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Klipsch rewarding wisecracks with sweet gear

by Steven Kim posted Jun 3rd 2009 at 11:22PM


Especially these days, a witty sense of humor and a quarter won't even get you a cup of coffee, but Klipsch is giving funny-makers a shot at some its S4 headphones and a HD Theater 300 speaker setup. That's right -- those snarky remarks you normally give out for free can now score you some gear! Here's the bracket breakdown -- four caption contests will be run (each lasting two weeks) and the winning entry from each caption contest will win a pair of S4 in-ears; and a random entry from the final four will score a HD Theater 300 speaker system. Long odds and lots of competition, so now's the time to break open that war chest of audiophile taunts you've been building up. Full PR release after the break.

Continue reading Klipsch rewarding wisecracks with sweet gear

Klipsch says goodbye to Aragon and Acurus amplifiers

by Steven Kim posted May 13th 2009 at 1:26PM

Klipsch, Indy Audio Labs and Aragon
Apparently, Klipsch has decided it's had enough of the notched design motif on Acurus and Aragon amplifiers and has decided to break off the two brands and sell them to Indy Audio Labs. We're hoping for a brighter future for the two lines under their new ownership; it certainly can't get a whole lot worse, as Klipsch ceased production of products wearing the Aragon badge 4 years after buying it from Mondial Designs in 2001. Both no-holds-barred Aragon and the more cost-conscious (but not cheap) Acurus names seem to be in capable hands -- Indy Audio Labs has two former Klipsch employees as its founders who plan to deliver products under the same brand names familiar to crusty audio nuts. Press release after the break.

Continue reading Klipsch says goodbye to Aragon and Acurus amplifiers

Klipsch touts its eco-friendly ways

by Steven Kim posted Apr 8th 2009 at 11:02PM

Klipsch logoWith Earth Day right around the corner, we expect to see a flood of news about who's loving the mother Earth the most, and Klipsch is kicking things off for speaker manufacturers. While it may not be using Environmentally Friendly Substrate material for its speaker cabinets like Elemental Designs, Klipsch sill has plenty to crow about. First, Klipsch's electrically efficient speakers -- especially the mainstay horn-loaded models -- let you get more dBs per Watt, and because a 3dB difference makes for about double the perceived volume they add up quickly. But we think the real eco-value is in producing a quality product that you won't be dumping into a landfill in a couple of years. Over their lifetime, your speakers might be the most ecologically benevolent piece of gear in your AV setup.

Klipsch HD Theater 500 5.1-channel sound system impressions

by Darren Murph posted Mar 29th 2009 at 10:49AM Featured Story


Klipsch won our hearts over years ago with its ProMedia 4.1 setup, and we're happy to say that the winning formula hasn't been significantly altered in the HD Theater 500. Honestly, the satellites presented here look an awful lot like those bundled in with the ProMedia kit, but these do check in with a bit less bulk and a bit more gloss. Upon unboxing the 5.1 system, we were actually pretty astounded by how light each of the speakers were, with even the subwoofer not being painfully heavy. All the small talk aside, we know you're here to see if these suckers are worth your hard-earned dollars -- follow us on past the break for a breakdown of the pros and cons.

Continue reading Klipsch HD Theater 500 5.1-channel sound system impressions

Klipsch HD Theater 500 5.1-channel sound system hands-on

by Darren Murph posted Mar 27th 2009 at 2:49PM Featured Story


Klipsch stunned the boxed surround sound world back in late January with the announcement of three relatively affordable 5.1 sound systems. The middle guy (yeah, the HD Theater 500) just started shipping out to the earliest of adopters, and we just so happened to get our set in today. For $599.99 (MSRP), you get four surrounds, a center channel and a powered (100 watt) 8-inch subwoofer. Each satellite is a sealed enclosure finished in a high-gloss piano black, with a 2.5-inch IMG woofer (center channel has two) and a MicroTractrix horn-loaded aluminum dome tweeter (0.75-inches) packed within. We can say with certainty that these drivers are delightfully small, but if you're looking specifics, here goes: the satellites are 6- x 3.6- x 3.85-inches, while the center channel measures in at 3.6- x 9- x 3.85-inches. As for the subbie? 13.9- x 12.5- x 12.5-inches. We're setting this rig up as we speak to give it a listen and report back, but till then, feel free to peruse the unboxing gallery below.

