Short answer: the Klipsch Reference R-50M, though neither ranks well in its class. Both are rated 1.7/5 for sound quality (#155 and #156 of 168 bookshelf speakers), and the Klipsch Reference R-50M costs $299.99 against $398.40 for the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 168 bookshelf speakers; for better sound, the Ascend Acoustics HTM-200SE2 ranks #7 at $368.
The case for the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000: Bass distortion is well controlled per the measurements, and the slow bass rolloff means it can be pushed fairly hard for its size. The catch: CEA2034 spinorama shows severely reduced bass energy between 40-120Hz, a directivity mismatch between the tweeter and woofer, and a severe resonance/interference issue around 14kHz.
Why pick the Klipsch Reference R-50M: The current next-generation iteration of Klipsch’s 5.25-inch passive bookshelf speaker. The tradeoff: Awaiting published full NFS preference scores.
Buy the Klipsch Reference R-50M. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $98.41 less than the Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000.
About the ratings: the Klipsch Reference R-50M’s rating is estimated from measured siblings and predecessors rather than its own measurements, with a likely range of 1.5 to 1.9, so this verdict could change once it is measured.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 | Klipsch Reference R-50M | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $398.40 per pair | $299.99 per pair Passive |
| Ranked | #156 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #155 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 95Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Drivers | 1” aluminum dome tweeter, 5.25” BDSS mid/woofer, 5.25” planar bass radiator | 1” aluminum LTS tweeter on edge-to-edge Tractrix horn, 5.25” spun-copper TCP woofer |
| Dimensions | 10.88H x 6.25W x 6.5D in | 13.9” x 7” x 9” (354 x 178 x 229 mm) |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.29 kg) each | 11 lbs (5.0 kg) each |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 21kHz (+/- 3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review - reviewer noted this vs. a manufacturer spec of 91dB) | 92dB (2.83V @ 1m) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 8 ohms |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.2 (spinorama.org) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.58 (spinorama.org) | - |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 1530Hz |
| Passive | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Klipsch Reference R-50M:
- JBL Control 1 Pro vs Klipsch Reference R-50M
- Klipsch Reference R-50M vs Klipsch R-51M
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Boston Acoustics A25
- Wharfedale Diamond 220 vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000
- JBL Stage A120 vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000: $398.40 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Bass distortion is well controlled per the measurements, and the slow bass rolloff means it can be pushed fairly hard for its size. Ships with a footer that keeps the small cabinet planted despite its light weight. Measured bass extension of 95Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows severely reduced bass energy between 40-120Hz, a directivity mismatch between the tweeter and woofer, and a severe resonance/interference issue around 14kHz. Distortion at 96dB SPL was so bad the reviewer limited testing to 86dB. Direct comparison to a $118/pair Pioneer SP-BS22-LR left the reviewer calling the $199/pair ProMonitor 1000 “a bad experiment that should be forgotten” and concluding “there is nothing Pro about it.”
Full Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 95Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 10.88H x 6.25W x 6.5D in |
| Drivers | 1” aluminum dome tweeter, 5.25” BDSS mid/woofer, 5.25” planar bass radiator |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review - reviewer noted this vs. a manufacturer spec of 91dB) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.2 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.58 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.29 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Sehlin Helium
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Polk T15
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs JBL Control 1 Pro
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Klipsch R-51M
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Fluance Signature HFS
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs JBL Stage A130
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 vs Klipsch Reference R-40M
- See all 35 comparisons
Klipsch Reference R-50M: $299.99 per pair Passive Estimated Amazon eBay
Older model: the Klipsch R-51M (ranked lower, rated 1.6/5). See every Klipsch Reference generation.
Same family: the Klipsch Reference R-40M (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 1.4/5), the Klipsch Reference R-600F (smaller floorstanding, estimated 1.8/5), the Klipsch Reference R-800F (larger floorstanding, estimated 1.9/5), the Klipsch Reference R-30C (smaller center, estimated 3.4/5) and the Klipsch Reference R-50C (larger center, estimated 3.5/5).
Pros: The current next-generation iteration of Klipsch’s 5.25-inch passive bookshelf speaker. Features an enlarged 90 x 90 edge-to-edge Tractrix horn for wider high-frequency dispersion and enhanced directivity control, paired with a 1-inch aluminum LTS tweeter and updated spun-copper TCP (thermoformed crystalline polymer) woofer with steeper cone angling.
Cons: Awaiting published full NFS preference scores. Continues Klipsch’s energetic horn sound signature with elevated treble that may sound forward in reflective rooms without EQ.
Full Klipsch Reference R-50M review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Crossover Frequency | 1530Hz |
| Dimensions | 13.9” x 7” x 9” (354 x 178 x 229 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” aluminum LTS tweeter on edge-to-edge Tractrix horn, 5.25” spun-copper TCP woofer |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 21kHz (+/- 3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Passive | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 92dB (2.83V @ 1m) |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5.0 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons