The catch
Klipsch R-40PM
Nothing here shows the smaller cabinet matches R-50PM for output or bass.
Side by side
Klipsch R-40PM vs R-50PM: R-40PM takes less desk width, and R-50PM adds no HDMI
Quick verdict
R-40PM is right for a desk where a monitor and two speakers already fight over width, because the R-40PM saves 2.6 inches of combined cabinet width. R-50PM is for when the larger 5.25-inch platform fits and you want to audition that step up. USB audio, optical and switchable phono/line come with both. Neither adds HDMI TV control or a second RCA input, so don't let those needs push you toward the larger purchase.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Desk width and shelf height run out sooner than depth does
Each cabinet gains 1.3 inches of width and 2.2 inches of height going to R-50PM, against 0.7 inch of depth. With a monitor between the speakers, total body width grows by 2.6 inches. Under a fixed shelf, the added height may rule out the upgrade first. These are differences in the cabinet and not full installation allowances. Neither should be wedged into an opening without the required ventilation and stable support.
Where this comes from
7 − 5.7 = 1.3 inches. 14 − 11.8 = 2.2 inches. 10.8 − 10.1 = 0.7 inch. The pair width difference is 2 × 1.3.
The catch
Klipsch R-50PM
R-50PM gives you a bigger body with the same HDMI and shared-RCA limitations still in place.
Klipsch R-40PM
- Why pick it
- You need the speakers to leave room around a monitor or fit on a narrow shelf.
- You're after the common set of inputs in the smaller body.
- The catch
- Nothing here shows the smaller cabinet matches R-50PM for output or bass.
Klipsch R-50PM
- Why pick it
- There is room for the larger cabinet without getting in the way of work or stable placement.
- You are upgrading to the larger driver platform. It does not add source connections.
- The catch
- R-50PM gives you a bigger body with the same HDMI and shared-RCA limitations still in place.
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What this page compares
R-40PM against R-50PM for a desk, a turntable or a TV. This looks at the space the larger pair takes and at the connection problems neither powered model solves.
These two neighboring powered Reference models have the same source connections. What matters is whether the larger cabinet belongs in the work and listening space you have.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
A monitor and speakers make a working desk cramped
Across the two cabinet widths, R-40PM takes 2.6 inches less.
- Klipsch R-40PM
- Better fit
- Klipsch R-50PM
- Caution
Assume the larger model brings HDMI TV control
HDMI ARC is missing on both models.
- Klipsch R-40PM
- Not suitable
- Klipsch R-50PM
- Not suitable
You need direct USB computer audio
USB audio is on both.
- Klipsch R-40PM
- Good
- Klipsch R-50PM
- Good
The larger platform fits on stable, permanent supports
Fit by itself doesn’t pick a winner on sound. If sound decides it for you, audition them.
- Klipsch R-40PM
- Good
- Klipsch R-50PM
- Good
In practice
Differences you will notice
Desk width and shelf height run out sooner than depth does
Each cabinet gains 1.3 inches of width and 2.2 inches of height going to R-50PM, against 0.7 inch of depth. With a monitor between the speakers, total body width grows by 2.6 inches. Under a fixed shelf, the added height may rule out the upgrade first. These are differences in the cabinet and not full installation allowances. Neither should be wedged into an opening without the required ventilation and stable support.
How we worked this out
7 − 5.7 = 1.3 inches. 14 − 11.8 = 2.2 inches. 10.8 − 10.1 = 0.7 inch. The pair width difference is 2 × 1.3.
A family TV problem remains after the size upgrade
Suppose the complaint is that other people in the household want a single familiar TV remote. Going from R-40PM to R-50PM doesn’t add HDMI ARC. Both take optical audio, and that connection doesn’t carry HDMI CEC commands. Check your actual TV and remote arrangement. A model with verified HDMI control may be a more relevant alternative than a larger version of the same optical setup.
How we worked this out
The same optical-without-HDMI input design, set against a shared-household control requirement. No claim that every optical remote arrangement is impossible.
A second analog source still needs somewhere to plug in
On either model, a compatible MM turntable can use the phono setting, and that takes up the shared RCA pair. An analog-only CD player is then left with the auxiliary input and a suitable cable, an external switch or another available output such as optical. The larger R-50PM has no second RCA pair. Count the outputs on your actual players before picking a speaker size to fix an input-count problem.
How we worked this out
A shared phono/line RCA pair along with separate auxiliary and optical inputs, applied to two specified analog sources.
Option A
Klipsch, R-40PM
R-40PM
You need the speakers to leave room around a monitor or fit on a narrow shelf.
- Best for
- You need the speakers to leave room around a monitor or fit on a narrow shelf.
Facts we checked
- Width per cabinet: 5.7 inches
- Height and depth: 11.8 H by 10.1 D inches
- TV: Optical input, no HDMI
- Records and other analog sources: Shared RCA phono/line plus auxiliary
Option B
Klipsch, R-50PM
R-50PM
There is room for the larger cabinet without getting in the way of work or stable placement.
- Best for
- There is room for the larger cabinet without getting in the way of work or stable placement.
Facts we checked
- Width per cabinet: 7 inches
- Height and depth: 14 H by 10.8 D inches
- TV: Optical input, no HDMI
- Records and other analog sources: Shared RCA phono/line plus auxiliary
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Klipsch R-40PM | Klipsch R-50PM | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width per cabinet | 5.7 inches | 7 inches | The larger pair is 2.6 inches wider in combined body width. |
| Height and depth | 11.8 H by 10.1 D inches | 14 H by 10.8 D inches | The increase is bigger in height than in depth, which matters under a fixed shelf. |
| TV | Optical input, no HDMI | Optical input, no HDMI | HDMI ARC control stays out of reach on the larger model. |
| Records and other analog sources | Shared RCA phono/line plus auxiliary | Shared RCA phono/line plus auxiliary | With two RCA sources you still need another way to connect them. |
| Computer and link | USB audio and supplied 4 m speaker wire | USB audio and supplied 4 m speaker wire | The same basic wired layout works for both, and both handle the computer connection directly. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Klipsch R-40PM
- Using optical with a TV may mean adjusting speaker volume separately. Look at how your television and its remote behave.
With Klipsch R-50PM
- Mismatched peak-power listings do not show a useful gain in loudness.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Width or shelf height leaves little room
Go with Klipsch R-40PM. You get the same connections from R-40PM in the smaller cabinet.
You want the larger driver platform and have room for it
Go with Klipsch R-50PM. Moving to R-50PM gets you more size but no better inputs.
Decision guide
Before you buy
Buying the bigger pair seems more complete, but a connection you use every day and don't have may remain absent.
What this page can’t tell you
- Sound and maximum output have not been measured or compared. Peak-power fields that conflict were left out.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the powered speakers we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Klipsch R-40PM |
|
| |
| Klipsch R-50PM |
|
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Klipsch R-40PM
You need the speakers to leave room around a monitor or fit on a narrow shelf.
You're after the common set of inputs in the smaller body.
See price & reviews on AmazonKlipsch R-50PM
There is room for the larger cabinet without getting in the way of work or stable placement.
You are upgrading to the larger driver platform. It does not add source connections.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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