In this review, we will be comparing two different types of speakers by Klipsch. Klipsch Reference R 50M 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 50M and Klipsch Reference R 40SA first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Reference R 50M 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 50M and Reference R 40SA are 2-way speakers.
Klipsch Reference R 50MKlipsch 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 50M |
Klipsch Reference R 40SA |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 4-inch
|
Reference R 50M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Woofer. On the other hand, the Reference R 40SA features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Woofer.
Frequency Response
Reference R 50M has a frequency range of 58-21k 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 50M's min frequency of 58Hz.
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 50M's and Klipsch Reference R 40SA's external dimensions. Klipsch Reference R 50M has external dimensions of 354.0 x 179.4 x 231.8mm () whereas Klipsch Reference R 40SA has external dimensions of 177.8 x 147.6 x 281.0mm ().
Klipsch Reference R 40SA is 31.8mm narrower and 176.2mm shorter than Klipsch Reference R 50M but it is also 49.2mm deeper.
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.
Near-identical footprints. Klipsch Reference R 40SA is 49mm deeper, so it stands that much further out from the wall. Klipsch Reference R 50M is 176mm 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 50M is approximately 415.8cm2 / 64.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch Reference R 40SA is approximately 414.8cm2 / 64.3inch2. The Reference R 50M requires 0% more surface area than the Reference R 40SA which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.