Gallery: Klipsch HD Theater 500 5.1-channel sound system hands-on

Klipsch horns in on DTV transition madness

by Steven Kim posted Feb 3rd 2009 at 8:13AM

Klipsch DTV campaign
In a bit of a creative leap, loudspeaker manufacturer Klipsch is launching a marketing campaign that ties in with the (probably soon-to-be delayed) DTV transition. We're on board with the catchphrase "A high-def picture demands high-def sound," but let's be clear -- the DTV transition isn't going to bring 24/7 high-def video to all your OTA channels, and it certainly isn't going to mean high-def sound will be filling the airwaves, either. Like we said, though, it's hard to deny the fact that most people aren't aware of how atrocious most TVs sound, or how spending a little money on some new speakers can really increase their enjoyment of their systems. Klipsch is hoping its HD Theater 300, 500 and 1000 systems are an ear- and wallet-opening experience for them. So, are you willing to forgive a bit of a marketing stretch for a good cause, or do you lump this right in with cable companies using the DTV transition to scare customers into digital tiers?

Klipsch intros HD Theater 300 / 500 / 1000 5.1 speaker systems

by Darren Murph posted Jan 26th 2009 at 10:23AM


Klipsch isn't exactly known for hovering around in the bargain bin, but given the current worldwide economic situation, it's pumping out a new trio of 5.1-channel speaker systems that are quite affordable given the specs. Starting at the low-end, we've got the HD Theater 300 (shipping in April), which packs mid-range surrounds (2.5-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch MicroTractrix Horn-loaded textile tweeter in each) alongside a down-firing 6.5-inch subwoofer. Moving on up, there's the HD Theater 500 (shipping in March), which swaps in an aluminum dome tweeter in the surrounds and an 8-inch subbie. The top-end HD Theater 1000 (shipping next month) includes 8.6-inch tall surrounds that support wall mounting and a 10-inch earth shaker. As for prices? Try $399.99, $599.99 and $899.99 in order of mention.

Klipsch's Icon V speakers get tested, deliver on movies and gaming

by Steven Kim posted Dec 18th 2008 at 4:00PM

Klipsch Icon V speakers
The Klipsch Icon V speakers were created in cooperation with Best Buy, so of course the big blue and yellow box has them on its shelves, but Audioholics put them to the test to see how they fared in a more real-world setting, away from the car stereos and boomboxes. The review was pretty favorable overall -- in home, the speakers pumped out a lively sound that was a treat for movies and games, but the the horn-loaded tweeters plus a lean midrange weren't exactly a ticket to sonic bliss when listening to music at louder volumes. Still, build quality was solid, and at least you can listen to these in an everyday store (you do stop by Best Buy every day, right?), so let your own ears be the judge. Just make sure that what jumps off the shelves as "detailed and extended" doesn't wind up "screechy and fatiguing" to you in the long run.

Klipsch gives its Icon VF-35, VF-36 speakers to Best Buy

by Steven Kim posted Sep 13th 2008 at 3:10AM

Klipsch Icon V series speakers
Klipsch's Icon W speakers sure look a treat, but they're on the pricey end of the scale, so Klipsch is offering up the Icon VF-35 and VF-36 speakers to Best Buy shoppers at the lower price points of $750 and $950 per pair, respectively, to set things right. That 1-inch horn-loaded tweeter high on the front baffle somehow reminds us of a Dalek, which makes us wish we could remove the lower speaker grille to show off the trio of mid/bass drivers; but it's fixed (that middle pic is factory-only), so maybe live with the top grill on instead and be contented that those drivers are pushing response down to 41Hz and 36Hz, respectively. As you'd expect from Klipsch, sensitivity comes in at a high 97.5dB, so not a lot of amplifier will be necessary to drive these.

