Klipsch gave its flagship Reference speakers a complete redesign for 2018

By Kris Wouk August 6, 2018

Image used with permission by copyright holder

It wasn’t even that long ago that Klipsch released the last iteration of the company’s popular Reference speakers, but it’s clear that even then the company was already looking at the future. On Thursday, August 2, the company introduced the latest version of the reference speakers, which it says is a ground-up redesign, unlike the most recent models.

There are a total of 13 models in the new Reference series: Four floor-standing models, two center-channel models, four bookshelf models, two powered subwoofers, and a Dolby Atmos elevation speaker model, which lets you add Atmos to an existing speaker setup. You will pay anywhere from $400 to $1,200 for the floor-standing speakers, $200 to $500 for the bookshelf speakers, $250 to $350 for the center channel speakers, $350 to $450 for a powered subwoofer, or $400 for a pair of Atmos-enabled surround speakers.

Recommended Videos

What type of speaker you buy depends on your needs, but some of the speakers pull double duty. The R-625FA floor-standing speaker, for example, has Dolby Atmos built-in, so you don’t need a pair of separate Atmos model for these. There are also models that are powered, like the R-51PM and R-41PM, meaning you won’t necessarily need an A/V receiver to use with them, which makes them perfect for a simple vinyl setup.

While the speakers keep the same style that owners of various Reference series models know and love, there have also been a number of updates and new touches that have them looking better than ever. The spun-copper IMG woofer cones that give the series its iconic look are still here, but now the speakers feature a scratch-resistant black wood grain finish.

It’s not all about looks either. The new models feature a new, larger proprietary Tractrix that Klipsch says makes for improved coverage and bandwidth. New bass ports on certain speakers make for deeper, fuller bass, while upgraded tweeters make for sweeter-sounding high frequencies.

All of the models in the upgraded Reference series are available now. For more information, see the Klipsch website. If you’re not sure which kind of speaker you need, be sure to take a look at our guide to different speaker types and what they’re commonly used for.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…

Audio / Video

Klipsch’s Jubilee speakers are literal towers of power, with a price to match

The Klipsch Jubilee speaker seen in black ash.

If you have a very large room in your house, a very large amount of disposable income, and a very large obsession with sound, there's a good chance you're going to want to check out Klipsch's Jubilee speakers -- a very large pair of two-way, fully horn-loaded floor-standing behemoths that will set you back $35,000 per pair. Can't wait to get them delivered? They're available now through Klipsch's certified Heritage dealers.

The Jubilee take a special place in the Klipsch line-up, not only as the company's most premium flagship speaker, but also as the last product that founder, Paul W. Klipsch, worked on before he died. According to the company, it was his dream to create a fully horn-loaded speaker that would satisfy the most ardent audiophiles. The Jubilee was originally intended to be the successor to the Klipschorn -- Klipsch's previous flagship, but the project grew beyond a simple upgrade of that product.

Audio / Video

Klipsch’s latest Reference speakers promise better sound with less distortion

Klipsch Reference R-800F, R-40SA, R-30C, and R-121SW speakers.

Klipsch has updated its two top speaker lines, the Reference, now in its seventh generation, and the Reference Premiere, now entering its third generation. They boast several changes from previous generations, including larger Tractrix horns for the tweeters, improved internal bracing within the cabinets, and a discrete wiring system for adding Dolby Atmos height-channel modules. These wired speakers for both hi-fi and home theater setups are available now via Klipsch.com and select retailers, with prices starting at $299 and going up to just under $3,000 depending on the model. The Reference line is available in black (Ebony), while the Reference Premiere comes in your choice of Ebony or Walnut finishes.

Each line features floor-standing speakers, floor-standing speakers with built-in Dolby Atmos height modules, bookshelf speakers, and center channels, but the Reference line also includes two subwoofers, while the Reference Premiere line includes bi-directional corner surround speakers. None of these are new models per se; instead, Klipsch has updated all of the speakers with a few new features.

Audio / Video

Klipsch brings retro hi-fi vibes to its new desktop speakers

Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speaker system seen next to a desktop computer.

Klipsch is drawing on its long history of building speakers for the look of its new 2.1 desktop speaker system, the ProMedia Heritage 2.1. Combining two stereo satellites with a wired subwoofer, the system is available in two finishes: Black ash and Walnut, each of which comes clad in fabric speaker grilles that match the company's other Heritage products, which are meant to evoke the look of Klipsch's Heresy speakers from the 1970s. The system is available for $349 via Klipsch.com, though Costco members get an especially attractive discount that brings the price down to $240.

The ProMedia Heritage 2.1 is designed to work with almost any analog or digital input, but its size and shape lends itself especially well to desktop computer use. It has a pair of analog stereo RCA inputs and a USB-A jack for digital audio. There's also a Bluetooth connection for streaming music and audio wirelessly from any device that supports Bluetooth.