Now, Klipsch announced its Reference Unity strategy, a global initiative that will align the majority of its product offerings under the established Klipsch Reference series. The new approach unifies the speaker series, soundbars and headphones, making it attainable to a wider audience at various price points.
“Transitioning to Reference will create a performance benchmark in today’s landscape of low-quality products that favor discounted design over lasting value,” says Mark Casavant, senior vice president of global product development for Klipsch. “Our Reference speakers can be enjoyed by their listeners for years, even decades, and they represent unprecedented performance and value. When a consumer upgrades to Klipsch Reference, they are making a sound investment in audio and their future listening experiences.”
The launch of the Klipsch Reference R6 and R6i in-ear monitors in May 2014 was followed by Reference soundbars, home theater speakers and the R6m in-ear monitors in July as the latest products in Klipsch’s Reference series - to be followed by numerous introductions throughout 2015, promises the brand.
Renowned and flagship Klipsch product lines such as Palladium, Heritage, THXUltra2 and ProMedia will remain as they are in today’s speaker market, with all future home theater speakers, soundbars and headphones falling under the Reference umbrella.
In addition to the products, all marketing collateral including packaging, messaging, advertising and retail displays will feature the brand’s legendary copper and black color palette and similar voicing to unite the three verticals under the Reference name.
“Klipsch is returning to our celebrated core product line with the power of thousands of satisfied customers already in place,” adds Matt Sommers, vice president of marketing and creative strategies for Klipsch. “We are launching exciting products in complimentary verticals with much tighter parameters for consistency in the marketplace. This strategy is our first step in claiming Klipsch’s rightful position as the great American speaker brand.”
First Reference Soundbar
Klipsch launched its Reference R-10B soundbar, using the same acoustic engineering and industrial design from the brand’s original Reference home theater line. The two-way soundbar boasts premium drivers, two lightweight ¾-inch horn-loaded textile dome tweeters for distinctive high-frequency detail, and two 3” polypropylene woofers that round out the enhanced sound with crisp vocal and dynamic soundtracks. Its tweeters are coupled with Klipsch-exclusive Tractrix Horns to reduce distortion and increase dispersion more directly to the main listening area. Included with the soundbar is an 8” side-firing wireless subwoofer that is housed in a MDF cabinet with a slot-port design for a deep, powerful bass. The subwoofer pairs automatically with the soundbar using wireless technology.
The Reference R-10B soundbar is compatible with most Bluetooth wireless enabled devices and also offers aptX audio coding technology for music streaming. Its Dolby Digital Decoder enables the soundbar to automatically reproduce any format of sound is coming from the TV’s output. Removable feet and included keyhole mounts provide placement flexibility for the soundbar to be mounted to a wall or rest in front of the TV.
Klipsch Reference Speakers
The launch of Klipsch new Reference Series includes six passive home theater speakers and two subwoofers. The Klipsch Reference line joins the renowned Reference II Series that is currently in the market and offers similar advanced acoustic engineering and industrial design. These products represent the initial and entry-level series in what will be a tiered approach to Reference home theater speakers to be completed in 2015.
Klipsch Reference consists of two floorstanding towers (R-28F and R-26F), two monitors (R-15M and R-14M), one center channel (R-25C), and one surround (R-14S). The line’s subwoofers include the R-10SW and R-12SW.
All the Klipsch Reference loudspeakers are available in a brushed black polymer veneer finish and equipped with exclusive Tractrix Horn technology and Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) aluminum tweeters that produce impressive high-end response and powerful dynamics for clean, natural sound. Their LTS tweeters have been a hallmark in the previous Reference generations as well as the flagship Palladium Series. Providing remarkable low-frequency response with minimal cone breakup and distortion are the speakers’ Injection Molded Graphite woofers.
The Klipsch Reference subwoofers are also available in a black polymer veneer finish and feature high-erformance, front-firing drivers that provide deep bass and placement flexibility. Their Injection Molded Graphite woofers are exceptionally light while being extremely rigid to provide remarkable low-frequency response with minimal cone breakup and distortion. The built-in all-digital amplifier also delivers ample power with high efficiency and true-to-source accuracy in reproduction.
Klipsch Reference ranges in price from $698 to $898 for a pair of floorstanding speakers, $199 to $249 for a pair of monitors, $249 for a center channel, $279 for a pair of surrounds, and $349 to $449 for a subwoofer.
Reference R6m In-Ear Monitors
The launch of Klipsch’s Reference R6m in-ear monitor serves as a universal headphone for any device and joins the brand’s new Reference headphone series that includes the in-market R6 and R6i. Its sleek construction of aluminum and elastomer make for a lightweight, durable and comfortable headphone while flat, tangle-resistant cabling enables for hassle-free storage and transport.
The Reference R6m in-ear monitor is specifically engineered to work with any mobile device, with a single-button remote and mic supporting Apple, Android, Windows, and BlackBerry devices while also providing functionality with the latest consoles like Xbox One and PS4 amongst many others.
The Reference Series in-ear monitors are equipped with Klipsch’s patented oval ear tips for a natural fit and comfortable, long-term wear. The soft silicon tips reduce ear fatigue and provide passive noise-cancellation, blocking out almost all ambient noise and providing excellent bass. These in-ear monitors produce the brand’s signature sound via a 6.5-mm dual magnet micro-speaker.
The Klipsch Reference R6m in-ear monitor is available in a black finish and comes complete with carrying case, clothing clip, and four different sized ear tips. The headphone retails for $99.99.
Klipsch.com
