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  4. Klipsch Reference R 50M
Klipsch Reference R 50M Review
Klipsch Reference R 50M - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter
  • 5.25" Woofer
  • 58-21k Hz Frequency Response
  • 92 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Weight: 11.00 lbs / 4.99 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 13-15/16"x7-1/16"x9-1/8" / 354.0 x 179.4 x 231.8mm
MSRP: $300 (list price)
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Klipsch Reference R 50M Review
Klipsch Reference R 50M Klipsch Reference R...
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Klipsch · United States · since 1946 · sold through dealers

Klipsch Reference R 50M is a 2-way Passive Bookshelf speaker by Klipsch. It was released in April 2022. It features a 1" Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 58-21k Hz and a sensitivity of 92 dB.

Klipsch's Reference (R) Series of Loudspeakers

Reference R 50M 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 600F
Compare
38-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Klipsch Reference R 800F
Compare
34-21k Hz 98 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
Klipsch Reference R 40SA
Compare
— —8Ω 1 x 4"
Klipsch Reference R 605FA
Compare
38-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Klipsch Reference R 50M
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 50M Speaker

Klipsch Reference R 50M has a Frequency response range of 58-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 58 Hz, Reference R 50M delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

Here we have a comparison of how Reference R 50M's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch Reference R 50M
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Klipsch Reference R 50M?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 58 Hz low end
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

Klipsch Reference R 50M's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 92 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch Reference R 50M
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Klipsch Reference R 50M is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

92dB of the Klipsch Reference R 50M is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes Reference R 50M 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 Reference R 50M will be a good choice. Work out how loud the Klipsch Reference R 50M plays in your room →

What amplifier does the Klipsch Reference R 50M need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 4.7–75 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $300, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Reference R 50M features Binding post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Klipsch Reference R 50M External Dimensions and Weight

Klipsch Reference R 50M has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) (354.0 x 179.4 x 231.8mm ).

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 50M is approximately 415.8cm2 / 64.4inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Klipsch Reference R 50M, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Klipsch Reference R 50M Real Life Body Size Comparison
Klipsch Reference R 50M Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Klipsch Reference R 50M virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

Klipsch Reference R 50M placed next to an amplifier and turntable
Klipsch Reference R 50M Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The Klipsch Reference R 50M weighs 4.99kg / 11lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Reference R 50M's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Klipsch Reference R 50M
Min
Average
Median

Available colors

Klipsch Reference R 50M is available in Black.

Wall Mounting

Reference R 50M doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Klipsch Reference R 50M.

  • 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.
  • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

Warranty

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

Klipsch Reference R 50M Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Klipsch Reference R 605FA
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 38-21k Hz
Klipsch Reference R 600F
Compare
2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 38-21k Hz
Klipsch Reference R 800F
Compare
2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 34-21k Hz
Klipsch Reference R 40M
Compare
2-way 91 dB 8 ohms 71-21k Hz
Klipsch Reference R 40SA
Compare
2-way 8 ohms
Polk ES15
Compare
2-way 85 dB 8 ohms 44-40k Hz
Polk ES20
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 41-40k Hz
Polk ES30
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 55-40k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Klipsch Reference R 50M

What amplifier do you need for the Klipsch Reference R 50M?

The Klipsch Reference R 50M is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the Klipsch Reference R 50M easy to drive?

The Klipsch Reference R 50M has a sensitivity of 92 dB. That is high: it goes loud on modest power, so it suits low-powered amplifiers, including valve/tube designs.

Does the Klipsch Reference R 50M need a subwoofer?

The Klipsch Reference R 50M reaches down to 58Hz (full range 58-21k Hz). That covers most music, though a subwoofer still adds the bottom octave for home theatre.

What drivers does the Klipsch Reference R 50M use?

The Klipsch Reference R 50M is a 2-way design using a 1" Tractrix Horn tweeter and a 5.25" woofer.

Is the Klipsch Reference R 50M sealed or ported?

The Klipsch Reference R 50M 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 50M?

The Klipsch Reference R 50M weighs 4.99kg / 11lbs each.

How much does the Klipsch Reference R 50M cost?

The Klipsch Reference R 50M has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $300.


Klipsch Reference R 50M Detailed Specifications

General
BrandKlipsch
Full Model NameKlipsch Reference R 50M
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Sensitivity92 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response58-21k Hz
Release DateApril 2022
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.25-inch
Woofer Composition
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeTractrix Horn

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height354.0mm ( 13-15/16-inch)
Width179.4mm ( 7-1/16-inch)
Depth231.8mm ( 9-1/8-inch)
Height354.0mm ( 13-15/16-inch)
Weight4.99 kg (11 lbs)
Enclosure
FinishMDF/Wood-grain vinyl
Available ColorsBlack
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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