Overview

The Klipsch R-40M is a compact bookshelf speaker from the Klipsch Reference series, pairing a 1-inch aluminum tweeter on a 90° x 90° Tractrix horn with a 4-inch spun-copper woofer. At 11.7 inches tall and 8.5 inches deep, it fits on shelves, desks and stands where larger speakers won't. It suits smaller rooms, secondary systems and surround channels in a Klipsch Reference home theatre.

The 1-inch Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) aluminum tweeter minimizes distortion, and the square Tractrix horn controls directivity over a wide range of frequencies for a more accurate soundstage. The 4-inch Thermoformed Crystalline Polymer (TCP) woofer uses a steeply angled, ribbed cone for smoother response and less cone breakup. Rear-firing ports support the bass, and Klipsch rates the R-40M at 71 Hz to 21 kHz (±3 dB) with 91 dB in-room sensitivity.

The reinforced ¾-inch MDF cabinet uses an all-new bracing design to reduce vibration and colouration, finished in scratch-resistant black textured wood grain vinyl. Hidden fasteners, an edge-to-edge horn and a low-profile magnetic grille keep the look clean, and gold-plated binding posts handle the connection.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

The R-40M's ports fire out the back, so leave some space between the speaker and the wall; pushed right against it or tucked deep into a bookcase, bass can turn boomy. Angle the pair toward your listening position so the horns aim at you, and keep the tweeters near ear height. A 4-inch woofer has limits in the deep bass, so for movies or bass-heavy music, adding a subwoofer and setting your receiver's crossover around 80 Hz lets the R-40M focus on what it does well.

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Why the Klipsch R-40M Stands Out

Buyer's Guide

Who It's For

• Smaller Rooms: Want Klipsch sound in a compact speaker.
• Home Theatre Builders: Want surrounds that match Klipsch Reference speakers.
• Desk and Shelf Setups: Want speakers that fit tight spaces.

How It Compares

The R-50M is the larger Klipsch Reference bookshelf model, with a 5.25" woofer, 58 Hz to 21 kHz response, 92 dB sensitivity and 75 W continuous power handling, in a 13.9"-tall, 9"-deep cabinet. The R-40M uses a 4" woofer, reaching 71 Hz at 91 dB sensitivity with 50 W continuous power handling, in a smaller 11.7"-tall, 8.5"-deep cabinet. Choose the R-40M for tight spaces or surrounds, and the R-50M for fuller bass as a main stereo pair.