[Thanks, Jim]

Read - Klipsch Icon VF-35
Read - Klipsch Icon VF-36

Klipsch adds six models to its Palladium speaker lineup

by Steven Kim posted Jul 13th 2008 at 2:02PM

Klipsch P-38F speaker
As much as you may love the looks (and sound) of Klipsch's flagship Palladium P-39F speakers, the $20,000 price tag on a pair of these beauties puts them safely out of reach for most people. But Klipsch is hoping to give a few more people a taste of the high life with the introduction of six new models in the Palladium line. For your main channels, you can pick between the P-38F and P-37F floorstanding or the P-17B bookshelf speakers. Round out your system with the P-27S surrounds, P-27C center channel and a P-312W subwoofer and you'll find yourself surrounded by good-looking, sculpted "Linia" zebra-grain forms. These new models aren't $20,000 expensive, but they're not cheap either: $12,000 and $8,000 for the P-38F and P-37F, respectively; the P-17B bookshelf will lighten your wallet to the tune of $4,000. For a whole system, factor in $3,500 for a P-27C, $4,000 for the P-27S, and another $4,000 for the P-312W. More pics after the jump.

Continue reading Klipsch adds six models to its Palladium speaker lineup

Klipsch intros new Icon W series speakers

by Steven Kim posted Jun 7th 2008 at 11:32AM

Klipsch Icon WF-35 speakers
Look at this -- another 2-channel stalwart company that has made the transition to the living room-as-theater world. Klipsch has introduced its Icon W speaker lineup, a traditionally designed (and we think, quite handsome) series that fills in the approximately $2,500 price point for a 5-channel (sans sub) setup. Klipsch has always been associated with horn-loaded drivers, and the tradition continues with the 1-inch Tractrix Horn tweeter deployed across the lineup. And here's something we like -- a naming convention that makes sense. The floorstanding WF-34 and WF-35 (pictured) floorstanders add in three of the 4.5-inch and 5.25-inch woofers, respectively. The WC-24 center channel and WS-24 surrounds use two of the 4.5-inch woofers; we'll let you guess the driver compliment on the WB-14 bookshelf model. Look for these at your local Magnolia store, with "per pair" prices from $499 on the WC-24 center to $1,499 on the WF-35.

Klipsch intros THX Ultra2 in-ceiling speakers

by Darren Murph posted May 18th 2008 at 8:49AM


Not content with just giving you those IC-T drivers, Klipsch has busted out a new duo in its in-ceiling lineup, both of which proudly boast THX Ultra2 certification. Aimed at high-end users looking for high-end surrounds, the KL-7502-THX and KS-7502-THX models both feature dual 5.25-inch Cerametallic woofers that operate in an enclosed tuned-port chamber and at least a single 1-inch titanium tweeter. Better hope your bank account is pretty padded before ordering yourself a set, however, as these buggers are priced at a cool $1,000 apiece.

Klipsch announces IC-T series in-ceiling speakers

by Darren Murph posted Jan 18th 2008 at 5:01AM


Looking to add a few new drivers in order to create a true multi-zone audio setup? Not exactly keen on cramping the style of each guest room with a couple of towers? Fret not, as Klipsch is lookin' out for you (and business owners alike) with its new lineup of IC-T in-ceiling speakers. Up first is the IC-400-T, which features a five-inch cone and a one-inch tweeter mated to a two-inch Tractrix Horn design. As for the IC-650-T, you'll find an awful lot of technological similarities compared to the aforementioned IC-400-T, but it does sport a larger 6.5-inch woofer and 3.5-inch horn; the IC-525-T, as you might expect, simply steps down to a 5.75-inch woofer. Finally, we've got the IC-8T-SW2 subwoofer, which packs an 8-inch woofer and 8-inch drone with polypropylene cones and high temperature voice coils. Price wise, you'll be asked to cough up between $125 and $238 per pair for the full-rangers, while each subbie will set you back a cool $160. Click on to see more of the family.

Continue reading Klipsch announces IC-T series in-ceiling speakers

Klipsch's CEDIA booth tour

by Darren Murph posted Sep 7th 2007 at 3:01PM


Honestly, we were somewhat surprised by the magnitude of Klipsch's booth at CEDIA, but it made sure every square inch was well utilized. A variety of speaker families were all out for us to see, including the KlipschCast wireless lineup, the Icon series, and of course, the firm's ultra-elegant Palladium Floorstander. You know the drill, check 'em out below.

Gallery: Klipsch's CEDIA booth tour





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