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Klipsch RP-8000F II Floorstanding Speaker Review

Introduction

The Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II speakers have garnered much attention in the audio enthusiast community. As someone who has upgraded my home audio system with these towering behemoths, I hope this review provides you with a comprehensive and balanced perspective on their performance, build quality, and overall value. Let’s dive into what makes the Klipsch RP-8000F II Floorstanding Speaker stand out and where they might fall short.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The excitement was palpable upon receiving my Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II speakers. The speakers arrived in well-protected packaging, with plenty of cardboard and styrofoam to ensure they were pristine. However, unboxing them was no small task, and disposing of all the packaging materials took some time. It’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind that they arrived undamaged.

One thing that struck me immediately was the build quality. These speakers are substantial and heavy, which speaks to their solid construction. I had to use a hand truck to move them around my living room, even for short distances. The feet are sturdy and keep the speakers firmly planted, giving them an air of stability and reliability. I particularly appreciate the magnetic grill covers, which add a touch of sophistication to their design.

Setup and Configuration

Setting up the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II speakers was relatively straightforward, though their size and weight did present some challenges. The binding posts are solid and well-designed, making it easy to connect your cables securely. These speakers handle it beautifully if you’re like me and prefer bi-amping. I hooked them up to a 7.1 Onkyo home theater receiver, and the improvement in sound quality was noticeable.

Bi-amping, in particular, significantly improved sound quality. The midrange became more detailed, and I could hear the timbre in voices and instruments. While the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II speakers have strong bass performance, pairing them with a subwoofer enhances their performance, especially for movie soundtracks and electronic music.

Sound Quality

The sound quality of the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II speakers is impressive. The two main drivers put out plenty of basses, and the horn-based tweeter—a feature reasonably unique to Klipsch at this price point—delivers pure, high notes. I’ve always loved the “Klipsch sound,” and these speakers did not disappoint. The highs are crisp and clear, whether listening to music or watching movies.

However, not all reviewers shared my enthusiasm for the tweeters. One mentioned that they didn’t sound as clear as their previous speakers, the Polk Audio RTiA9. Considering different experiences is always valuable, as room acoustics and personal preferences can significantly influence one’s perception of sound quality.

Another reviewer highlighted the importance of speaker placement. They recommended toeing in the speakers towards the listening position to achieve a tighter sound stage. Experimenting with placement can make a noticeable difference in how these speakers perform in your specific environment.

Performance in Various Settings

I’ve used the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II speakers in both my home theater and stereo setups, and they’ve excelled in both scenarios. When connected to my Onkyo 7.1 receiver, the speakers handled everything I threw at them, from action-packed movies to delicate acoustic performances. The separation and clarity they provide are exceptional, and the horn-based tweeter contributes to a sense of “being there” that is hard to beat.

While watching movies, the clear speech and detailed midrange make dialogues stand out, and the bass response—especially when paired with a subwoofer—fills the room with impactful sound effects. For music, the speakers offer a balanced and immersive experience. The highs are pristine, the mids are rich, and the bass is punchy but not overwhelming. Genres like jazz and classical shine on these speakers, but they can also easily handle bass-heavy tracks.

Klipsch RP-8000F Floorstanding Speakers

Build Quality and Design

The build quality of the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II speakers is one of their standout features. As mentioned earlier, they are heavy and solidly constructed. The magnetic grill covers add a touch of elegance, and the overall design is modern and timeless. However, not all reviewers had a flawless experience. One encountered an issue with a speaker stand being broken and had to replace it with new screws. Another noted a slight imbalance due to one of the feet.

These issues, while minor, do highlight the importance of quality control. Fortunately, the consensus is that the build quality is impressive, and the speakers are built to last.

