I Tried the Klipsch R-14M and Wasn’t Ready for What I Heard
We purchased the Klipsch R-14M reference speaker system for our expert to thoroughly test and evaluate. As a brand, Klipsch is known for its classic, powerful approach to audio, and these speakers are a textbook example of that philosophy. They are entry-level, passive speakers designed to deliver a big sound from a small cabinet.
We spent a week with the R-14M pair in our apartment, integrating them into our main home theater system for movies and music. While they didn’t disappoint in sheer power and cinematic punch, they showed some shortcomings in low-volume sound quality and detail. Overall, the Klipsch R-14M is a strong choice for a specific user, especially when paired with a quality amplifier. Read on for our full product review.
Design: Classic Looks with a Copper Twist
If there’s one thing a legacy audio brand does well, it’s design language. The Klipsch R-14M bookshelf speakers are, at first glance, simple and elegant. At just under 10 inches tall and 6 inches wide, they have a compact footprint, though their substantial 7.5-inch depth plays a key role in their sound profile.
The cabinet is finished in what Klipsch calls a “brushed black polymer veneer,” which has a subtle wood-grain character for a sleek, unobtrusive look. With the black mesh grille on, the only visual contrast is the classic rose gold Klipsch logo—a small touch of class.
Check Out: Klipsch Reference Premier RP-8000F II Review
However, the best look is achieved with the grille off. Unlike many speakers, Klipsch has treated the front baffle with the same care as the exterior. Here, the iconic copper-spun woofer provides a stunning visual contrast to the matte black cabinet. This vibrant, metallic cone sets the R-14M apart from its competitors and makes it a speaker you’ll want to show off.
Build Quality and Materials
The exterior of these speakers looks and feels at home in a premium living room environment, and this extends to the build quality. The entire cabinet is constructed from MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard), a material chosen for its strength and acoustically inert properties, which helps reduce unwanted resonance. In our tests, however, we felt the cabinet design may have contributed to a touch of muddiness in the mid-bass at lower volumes.
The 1-inch Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) tweeter is made from solid aluminum, which feels far more robust than the silk domes common at this price point. The main 4-inch woofer is made from injection-molded graphite (IMG) with Klipsch’s signature copper spinning, providing a tight and powerful low-end response. The design is rounded out by a rear-firing bass port and a premium mesh grille.
Setup and Sound Quality: Power Over Finesse
As with all passive speakers, the R-14M requires an external amplifier or AV receiver to power it; they do not come with speaker wire. Once connected, it becomes clear that these speakers lean heavily towards power rather than detail. For their size, the output is impressive, with a continuous power rating of 50 watts and a peak of 200 watts.
With a speaker sensitivity of 90dB and an 8-ohm impedance, the R-14M pair was easy to drive and got plenty loud in our home theater setup. Paired with a subwoofer to handle the lowest frequencies (below their 64Hz cutoff), they delivered an immersive and powerful sound for movies. Action sequences felt impactful, and the wide dispersion of the Tractrix Horn tweeter created a large soundstage.
However, this power comes at the cost of nuance. When listening to music with a high dynamic range or watching shows with quiet dialogue mixed with loud sound effects, details in the midrange would often get lost. While the aluminum tweeter is clear and well-rounded at high volumes, we found it difficult to discern subtle dialogue in a full mix at medium volumes, even after adjusting our receiver’s EQ.
This isn’t a deal-breaker for movie nights where you intend to keep the volume high, but be aware that if you do most of your listening at low volumes, some detail and clarity will be sacrificed.
Price: A Fair Value for Cinematic Sound
The list price of around $200 feels too high for speakers with this lack of low-volume detail. However, the Klipsch R-14M can typically be found for a street price closer to $100. At that price, their value proposition becomes much stronger. Considering their excellent performance at high volumes and surprisingly powerful sound in such a small footprint, we think this price is almost perfect.
Remember to factor in the cost of a receiver and speaker wire. Their value is truly unlocked when paired with a good subwoofer, making them an excellent cornerstone for a budget-friendly home cinema.
Competition: Strong in Its Class
- Klipsch R-15M: If you want to stay with the Klipsch sound but need something louder with better response and detail at low volumes, consider the slightly more expensive R-15M.
- Yamaha NS-6490: Yamaha has many options, but we recommend the three-way NS-6490 over the R-14M if you have a little more money and don’t mind a more futuristic look.
- Wharfedale Diamond 12.1: For listeners who prioritize musical detail and balance over the R-14M’s raw power, the Diamond 12.1 is an excellent alternative. It offers a more refined and accurate sound, particularly at lower volumes where the Klipsch can struggle. While typically more expensive, the Wharfedale provides a clear step up in audiophile performance, making it a better all-rounder for critical music listening.
Final Verdict: Great Value from a Classic Brand
The Klipsch R-14M offers excellent performance from a well-known brand at a surprisingly affordable street price. If you’re looking for a pair of passive bookshelf speakers to build a powerful and exciting home theater system, and you love to turn the volume up for movie night, look no further. The sound response is full and substantial for 4-inch speakers.
However, we found that significant detail was lacking at lower volumes, so if you require nuanced sound for critical music listening or quiet viewing, you may want to consider other options. But for cinematic fun, these are great speakers that deliver a big experience for a small price.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
| Product Name | R-14M Reference Bookshelf Speakers |
| Brand | Klipsch |
| Type | 2-Way Passive Bookshelf Speaker |
| Price | $199.99 (MSRP) |
| Release Date | May 2015 |
| Weight | 7.13 lbs (3.2 kg) |
| Dimensions | 9.75” (H) x 5.88” (W) x 7.5” (D) |
| Frequency Response | 64Hz – 24kHz +/- 3dB |
| Sensitivity | 90dB @ 2.83V / 1m |
| Impedance | 8 Ohms Compatible |
| Power Handling | 50W Continuous / 200W Peak |
| Warranty | 5 years |
