Klipsch Reference Series Advances Horn-Loaded Philosophy Through Sophisticated Materials, Designs And Electronics
Engineers at Klipsch, LLC, a leading audio technologies company, have developed the Klipsch Reference Series, a new line of loudspeaker products that combines the design approach of the popular Klipsch Synergy products with even more advanced driver and materials technology. The goal of the new series is to offer consumers a continuum of products that deliver outstanding performance at a tremendous value. According to Mark Kauffman, Senior Product Manager, the Reference Series will prompt consumers and industry insiders to listen to Klipsch with a fresh perspective. ""We have stayed true to the Klipsch design philosophy and achieved a more complete design by utilizing sophisticated materials and incorporating advanced electronics,"" Kauffman said. ""Weíve always had a performance edge, but now with the Reference Series weíve moved further ahead in offering incredible performance and value. We have maintained our traditional ""up-front, close to the soundstageí musical intimacy, expanded the soundstage, and added a holographic 3D image. Audiophiles need to pay attention to Reference because their old ideas of Klipsch are going to be shaken,"" Advanced Reference Series driver and materials technologies include: -90? x 60? TractrixÆ Horns -Titanium tweeter diaphragms -Copper-colored anodized aluminum cones -Glass-filled, vented, cast-polymer woofer frames -Large magnets and high-precision solid pole pieces -Air core inductors and film-type capacitors, bi-wire crossover networks -MDF enclosures with computer-optimized bracing and low restriction ports -Tapered-array center channel Similar to the approach of the Klipsch Synergy Series, Reference systems utilize advanced technologies in every speaker for a smoother response and more consistent coverage pattern. For example, each speaker is equipped with a TractrixÆ Horn, contributing to the systemís excellent imaging. Reference systems, however, take the approach considerably further by delivering the advanced technologies through new higher-grade materials and electronics. The resulting family of products reproduces extended, tight, bass and extremely clears mid-range and high frequencies that go well beyond the limit of human hearing. According to Bob Gassel, National Training Director for Klipsch, the Reference Series reproduces dramatically better macro- and micro-dynamics. ""When you think about what makes Sinatra sound like Sinatra, itís the expressiveness of his legendary voice and the detail of fine instrumentation and arrangement,"" Gassel said. ""Thatís what weíve captured here, extremely clear and detailed imaging. Familiar music lyrics are more intelligible with Klipsch Reference."" The powered towers of the Reference Series, the RP-3 and RP-5, deliver more content and better performance at price points that are as low as half the cost of competitive models. The titanium tweeter diaphragms are light, yet rigid, delivering ""best in class"" treble reproduction that is pure and fast without being fatiguing. The anodized aluminum cones are lighter, stronger and better damped than plastic, improving the upper bass and lower midrange blend. The RP-3 has a 44-watt peak MOSFET amplifier with a sealed enclosure and the RP-5 has a 55-watt peak Bridged Amplifier/Switching Hybrid (BASH) amplifier with a low restriction ported enclosure. ""Weíve coupled high-watt MOSFET and digital/analog hybrid amps with our traditional horn-loaded designs, using stepped-up materials to deliver more output and more of what customers want-performance,"" Gassel said. The Reference Series offers customers ideal custom combinations with tow additional main channel options ñ the RF-3 floorstanding and R-5 bookshelf models. The RB-5 bookshelf model is available in a variety of wood veneers based on customer demands that have been identified by Klipsch dealer distribution networks. In addition to drive components matching the mains, the Reference Series RS-3 surrounds use Klipschís exclusive Wide Dispersion Surround Technologyô (WDST), which delivers an optimal 180? sound pattern, decreasing sensitivity to room placement, allowing greater flexibility in a home theater setup. WDST enhances rear channel performance because it gives the surrounds the capability to produce the diffuse effects needed for envelopment as well as the direct sounds necessary for good localization. The RC-3 center channel matches the new materials and designs featured in the Reference mains and surrounds and also introduces the Klipsch version of 2.5 way crossover technology, called tapered-array. With tapered-away, the two center channel woofers work together in the lower frequencies with one driver transitioning out as sound enters the mid-range frequencies. This provides more consistent coverage across the listening field and improved dialogue intelligibility. All of the Reference Series models feature cloth grilles, with bookshelf floorstanding model and powered towers distinguished by a ""floating grille"" design consistent with the Synergy Series. This suspended grille works to minimize sonic reflections ñ a feature that benefits form as well as function. A new spiked, stabilizing outrigger foot complements the computer-optimized bracing, which minimizes cabinet vibration and reduces unwanted coloration. ""Klipsch has always produced high quality products that are true to our heritage,"" Kauffman said. ""With Synergy we took our heritage one set further and created a better-looking speaker than was previously available. With Reference we have refined the industrial designs and aesthetics to give our entire product line a more unified look while still offering the variety consumers demand."" The 1999 Klipsch Reference Series products retail at: RP-5, $2,000/pr. MSRP RP-3, $1,500/pr. MSRP RF-3, $800/pr. MSRP RB-5, $800/pr. MSRP RC-3, $350/ea. MSRP RS-3, $550/pr. MSRP With corporate headquarters in Indianapolis and manufacturing facilities in Hope, Arkansas and Huntington, Indiana, Klipsch was founded in the 1940s by audio pioneer Paul W. Klipsch. Klipsch manufacturers and markets a full line of audio and home theatre loudspeakers and through its Professional Products Division produces professional sound and commercial cinema audio systems. Corporate headquarters are at 8900 Keystone Crossing, Suite 1220, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240. The company can be reached at 800-KLIPSCH or visit the Web site at www.klipsch.com.