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Klipsch Introduces True-Coupling Technology With New Signature Series LF-IO And LF-12 Subwoofers
Klipsch, LLC, a leading audio technologies company, has re-entered the high-end subwoofer category and introduced True-Coupling'"" technology with the launch of its LF-IO and LF-12 subwoofers - the first offerings from the company's new Signature Series. According to Mark Kauffman, Senior Product Manager for Klipsch, the LF-IO and LF-12 subwoofers have been in development for nearly three years. ""We've been looking closely at industry trends and consumer demand ever since the one active driver, one passive radiator design of our KSW subwoofers captured everyone's attention,"" Kauffman said. ""Now that more compact enclosures are driving subwoofer sales, we're launching two new products that offer consumers performance beyond that of 15- and 18- inch woofers in much smaller, more family-room-friendly enclosures."" The LF-IO and LF-12 Klipsch Signature Series subwoofers each feature one active driver that is coupled with two passive radiators. Kauffman said: ""The small cabinet, ëone active and one passive"" approach gives good output, but it has distortion problems and can only boast fair definition. The single driver with an accelerometer approach gives good bass definition, but pays a penalty in output and dynamic range. We discovered that if we couple one active driver with two passive radiators, we get more output and less distortion without the penalty of the power drain from an accelerometer."" Klipsch calls this approach True-Coupling technology. Market Development Director Mark Casavant explains: ""In designing the LF-10 and LF-12 subwoofer for our new Signature Series, we used three drivers in a way that allows for a small enclosure, yet creates greater collective surface area for a more efficient, lower distortion design that improves the acoustical coupling. It gives our LF-IO and LF-12 subwoofers more grip on the air at the lower frequencies - where it counts."" In addition to True-Coupling technology, the LF-IO and LF-12 feature Kevlar reinforced cones and cast aluminum housings that improve reliability and prolong product life. They also have line-level as well as speaker-level inputs and outputs that allow for flexible use in all types of system configurations. A floating cloth grille, similar to Klipsch Synergy and Reference Series grilles, is positioned in front of the active driver. According to Kauffman, both the LF-IO and LF-12 are powered by Bridged Amplifier/ Switching Hybrid (BASH) amplifiers. BASH amplifiers are powerful conventional amplifiers with digital switching-type power supplies, which are efficient, high-output designs that deliver superior sound quality over conventional Class D amps. According to Executive Vice President T. Paul Jacobs, the LF-10 and LF-12 subwoofers illustrate Klipsch's strategy of being focused on maintaining its position as a key supplier in the powered sub business rather than just focusing on hitting all of the typical price points. Jacobs said Klipsch is trying to use fewer models designed to meet a much broader range of consumer demands. ""The LF-IO and LF-12 subwoofers complement our RE-5 bookshelf and RF-3 floorstanding models from the Klipsch Reference Series we launched this summer. These crossover combinations create outstanding custom installations that deliver high performance out of small packages,"" Jacobs said. ""More importantly, the LF-IO and LF- 12 were designed to integrate with our Signature Series passive loudspeakers, which will debut at the Consumer Electronics Show in January and begin shipping in the first quarter of 2000."" Jacobs said the Signature Series products and systems are being developed around traditional Klipsch philosophies - high-output, high-efficiency, low distortion and new technologies. He said the Signature Series will solidify Klipsch's position as one of the most prolific players in the audio industry. The Klipsch Signature Series subwoofers retail at: - LF-IO, $1,300 MSRP - LF-12, $1,700 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 manufactures 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.