Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II Speakers
Pros
- They deliver outstanding performance with various types of content, including movies and music
- Smooth, crisp, and well-defined highs.
- Wide soundstage
Cons
- Some users may find the bass response overwhelming in smaller rooms or when placed close to walls, and the speakers' imposing size and design may not suit those who prefer a more understated aesthetic.
As an audio enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for speakers that offer a perfect balance between performance and aesthetics, and the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II floorstanding speakers have certainly caught my attention. With several improvements and refinements over their predecessor, these speakers promise an outstanding audio experience, whether you’re a fan of movies or music. Let’s dive into the details and see if these new Klipsch speakers live up to the hype.
The RP-8000F II features a pair of 8-inch Cerametallic woofers, which are made from a combination of ceramic and metallic materials, hence the name. This unique composition results in a cone that is incredibly rigid yet lightweight, providing fast response times and minimal distortion. This translates into tight, accurate bass reproduction that can handle even the most demanding low-frequency content with ease.
One of the standout features of the RP-8000F II is the Hybrid Tractrix Horn technology, which has been upgraded with a new, larger 90° x 90° silicone composite hybrid Tractrix horn. This design provides a more controlled dispersion pattern, resulting in a wider soundstage and enhanced imaging. This is particularly important for movie and music enthusiasts, as it allows for a more immersive and engaging listening experience.
The tweeter in the RP-8000F II is a 1-inch Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) titanium diaphragm model, which is designed to minimize distortion and provide enhanced detail in the high-frequency range. The vented tweeter design further improves the clarity and detail, ensuring that the highs are smooth, crisp, and well-defined.
One thing that really stands out about the Klipsch RP-8000F II is its striking appearance. The advanced cabinet design includes additional bracing and a divided cabinet, which helps to minimize vibrations and improve overall sound quality. The furniture-grade materials and finishes give the speakers a sophisticated and elegant look, making them a statement piece in any room. The removable grille attaches magnetically, allowing for easy customization depending on your aesthetic preferences.
As with any high-quality speaker, the real test comes down to its performance with various types of content. To evaluate the RP-8000F II’s capabilities, I started with a few of my favorite movies. First up was “Blade Runner 2049,” a film known for its incredible visuals and atmospheric soundtrack. The Klipsch speakers did not disappoint, delivering a wide and immersive soundstage that drew me into the dystopian world of the movie. The bass was powerful and tight, providing an excellent foundation for the rest of the audio spectrum.
Next, I turned to “Dunkirk,” a war film with an intense, suspenseful soundtrack. The RP-8000F II’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, with clear and detailed dialogue, as well as an incredibly dynamic and engaging sound that captured the tension and drama of the film. The explosions and gunfire were visceral and impactful, without any hint of distortion.
Finally, I watched “The Greatest Showman,” a musical with a vibrant and energetic soundtrack. The Klipsch speakers truly shined in this context, delivering a lively and dynamic performance that made me feel like I was in the midst of the action. The vocals were clear and natural, while the instrumentation was beautifully rendered with excellent separation and imaging.
Of course, no speaker review would be complete without evaluating music performance. I started with Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here,” a classic rock album with intricate and layered soundscapes. The RP-8000F II provided a detailed and immersive listening experience, with excellent separation between instruments and a wide soundstage that made me feel like I was in the recording studio with the band.
Next up was “Kind of Blue” by Miles Davis, a jazz masterpiece that demands precision and nuance from any speaker. The RP-8000F II did not disappoint, delivering a rich and textured performance that highlighted the subtleties of each instrument. The horn section, in particular, sounded natural and smooth, showcasing the benefits of Klipsch’s Hybrid Tractrix Horn technology.
Finally, I turned to Adele’s “25” album, which features powerful vocals and a mix of ballads and up-tempo tracks. The RP-8000F II’s performance was once again impressive, with Adele’s voice coming through with stunning clarity and emotion. The speakers handled the dynamic shifts in the music effortlessly, providing a captivating and engaging listening experience.
Of course, no speaker is perfect, and the Klipsch RP-8000F II has a few minor drawbacks. While the cabinet design minimizes vibrations, some users may find the bass response to be a bit overwhelming in smaller rooms or when placed close to walls. Additionally, the speakers’ imposing size and design may not be to everyone’s taste, especially if you prefer a more understated aesthetic.
However, these minor issues do not detract from the overall excellence of the Klipsch RP-8000F II speakers. Their outstanding performance with both movies and music, combined with their striking appearance, make them a fantastic choice for any home theater or hi-fi system. The attention to detail in the woofers and tweeters, along with the innovative Hybrid Tractrix Horn technology, ensures a top-notch audio experience that will satisfy even the most discerning listeners.
In conclusion, the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II floorstanding speakers offer a powerful, dynamic, and immersive audio experience that rivals much more expensive options. Their unique combination of Cerametallic woofers, LTS titanium diaphragm tweeters, and Hybrid Tractrix Horn technology make them an exceptional choice for movie and music enthusiasts alike. While they may not be perfect, their impressive performance and stunning design make them an easy recommendation for anyone seeking a high-quality speaker system.
