Overview

The Klipsch R-50M is a bookshelf speaker from the Klipsch Reference series, pairing a 1-inch aluminum tweeter on a 90° x 90° Tractrix horn with a 5.25-inch spun-copper woofer. It's the larger of the two Reference bookshelf models, giving you fuller bass than the R-40M while still fitting on stands, shelves and furniture. It suits a main stereo pair for music, or front and surround channels in a Klipsch Reference home theatre.

The 1-inch Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) aluminum tweeter uses a Kapton suspension to minimize distortion, and the square Tractrix horn controls directivity over a wide range of frequencies for a more accurate soundstage. The 5.25-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-50M at 58 Hz to 21 kHz (±3 dB) with 92 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

Horn-loaded tweeters are focused, so the R-50M sounds best with the tweeters near seated ear height and the pair angled toward your listening position; stands help when shelves or furniture sit too low. Because the ports fire out the back, leave space between the speakers and the wall to keep bass tight. With 92 dB sensitivity, the R-50M plays loud on modest power, so an entry-level stereo amplifier or AV receiver is usually all it needs.

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Why the Klipsch R-50M Stands Out

Buyer's Guide

Who It's For

• First Stereo Systems: Want a real step up from TV or soundbar sound.
• Home Theatre Builders: Want fronts or surrounds that match Klipsch Reference speakers.
• Small to Mid-Size Rooms: Want full sound from a bookshelf cabinet.

How It Compares

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