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  3. Passive Surround Speakers
  4. Klipsch Reference R 40SA
Klipsch Reference R 40SA Review
Klipsch Reference R 40SA - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 4" Woofer
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Weight: 6.00 lbs / 2.72 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 7"x5-13/16"x11-1/16" / 177.8 x 147.6 x 281.0mm
MSRP: $470 (list price)
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Klipsch Reference R 40SA Review
Klipsch Reference R 40SA Klipsch Reference R...
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Made by Klipsch · United States · since 1946 · sold through dealers

Klipsch Reference R 40SA is a 2-way Passive Surround speaker by Klipsch. It was released in April 2022. It features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 4" Woofer. Klipsch Reference R 40SA has an MSRP of 470$ per pair but can often be found around 0$ per pair.

Klipsch's Reference (R) Series of Loudspeakers

Reference R 40SA is a member of Klipsch's Reference (R) series of Passive speakers. The Reference (R) range is Klipsch's affordable core line, using the brand's signature Tractrix horn-loaded tweeters. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 6 Klipsch Reference (R) models compared »

Klipsch Reference (R) Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Klipsch Reference R 800F
Compare
34-21k Hz 98 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
Klipsch Reference R 600F
Compare
38-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Klipsch Reference R 40SA
— —8Ω 1 x 4"
Klipsch Reference R 605FA
Compare
38-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Klipsch Reference R 50M
Compare
58-21k Hz 92 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Klipsch Reference R 40M
Compare
71-21k Hz 91 dB8Ω 1 x 4"

Frequency Response of the Klipsch Reference R 40SA Speaker

Klipsch Reference R 40SA has a Frequency response range of . With a minimum frequency of Hz, Reference R 40SA delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.

Here we have a comparison of how Reference R 40SA's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Surround Speakers
Klipsch Reference R 40SA
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Klipsch Reference R 40SA?
  • Powered subwoofers under $500 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

Klipsch Reference R 40SA's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of .

Sensitivity
Surround Speakers
Klipsch Reference R 40SA
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Klipsch Reference R 40SA is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only dB, Klipsch Reference R 40SA is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $500, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Reference R 40SA features Binding post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Klipsch Reference R 40SA External Dimensions and Weight

Klipsch Reference R 40SA has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) (177.8 x 147.6 x 281.0mm ).

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 Reference R 40SA is approximately 414.8cm2 / 64.3inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →

Weight

The Klipsch Reference R 40SA weighs 2.72kg / 6lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Reference R 40SA's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Surround Speakers
Klipsch Reference R 40SA
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Surround Speakers under $500
Klipsch Reference R 40SA
Min
Average
Max

Available colors

Klipsch Reference R 40SA is available in Black.

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Klipsch Reference R 40SA.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.

Warranty

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

Klipsch Reference R 40SA Alternatives in Passive Surround Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Klipsch Reference R 600F
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 38-21k Hz
Klipsch Reference R 40M
Compare
2-way 91 dB 8 ohms 71-21k Hz
Klipsch Reference R 800F
Compare
2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 34-21k Hz
Klipsch Reference R 605FA
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 38-21k Hz
Klipsch Reference R 50M
Compare
2-way 92 dB 8 ohms 58-21k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Klipsch Reference R 40SA

What amplifier do you need for the Klipsch Reference R 40SA?

The Klipsch Reference R 40SA is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

What drivers does the Klipsch Reference R 40SA use?

The Klipsch Reference R 40SA is a 2-way design using a 1" Tractrix Horn tweeter and a 4" woofer.

Is the Klipsch Reference R 40SA sealed or ported?

The Klipsch Reference R 40SA uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

How big and heavy is the Klipsch Reference R 40SA?

The Klipsch Reference R 40SA weighs 2.72kg / 6lbs each.

How much does the Klipsch Reference R 40SA cost?

The Klipsch Reference R 40SA has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $470 per pair.


Klipsch Reference R 40SA Detailed Specifications

General
BrandKlipsch
Full Model NameKlipsch Reference R 40SA
Speaker Type2-way Surround
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response
Release DateApril 2022
DRIVERS
Woofer Size4-inch
Woofer Composition
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeTractrix Horn

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height177.8mm ( 7-inch)
Width147.6mm ( 5-13/16-inch)
Depth281.0mm ( 11-1/16-inch)
Height177.8mm ( 7-inch)
Weight2.72 kg (6 lbs)
Enclosure
FinishMDF/Wood-grain vinyl
Available ColorsBlack
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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