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Klipsch Reference R 50M vs Klipsch Reference R 800F Comparison

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Klipsch Reference R 50M

Passive Bookshelf | 58-21k Hz

Klipsch Reference R 50M
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Klipsch Reference R 800F

Passive Floor-standing | 34-21k Hz

Klipsch Reference R 800F
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Klipsch Reference R 50M Klipsch Reference R...
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Klipsch Reference R 800F Klipsch Reference R...
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Klipsch Reference R 50M vs Klipsch Reference R 800F Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Klipsch. Klipsch Reference R 50M is a Bookshelf 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 50M and Klipsch Reference R 800F first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Klipsch Reference R 50M Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 5.25" Woofer
  • 58-21k Hz Frequency Response
  • 92 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Weight:kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 13-15/16" x 7-1/16" x 9-1/8"

Klipsch Reference R 800F Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 2 x 8" Woofer
  • 34-21k Hz Frequency Response
  • 98 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Weight:kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 42-3/4" x 10-3/16" x 16-3/4"

Reference R 50M 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
Model Body Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Klipsch Reference R 800F
Floor-standing 34-21k Hz 98 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
Klipsch Reference R 40SA
  
Surround 8Ω 1 x 4"
Klipsch Reference R 605FA
  
Floor-standing 38-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Klipsch Reference R 600F
  
Floor-standing 38-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Klipsch Reference R 40M
  
Bookshelf 71-21k Hz 91 dB8Ω 1 x 4"
Klipsch Reference R 50M
Bookshelf 58-21k Hz 92 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Klipsch Reference R 50M and Klipsch Reference R 800F 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 Reference R 50M and Reference R 800F are 2-way speakers.

Driver Klipsch Reference R 50M Klipsch Reference R 800F
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 5.25-inch 2 x 8-inch

Reference R 50M features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Woofer . On the other hand, the Reference R 800F features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 8" Woofer .

Frequency Response

Reference R 50M has a frequency range of 58-21k Hz whereas Reference R 800F has a frequency range of 34-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 34Hz, the Reference R 800F can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Reference R 50M's min frequency of 58Hz.

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 Bookshelf class in our database.

Low Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Reference R 50M
Reference R 800F
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Klipsch Reference R 50M
Klipsch Reference R 800F
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

Reference R 50M and Reference R 800F have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Reference R 50M sensitivity is rated at 92 dB and the Reference R 800F's is at 98 dB. This 6 dB difference makes the Klipsch Reference R 800F a more sensitive speaker compared to Klipsch Reference R 50M, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

Reference R 50M
Reference R 800F
Min
Average
Max

Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring

Reference R 50M features Binding post type posts and Reference R 800F has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

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 Reference R 50M's and Klipsch Reference R 800F's external dimensions. Klipsch Reference R 50M has external dimensions of ( ) whereas Klipsch Reference R 800F has external dimensions of ( ) .

In this case, we can see that Klipsch Reference R 50M and Klipsch Reference R 800F have the exact same height, width and thickness.


Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R 50M over Klipsch Reference R 800F

Reasons to choose Klipsch Reference R 800F over Klipsch Reference R 50M

Sensitivity 98 dB vs 92 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
Woofer Size 8 inches vs 5.25 inches Larger woofer
Number of Woofers 2 vs 1 More woofers
Low Frequency Response 34 Hz vs 58 Hz Generates deeper bass
Klipsch Reference R 50M vs Klipsch Reference R 800F Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Klipsch Reference R 50M Klipsch Reference R 800F
Brand Klipsch Klipsch
Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Floor-standing speaker
Sensitivity 92 dB 98 dB
Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
Frequency Response 58-21k Hz 34-21k Hz
Drivers
Woofer Quantity 1 2
Woofer Size 5.25" 8"
Woofer Composition
Tweeter Size 1" 1"
Tweeter Type Tractrix Horn Tractrix Horn
Aimable Tweeter No No
Midrange Driver No No
Physical Specs
Height mm (0") mm (0")
Width mm (0") mm (0")
Depth mm (0") mm (0")
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

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