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Klipsch R-50M
R-50M
Bookshelf Speakers with 5.25" Woofers
All New 90° x 90° Tractrix® Horn
An updated horn design, including increased outer horn dimensions, will deliver more power and emotion to your music and movies. Bigger definitely means better, with directivity control over a larger bandwidth of frequencies, resulting in a more accurate sound stage.
Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) Aluminum Tweeter
A hallmark of Klipsch speakers, the exclusive 1" LTS with Kapton Suspension tweeter minimizes distortion for more detailed performances. Aluminum is an extremely light and rigid material used in the tweeter assembly to provide high efficiency.
Spun-Copper Thermoformed Crystalline Polymer Woofers
Utilizing trickle-down technology from Klipsch's highly acclaimed Reference Premiere series of speakers, the 5.25" TCP woofers have steeper angling of the cones for a smoother response and improved accuracy and transparency.
High-Quality Cabinet Design & Appearance
Hidden fasteners, edge-to-edge horn, and low-profile magnetic grilles give the speakers a polished, modern appearance. MDF cabinets with scratch-resistant, textured wood grain to fit right into your home décor.
NEED A LIFT?
We've designed speaker stands to pair perfectly with your new set of Klipsch speakers or a number of other speakers you already have at home. Pick the perfect 28" height and hear music and movies the way they were meant to sound.
Reference Redefined
Check out all of the speakers in the newest generation of the legendary Klipsch Reference series speakers and prepare to have your world rocked.
Dealers selling Klipsch near you
Compact yet surprisingly bold, the R-50M delivers punchy low-mid weight and energetic, forward-present highs thanks to its Tractrix horn and efficient drivers. Listeners get an engaging, airy soundstage with crisp vocal clarity and lively dynamics, making these bookshelves excellent value for driven systems, as highlighted by Robert Silva and coverage at StereoNET.
Pros
- Lively, punchy dynamics and strong transient response that belies the cabinet size.
- Clear, detailed highs and vocal presence driven by the Tractrix horn and efficient tweeter design.
- Wide, projecting soundstage and precise imaging for a compact bookshelf speaker.
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Cons
- Treble can be forward on bright or sibilant recordings, which may not suit listeners seeking a very warm tonal balance.
Sound Quality
88/100
Bass
87/100
5.25" woofer in a rear-ported cabinet yields stronger low-mid punch and extension than similarly sized sealed designs. For a 5.25" ported bookshelf it delivers notably deep and controlled bass, though multiple sources note a subwoofer for deepest organ/bass-heavy content will help. Ported design and frequent comments about 'surprisingly full low end for the size' support an above-average score within the small-driver band.
Mid
87/100
Horn-loaded tweeter and forward voicing give clear, present mids and very articulate vocals. Timbre is slightly bright/forward rather than ultra-warm, but clarity and vocal focus are strengths; some listeners report upper-mid emphasis on sibilant material, so neutrality is not absolute.
Treble
88/100
Tractrix horn-loaded tweeter provides strong detail, air and high-frequency extension with notable sparkle. Treble is very revealing and energetic; a minority may find it a touch forward or etched on bright recordings, but resolution and refinement remain high for the class.
Soundstage Imaging
89/100
Horn loading and efficient drivers produce a wide, projecting soundstage with well-defined imaging and good depth for a compact bookshelf. Placement/toe-in affects focus — when positioned carefully the speakers create stable, precise images and an engaging sense of space.
Dynamics
90/100
High sensitivity and efficient drivers deliver lively micro- and macro-dynamics with punchy transients and roomy perceived headroom relative to the size. The R-50M responds well to dynamic material and scales impressively with stronger amplifiers, yielding engaging rhythmic drive.
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Build Quality
85/100
Solid R-series construction with durable finishes and well-built cabinets; aesthetic and fit/finish are good for the price bracket. Not a luxury-grade build, but crossover parts and driver finishes are consistent with Klipsch's value-focused craftsmanship.
Features Connectivity
80/100
Passive single-post binding posts; no DSP, app or streaming (passive baseline applied).
Value for Money
90/100
Given the listed price range (approximately $299.99–$424.99) the R-50M offers strong performance per dollar — lively sound, high sensitivity and usable bass for the size. Often recommended as a value option among lively, efficient bookshelf speakers, especially for listeners who prioritize dynamics and presence.
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