(May 17, 2022) Klipsch is kicking off the week with a massive reveal of 21 new speaker models spread across its Reference and Reference Premiere loudspeaker lineups.
Turning the page and entering its 7th generation, the Reference lineup has been injected with a new look and audio enhancements. Design engineers have given the speaker lots of eye appeal, removing fasteners from the baffle and paying particular attention to the visual balance between drivers. The line's cabinets benefit from a black scratch-resistant wood grain vinyl finish and metallic coated binding posts, while tower models carry discrete connections for add-on Dolby Atmos modules.
Reference series fans will immediately notice a larger edge-to-edge Tractrix horn tweeter design. Not only does it look majestically imposing, but its design is intended to deliver better bandwidth and directivity control. And new Cerametallic woofers ditch an older curvilinear cone for a straight-sided design that changes the breakup mode near the crossover frequency for a smoother more integrated sound.
The series consists of three floorstanding speakers (Dolby Atmos-enabled R-605FA , R-800F, and R-600F), two center channels (R-50C and R-30C), two bookshelf speakers (R-50M, 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). Pricing ranges from $998-$1,798/pair for the tower designs, $299-$399/pair for bookshelf speakers, $379-499/each for the center channel, $599/pair for surrounds, and $499-$599 for the subs.
Having enjoyed two successful model runs, the Reference Premiere lineup has also received notable visual and performance boosts. In addition to two furniture-grade finishes, aluminum binding posts, and cast aluminum feet, Reference Premiere cabinets have been re-imagined with beefed-up internal bracing. Taking that a step further, Tower models now carry internal chambers that isolate drivers for, presumably, a reduction in internal standing waves.
On the driver front, an exclusive Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) titanium tweeter is married to a larger Tractrix horn structure. And those iconic-looking Cerametallic woofers are said to functionally benefit from an aluminum shorting ring that reduces distortion.
The 11 new Klipsch Reference Premiere speakers consist of four towers (Dolby Atmos-enabled RP-8060FA II, RP-8000F II, RP-6000F II, and RP-5000F II), two bookshelves (RP-600M II and RP-500M II), three center channels (RP-504C II, RP-500C II, and RP-404C II), and two surround speakers (RP-502S II and the dual-purpose RP-500SA II that functions as a Dolby Atmos elevation speaker or a rear/side wall-mountable surround). Price points span $1198-$2,998 for a pair of floorstanding speakers, $599-$749 for a pair of bookshelf models, $499-799 for a center channel, $699 for a pair of surrounds, and $899 for a pair of dual-purpose RP-500SA II speakers.
Both series of speakers are included in the Klipsch Optimized Mode found on the latest model runs of Onkyo and Integra receivers and processors. This mode simplifies the set-up process by providing instant access to precise crossover values in the receiver’s setup menus.
All 21 new models are available now through authorized retailers, direct from Klipsch.com, and, in the case of the Reference lineup, at Best Buy retail locations or bestbuy.com.
