NEW HEIGHTS for Klipsch Reference Premier

Klipsch has launched a new Reference Premiere series of speakers, and quite the collection of high-efficiency horn-happy stereo and home cinema speakers it is — a total of 16 new models, including the introduction of Atmos-enabled height speakers to the range.

Klipsch’s Michael Buratto (below) was on hand at the Sydney launch to demonstrate the new range, which has been expanded to 16 models, with the iconic Klipsch Tractrix horn technology of course in evidence for both tweeter loading and in the port designs.

“We’ve taken the successful foundation of our best-selling speakers and enhanced them to create the hands-down, best-sounding premium speakers on the planet at these price points,” said Buratto, who also gave a recap on Klipsch’s 70+ years in audio, its claim to be the world’s oldest active speaker company, and the latest success of its longstanding Tractrix horn design in delivering Dolby Atmos-enabled content (the Atmos-enabled RP-8000FA is shown below right) thanks to the horns’ controlled directivity compared with non-horn Atmos-enabled designs.

While the company’s Reference range is available through chains including Harvey Norman, the new Reference Premier models will be offered at selected Klipsch specialist retailers. All models are available in three furniture-grade finishes — ebony, walnut, and hand-sanded piano gloss black.

Throughout the new range the pistonic action of Klipsch’s exclusive Linear Travel Suspension titanium tweeter is used, alongside the signature ‘copper’ Cerametallic woofers for low frequencies. Cast aluminum feet reduce resonance and further enhance the updated appearance. And while we like the look of those signature Klipsch drivers and trim rings when out on display, there are sturdy magnetic grilles provided for those wishing to soften the appearance.

The new Reference Premiere models include everything required to cover both stereo and a wide range of home cinema systems, with the latter also including the company’s latest SPL series of subwoofers.

There are five floorstanding towers:

• RP-8000FA Dolby Atmos-enabled (pictured left, price TBA);

• RP-8000F at $3299/pair;

• RP-6000F at $2499/pair;

• RP-5000F at $1999/pair; and

• RP-4000F (price TBC).

The two new bookshelf speakers are:

• RP-600M at $1499/pair

• RP-500M at $1199/pair.

Five centre-channel speakers include the:

• RP-504C at $1599;

• RP-500C at $1099.

And three surround speakers include the:

• RP-502S $1999/pair

• RP-402S at $1499/pair.

Lastly the innovative, dual-purpose RP-500SA ($1299/pair) functions as a Dolby Atmos-enabled elevation speaker or as a rear/ side wall-mountable surround.

More information: www.klipsch.com.au