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Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M Review
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M

Main Features

  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 4" Cerametallic Woofer
  • 52-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 93 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: up to 50watts
  • Weight:9.02 lbs / 4.10 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 11.7"x5.6"x7.5" / 298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm
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Klipsch RP-400M Review

Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Klipsch. It features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Cerametallic Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 52-25k Hz and a sensitivity of 93 dB. Klipsch RP-400M has an MSRP of 399$ per pair but can often be found around 274$ per pair.

What size of room is the Klipsch RP-400M speaker good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use the Klipsch RP-400M is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various sizes of environments considering its size and max power parameters:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldGood
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomNo way

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

What are the speakers in Klipsch's Reference Premiere (RP) Series?

RP-400M is a member of Klipsch's Reference Premiere (RP) series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Klipsch Reference Premiere (RP) Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Klipsch RP-500M
Compare
48-25k Hz 93 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Klipsch RP-400M
52-25k Hz 93 dB8Ω 1 x 4"
Klipsch RP-600M
Compare
45-25k Hz 96 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Klipsch RP-6000F
Compare
34-25k Hz 97 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Klipsch RP-160M
Compare
45-25k Hz 95 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Klipsch RP-8000F
Compare
32-25k Hz 98 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
Klipsch RP-280F
Compare
32-25k Hz 98 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
Klipsch RP-5000F
Compare
35-25k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Klipsch RP-600C
Compare
58-25k Hz 97 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Klipsch RP-8060FA
Compare
32-25k Hz 98 dB8Ω 2 x 8"


**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.

What is the Frequency Response of the Klipsch RP-400M speaker?

Klipsch RP-400M has a Frequency response range of 52-25k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of up to 50 watts. At a minimum frequency of 52 Hz, RP-400M will provide an average bass depth so depending on your use case, you may consider supplementing your system with a subwoofer.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Klipsch RP-400M, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $500. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how RP-400M's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch RP-400M
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch RP-400M
Min
Average
Max
Klipsch RP-400M Woofer
Klipsch RP-400M's Cerametallic Woofer



Klipsch RP-400M Tweeter
Klipsch RP-400M's Tractrix Horn Tweeter

What is the Crossover frequency of Klipsch RP-400M?

The Crossover frequency of the RP-400M is set to 1500Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

What are the Impedance and Sensitivity of the Klipsch RP-400M? Is it an easy-to-drive speaker?

Klipsch RP-400M's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 93 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch RP-400M
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

93dB of Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes RP-400M an easy to drive from Sensitivity perspective. If you are planning to power your speaker with a Tube amp which are generally very low power, the Klipsch RP-400M will be a good choice.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Klipsch RP-400M:

  • Integrated Amps under 300 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 500 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

RP-400M features Single binding posts type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Klipsch RP-400M Back View
Klipsch RP-400M Back View

Klipsch RP-400M External Dimensions and Weight

Klipsch RP-400M has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 11.7 x 5.6 x 7.5inch (298.0 x 144.0 x 191.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Klipsch RP-400M is approximately 275.0cm2 / 42.6inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Klipsch RP-400M, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Klipsch RP-400M Real Life Body Size Comparison
Klipsch RP-400M Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Klipsch RP-400M virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

Klipsch RP-400M placed next to an amplifier and turntable
Klipsch RP-400M Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Weight

The Klipsch RP-400M weighs 4.10kg / 9lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how RP-400M's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch RP-400M
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $500
Klipsch RP-400M
Min
Average
Max

How does the Klipsch RP-400M compare to the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500M?

One of the natural alternative to the Klipsch RP-400M is the RP-500M which is located one step higher in Klipsch's Passive Bookshelf selection.

Here is a scaled size comparison of these two speakers to give you an idea how their external dimensions compare:

Klipsch RP-400M vs Klipsch RP-500M Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Klipsch RP-400M and Klipsch RP-500M Size and External Dimensions

Check the Detailed Comparison of Klipsch RP-400M vs RP-500M for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

Klipsch RP-400M has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Wood-grain vinyl finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Speaker Feet

Klipsch RP-400M comes with 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on.

It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

Port Position

Klipsch RP-400M is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

Klipsch RP-400M  Port
Klipsch RP-400M Tractrix horn-shaped Port

Available colors

Klipsch RP-400M is available in Ebony, Walnut and Piano Black.

Wall Mounting

RP-400M has Keyhole mounting bracket that makes it possible to mount on walls and similar surfaces easily.

Does the Klipsch RP-400M come with a Grille?

RP-400M comes with magnetic grilles in black color choices. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the RP-400M is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

Klipsch RP-400M  with Grille
Klipsch RP-400M with Grille

What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-400M?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of RP-400M:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Grilles (installed)
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • User Manual
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information
  • User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for Klipsch RP-400M

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M speaker:
    Official Brochure for Klipsch RP-400M

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for Klipsch RP-400M

    Warranty

    5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    Klipsch RP-400M  Lifestyle
    Klipsch RP-400M Lifestyle

    Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Klipsch R-51M
    Compare
    2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 62-21k Hz
    ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 6 ohms 44-35k Hz
    Klipsch RP-500M
    Compare
    2-way 93 dB 8 ohms 48-25k Hz
    Jamo S 801
    Compare
    2-way 85 dB 8 ohms 76-26k Hz
    KEF Q150
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 51-28k Hz
    Klipsch RP-600M
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 45-25k Hz
    Polk TSi100
    Compare
    2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 61-24k Hz
    Klipsch R-41M
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 68-21k Hz
    Polk ES20
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 41-40k Hz
    Emotiva Airmotiv B1+
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 48 Hz – 28 kHz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M
    What is the External Dimensions of Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M
    is the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M an easy to drive speaker?



    Klipsch RP-400M Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandKlipsch
    Full Model NameKlipsch Reference Premiere RP-400M
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Power Rangeup to 50 watts
    Sensitivity93 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response52-25k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size4-inch
    Woofer CompositionCerametallic
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeTractrix Horn
    Crossover freq1500Hz
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeSingle binding posts
    Biamp InputsNo
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height298.0mm ( 11.7-inch)
    Width144.0mm ( 5.6-inch)
    Depth191.0mm ( 7.5-inch)
    Height298.0mm ( 11.7-inch)
    Weight4.10kg ( 9.02 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF/Wood-grain vinyl
    Available ColorsEbony, Walnut, Piano Black
    Mounting BracketKeyhole
    Recommended Stand Height28-30
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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