Customer Service and Support

My experience with Klipsch customer service has been positive. While I didn’t encounter any significant issues, others have reported glitches with shipping. One reviewer mentioned that their boxes were banged up and that they watched the UPS guy drop a speaker to the ground. Despite these challenges, customers generally found that the company was accommodating and made things right when issues arose. This level of customer support adds value to the overall purchase experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros

    • Outstanding sound quality with clear highs and rich midrange
    • Strong bass performance, especially with bi-amping
    • Solid build quality with a sophisticated design
    • Magnetic grill covers for added elegance
    • Good customer support

Cons

    • Heavy and bulky, requiring effort to move and set up
    • Packaging materials can be cumbersome to dispose of
    • There are some reports of minor build quality issues, like broken stands and imbalanced feet
    • There are slightly mixed opinions on the clarity of the tweeters

Comparison to Other Speakers

When comparing the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II speakers to other options in the market, like the Polk Audio RTiA9 or the Polk Audio Tsi-300, the Klipsch speakers stand out for their horn-based tweeters and robust build quality. While some may prefer the tweeter clarity of the Polk Audio RTiA9, the overall performance and versatility of the Klipsch speakers make them a strong contender in the mid-to-high-end speaker category.

The balance of features and performance often determines uniqueness in the market, and the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II speakers strike that balance well. They offer a unique sound signature with their horn-based tweeters and provide a solid, reliable build that can withstand time. While not entirely without competition, their strengths make them a compelling choice for serious audio enthusiasts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II speakers offer excellent sound quality, build quality, and design. They are versatile enough to excel in both home theater and music setups, and their performance can be further enhanced with bi-amping and careful placement. While they are not without minor flaws, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.

The Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II speakers are worth considering for anyone looking to upgrade their audio system. They deliver a level of clarity and detail that is hard to match at this price point, and their build quality ensures they will be a part of your setup for years to come. I hope this review has helped guide your decision.

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Bass Response
8.8
The bass response is strong and punchy, making these speakers well-suited for various music genres and home theater setups. Users frequently noted that, for most music, an additional subwoofer isn't necessary because the speakers handle bass impressively well on their own. However, having a subwoofer can enhance the experience for movies or bass-heavy tracks.
Treble Detail
8.5
The Klipsch RP-8000F's treble performance is generally commended for its clarity and purity, particularly due to its horn-based tweeter design. While most users enjoy the high-frequency performance, a few individuals found the treble to be less clear than they expected, especially when compared to some older Polk Audio models.
Midrange Clarity
8.9
The midrange clarity is a highlight for the RP-8000F speakers, especially when bi-amping is utilized. Users noted significant improvements in detail and timbre, resulting in a more dynamic and clear soundstage. This makes these speakers ideal for both music and movies, providing crisp and clear speech and musical instruments.
Design
9
The design of the Klipsch RP-8000F is another strong point, with a build that exudes quality and sturdiness. Magnetic grill covers add a sophisticated touch, and the speakers' solid construction ensures they stay firmly planted. Despite the high marks, there were a few minor issues like unbalanced stands or damaged speaker stands during shipping.
Sound Quality
9.1
Overall sound quality is excellent, combining strong bass, clear midrange, and detailed highs. Many users appreciated the 'Klipsch sound,' which is full-bodied and rich. Despite a few initial issues like the need for a break-in period, users found the sound to improve significantly over time. Any initial disappointment was quickly overshadowed by the eventual high performance.
Value for Money
9.2
The Klipsch RP-8000F offers an impressive blend of quality and sound performance for its price. Several users mentioned that the speakers are worth every penny, and even sweetened deals on sales make them an even better value. Despite some minor issues like damaged packing or broken stands, overall satisfaction with the product is high, suggesting a good balance between cost and quality.
8.9
Total Score
Rating Summary
The Klipsch RP-8000F are robust, full-featured speakers that offer an excellent balance between price and performance. The bass response is strong enough to satisfy most users without a subwoofer, though having one can enhance the experience for movies and bass-heavy music. These speakers deliver clear and detailed highs, although some users did find the treble slightly lacking in comparison to older models from other brands. Midrange clarity is one of the standout features, particularly when bi-amping is utilized, making these speakers suitable for a variety of audio sources. The overall sound quality is highly commendable, with most users experiencing significant improvements after a short break-in period. Additionally, the design and build quality are top-notch, despite some minor issues with shipping or slightly unbalanced stands. All in all, the Klipsch RP-8000F speakers represent a solid investment for anyone looking to upgrade their audio setup, blending high performance, elegant design, and reasonable cost.