Klipsch R-40PM 4" Two-Way Powered Speaker (Pair) at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The R-40PM is a two-way powered bookshelf speaker from Klipsch (Indianapolis, USA), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Part of the fourth-generation Reference Series, this compact speaker pair features a 4" spun-copper TCP woofer, a 1" aluminum LTS tweeter with a 90° x 90° Tractrix horn, and 70W of total system power. With a frequency response reaching down to 60Hz, a built-in phono preamplifier, and Bluetooth with aptX HD support, the R-40PM delivers the full Klipsch Reference sound in a desktop-ready cabinet that requires no external amplifier or receiver.

Tractrix Horn Technology and Wide Soundstage

The R-40PM is built around Klipsch's proprietary 90° x 90° Tractrix horn, enlarged over the previous R-41PM to extend edge-to-edge across the entire front baffle. This expanded horn geometry provides improved coverage, bandwidth, and directivity control across a larger frequency range, resulting in a wider listening sweet spot with sharper image focus and reduced wall reflections. Paired with the 1" aluminum Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) tweeter with Kapton suspension, this horn design minimizes distortion and maintains high-frequency articulation and clarity at any listening level, which is a defining characteristic of the Klipsch Reference Series sound signature.

Dynamic Bass EQ and Extended Cabinet Depth

The R-40PM's MDF cabinet is engineered 28% deeper than its predecessor, the R-41PM, enabling a warmer and more impactful bass response from a compact footprint. A rear-firing bass-reflex port extends frequency response to 60Hz, while the Dynamic Bass Equalizer actively optimizes low-end performance in real time, pushing dynamic bass extension to 52Hz without the need for a dedicated subwoofer. The 4" spun-copper thermoformed crystal polymer (TCP) woofer uses steep cone angles drawn from Klipsch's Reference Premiere series for improved rigidity, smoother response, and better crossover integration. For listeners who want to go further, a dedicated RCA subwoofer line output is included for seamless expansion of the bass system.

Key Features

• Edge-to-Edge Tractrix Horn: Enlarged 90° x 90° Tractrix horn extends to the full speaker frame perimeter for improved directivity, wider dispersion, and reduced cabinet-edge diffraction compared to the R-41PM.
• Copper-Spun TCP Woofer: 4" thermoformed crystal polymer woofer with steep cone angles for greater rigidity, smoother frequency response, and better crossover integration.
• 70W Total System Power: Built-in amplification (2 x 35W continuous, 240W peak) delivers clean, dynamic output with no external receiver required.
• Dynamic Bass EQ: Proprietary real-time bass optimization extends dynamic bass response to 52Hz, adding backbone to music without overreach or distortion.
• Built-In Phono Preamp: Switchable phono/line RCA input with ground screw terminal for direct connection of a moving-magnet turntable.
• Bluetooth with aptX HD: Wireless streaming with SBC, AAC, aptX, and aptX HD codec support from smartphones, tablets, and computers.
• Multiple Inputs: Optical digital (Toslink), analog RCA (phono/line), USB Type-A, and 3.5mm aux for full source flexibility.
• Subwoofer Output: RCA line-level output allows optional integration of a powered subwoofer such as the Klipsch R-8SW or R-101SW for expanded low-frequency performance.
• No AVR Required: Self-powered design eliminates the need for a separate audio/video receiver, ideal for desks, bookshelves, and gaming setups.
• Low-Profile Magnetic Grilles: Removable magnetic grilles for a sleek black exterior or the signature copper cone display.
• Remote Control Included: Bluetooth remote for source selection, volume, Dynamic Bass EQ toggle, and subwoofer level adjustment.
• MDF Cabinet Construction: Black wood veneer-finished MDF enclosure with rear-firing bass port for resonance control and extended bass extension.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• Bluetooth wireless input (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD) for streaming from mobile devices and computers
• Optical digital (Toslink) input for TV, set-top box, or CD player
• Analog RCA input switchable between phono (MM) and line level, with ground screw terminal
• USB Type-A input for playback from computers and storage devices
• 3.5mm aux input for portable devices
• RCA subwoofer line output for optional powered subwoofer integration
• Speaker terminal for passive right-to-left speaker connection via included cable

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Klipsch R-40PM?

