In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by Klipsch. Klipsch Reference R 40SA is a Surround speaker whereas the Reference R 800F is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Klipsch Reference R 40SA and Klipsch Reference R 800F first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Reference R 40SA and Reference R 800F 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 40SA and Reference R 800F are 2-way speakers.
Klipsch Reference R 40SAKlipsch Reference R 800F
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 40SA |
Klipsch Reference R 800F |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 4-inch
|
2 x 8-inch
|
Reference R 40SA features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Woofer. On the other hand, the Reference R 800F features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 8" Woofer.
Frequency Response
Reference R 40SA has a frequency range of whereas Reference R 800F has a frequency range of 34-21k Hz. 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 800F's min frequency of 34Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Surround 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 40SA's and Klipsch Reference R 800F's external dimensions. Klipsch Reference R 40SA has external dimensions of 177.8 x 147.6 x 281.0mm () whereas Klipsch Reference R 800F has external dimensions of 1085.9 x 258.8 x 425.5mm ().
Klipsch Reference R 800F is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 111.2mm wider, 908.1mm taller and 144.5mm deeper than Klipsch Reference R 40SA.
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 800F needs about 166% more floor or shelf area. Klipsch Reference R 800F is 145mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. Klipsch Reference R 800F is 908mm 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 40SA is approximately 414.8cm2 / 64.3inch2 and base area of the Klipsch Reference R 800F is approximately 1101.2cm2 / 170.7inch2. The Reference R 40SA requires 62% less surface area than the Reference R 800F which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.