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Klipsch RF-83: Review

Posted to Speakers 2009-02-06

The Klipsch RF-83 floor standing loudspeakers are an addition to the Klipsch Reference Series. This series is known for its good looks and outstanding sound quality. The RF-83 speakers feature a professional-grade titanium dome compression driver mated to a 90mm x 60mm Tractrix Horn for crisp, clear highs. For mid-bass frequencies, these superb speakers feature triple 8 inch high-output Cerametallic (a blend of ceramic and aluminum) cone woofers.

Klipsch quotes a frequency response of 29Hz to 21Khz for these loudspeakers and a power-handling capacity of 250W RMS/1000W Peak. They also feature bass-reflex through three rear-firing ports. Impedance is listed as 8 ohms. The high-frequency crossover is placed at 1650 Hz. They measure 49.6 inch x 9.25 inch x 20.5 inch. Klipsch offers two finishes for the cabinets - Cherry or Black Ash wood veneer. The cabinet features improved internal cross bracing to minimize panel vibrations.

Rating:

4.6 out of 5

Quality

The RF-83's live up to Klipsch's reputation for outstanding quality. This starts with the unique Cerametalllic material used for the woofers. This material is strong yet lightweight - both admirable qualities in a material designed to be driven at 250W RMS. They also employ large motor structures. The Tractrix Horns continue the quality standard, and have been well-proven in previous products. And it ends with the excellent construction of the cabinet, right down to the real wood veneers used for the finish.

Features

The Reference series is also known for advanced features, and the RF-83s are no exception. The unique Cerametallic material used to make the woofer cones is just one example. Another is the titanium-dome driver for the Tractrix Horn. The horn has been redesigned with improved throat geometry to produce more lifelike sound. The extra cross-bracing in the cabinet rounds out the feature set, minimizing colorization of the sound.

Summary

If you're an audiophile - and you will need to be one to appreciate these speakers at the price - you probably already know about the Reference series. And these speakers live up to the series' well-earned reputation. These speakers truly deliver unrivaled audio performance for the audiophile who wants the best. In addition, they're strong on looks and they feature Klipsch's usual high quality standards, right down to the premium binding posts on the back.

Pros

Triple 8 inch Cerametallic woofers with large motors
Titanium-domed compression driver
250W RMS/1000W Peak power handling
Extra cross-bracing in cabinet construction
Real wood black Ash or Cherry veneer finish

Cons

There are no cons for this product

Recommended accessory:

Monster Cable XPHP-15/15 : 15 X 2 ft. Clear Jacket Time Correct Advanced Speaker Cable

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