R 40M is the easier speaker to get right.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.