The Klipsch R-40PM is a two-way powered bookshelf speaker pair from Klipsch's Reference Series, featuring a 4" copper-spun TCP woofer, a 1" aluminum LTS tweeter with a 90° x 90° Tractrix horn, and 70W of built-in amplification. The R-40PM is a fully self-powered system that connects to turntables, TVs, computers, and streaming devices without a separate amplifier, with a frequency response reaching down to 60Hz and dynamic bass extension to 52Hz.

How does the Klipsch R-40PM compare to the R-50PM or Audioengine HD3?

The Klipsch R-40PM and R-50PM share identical connectivity and feature sets, but the R-50PM uses a larger 5.25" woofer, a deeper cabinet, and 120W of total power, resulting in deeper bass extension to 55Hz versus the R-40PM's 60Hz. The R-40PM is the better choice for smaller desks, nearfield listening positions, or limited shelf space. Compared to the Audioengine HD3, the R-40PM offers broader source compatibility including a built-in phono preamp and optical input, while the Audioengine HD3 targets a warmer, more colored near-field sound. For listeners prioritizing dynamic headroom, a wide soundstage, and all-in-one source flexibility, the R-40PM stands out in its class.

Can the Klipsch R-40PM connect directly to a turntable?

Yes, the R-40PM connects directly to any moving-magnet (MM) turntable without an external phono preamp. The built-in phono preamp features a switchable phono/line RCA input with a dedicated ground screw terminal, handling RIAA equalization internally. This makes the R-40PM a complete vinyl playback system alongside any MM turntable, with no additional equipment required.

What is the Tractrix horn on the Klipsch R-40PM?

The Tractrix horn is Klipsch's proprietary tweeter waveguide that shapes high-frequency dispersion into a precise 90° x 90° pattern. On the R-40PM, this horn is enlarged compared to the R-41PM and extends edge-to-edge across the entire front baffle, controlling directivity over a wider bandwidth of frequencies. This results in improved high-frequency accuracy, reduced reflections from cabinet edges, lower distortion, and a broader listening area with consistent imaging, all of which are core characteristics of the Klipsch Reference Series sound.

Where can I buy the Klipsch R-40PM in Toronto or Canada?

The Klipsch R-40PM is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Klipsch dealer in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound carries the complete Klipsch Reference Series lineup and can help match the R-40PM with compatible turntables, subwoofers, and speaker stands for your specific listening environment.

Does the Klipsch R-40PM need a subwoofer?

The R-40PM does not require a subwoofer for most desktop and bookshelf listening scenarios. Its Dynamic Bass EQ and rear-firing bass-reflex port extend bass performance to 60Hz, with dynamic extension reaching 52Hz, which is sufficient for music, movies, and gaming in small to medium rooms. For listeners in larger spaces or those who want deeper sub-bass impact, the included RCA subwoofer line output allows seamless integration with any powered subwoofer, including the Klipsch R-8SW or R-101SW.

Is the Klipsch R-40PM a good desktop or computer speaker?

The R-40PM is particularly well suited to desktop and computer use. Its compact 145mm width fits on most desks without dominating the surface, the USB Type-A input provides a direct digital connection from any Mac or PC, and Bluetooth with aptX HD ensures high-quality wireless streaming. The included Bluetooth remote handles volume and input switching without reaching behind the speakers, and the 3.5mm aux input covers headphone DACs, phones, and portable players. Reviewers at AVForums and HiFiReport have specifically highlighted the R-40PM as the stronger choice over the R-50PM for desktop audio setups with limited space.

What cables and accessories are included with the Klipsch R-40PM?

The R-40PM ships with a 4-meter speaker cable with pre-soldered tips for connecting the active right speaker to the passive left speaker, a 2-meter power cord, a USB Type-A to Type-B cable, an optical cable, a Bluetooth remote control with batteries, and all necessary documentation. No additional cables are required to begin wireless Bluetooth streaming or USB playback immediately after unboxing.