If you’re in the market for new speakers for home use, consider waiting to buy until next month, when Klipsch rolls out 10 overhauled speakers from its iconic, affordable Reference line. If you live in the Europe or the U.K., you can get them now, but the U.S. launch is in May.
Klipsch, which features the slogan “Pissing off the neighbors since 1946” on its website, overhauled the series for use in hi-fi, home theater and Dolby Atmos systems.
Iconic Klipsch Reference series sees upgrades to 10 speakers
Klipsch said the overhaul — the seventh generation of the Reference line — is the most dramatic upgrade to the series since it first launched. The upgrades include technological advancements in audio as well as material and cosmetic changes to the cabinets.
The 10-speaker series, which takes advantage of technologies borrowed from the award-winning Klipsch Reference Premiere series, includes Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers.
The 10 new Klipsch Reference series models consist of three floorstanding speakers (R-605FA Dolby Atmos-enabled, R-800F and R-600F), two center channels (R-50C and R-30C), two bookshelf speakers (R-50M and R-40M), one Dolby Atmos elevation speaker that can also be used as a surround speaker (R-40SA) and two powered subwoofers (R-121SW and R-101SW).
Bigger sound and better looks
Klipsch said the upgraded Reference series aims to deliver higher sound quality, power and clarity. The speakers include an enlarged, edge-to-edge Tractrix horn for better coverage, bandwidth and directivity control; that’s a proprietary Klipsch feature.
The company makes the speakers’ new woofers made from spun-copper thermoformed crystal polymer (TCP). They include cones with steeper angles for a smoother response than previous models. Klipsch said improved crossover integration increases accuracy and transparency.
The new cabinet designs aim for a modern and elegant look. They feature enhanced bracing and a black, scratch-resistant, wood-grain vinyl finish, metallic-coated binding posts, plus discrete Dolby Atmos connections to make speaker integration easy.
Main features:
- Horn-loaded, detailed and dynamic Klipsch sound
- Advanced acoustics: 90º x 90º Tractrix horns.
- Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) aluminum tweeters for more detail
- Spun-copper TCP woofers for smoother response, accuracy and transparency
- Built-in up-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos sound (R-605FA)
- Made with high-quality wood material
Pricing and availability
The new Klipsch Reference series speakers are available now in the E.U. and U.K. at the prices below. The U.S. launch takes place in May with pricing to be determined. Based on the information below, U.S. prices seem likely range from roughly $329 to $1,749.
- R-605FA – £1,499 / €1,598
- R800F – £1,249 / €1,298
- R600F – £949 / €998
- R-50M – £325 / €349
- R-40M – £275 / €299
- R-30C – £375 / €399
- R-50C – £279 / €299
- R-40SA – £399 / €449
- R-121SW – £549 / €599
- R-101SW – £499 / €549
You can get more information at Klipsch.com.
