Show The Reference Series auditioned here is slightly confusingly named because it is neither the flagship lineup in the Klipsch stable (the Reference Premiere is above it) nor the only models so titled. It comprises three floorstanders, two standmounts (with powered variants of those available too), two centres, two subwoofers and an upward-firing Dolby Atmos module that can be used on top of the front and rear speakers. Our system features the £700-per-pair R-620F floorstander (the middle of the three available), the R-51M standmount (£250p/p) and the £350 R-34C centre. These are joined by the R-41SA upfiring speaker (£350p/p) and R-100SW subwoofer (£350). Klipsch Reference 5.1.2 features The R-34C centre speaker is perhaps the most unusual of this system's components. To reduce its height and simplify placement, it is fitted with four 3.5in midbass drivers and a horn tweeter, which means it's only 13cm tall but a more considerable 66cm wide. While it looks a little odd, it’s commendably clear thinking and the radiating area of the four drivers is equivalent, explains Klipsch, to a brace of 6.5in units. The only area of mild concern is that it contributes to a situation where every speaker in this surround sound pack uses a different-sized main driver, which goes against the notional ideal. The partnering R-100SW sub adds another driver to the complement, although this is to be expected. Its 10in IMG woofer, also copper-coloured, is powered by a 150W (300W peak) Class D amplifier in a rear-ported cabinet. The final R-41SA upfiring speaker completes the pack and still manages to locate a horn tweeter into a compact enclosure alongside a 4.5in midbass. It has its own terminals, so can be used with any speaker rather than being tied to specific Klipsch models. Whether or not you like the styling will be a matter of personal taste. I think the speakers are handsome-looking things and the fit and finish is extremely good – there’s a no-nonsense quality to them that hopefully lends them a little timelessness. Yet I know some will struggle to be won over by the copper drivers and will feel the need to hide them with Klipsch's grilles. It would be nice to have a finish other than black, too – and if black is the only option, I don’t really understand why you’d texture it to look like wood, but it is at least well applied. Anyway, there's more to a loudspeaker than what it looks like...
Klipsch Reference 5.1.2 performance They don’t get much larger than the detonation of the drones by the USS Franklin in Star Trek Beyond (Blu-ray), and with this sequence these speakers are in their element. The overrunning wave of drones is well captured in the Atmos height channels and the system walks the fine balance of conveying the vast numbers involved while still picking out individual details. Information is moved around slickly from speaker to speaker and the wide dispersion ensures that the effect is a seamless and unbroken soundfield. The biggest surprise in the pack is the slim R-34C centre. It fulfils its role admirably. Dialogue is always clear and easy to follow and there was rather more weight and scale than I was expecting. Crucially, despite the rather different configuration between it and the left and right enclosures, the LCR stage sounds impressively integrated in a way that even some more expensive packages I have heard have struggled with. With the complex sequence in Atomic Blonde (Blu-ray) where Lorraine and Spyglass attempt to escape to the West, the Klipsch excels. Crowd scenes are packed with sonic details that are resolved very effectively – I felt I was in the midst of a mass of people. One of the reasons why this is as convincing as it is comes down to the ability of all the main speakers (and to an extent, the height channels as well) to impart a sense of weight in their own right. Lower mid-tones/upper bass registers are robust, and the benefit this grants the pack is considerable. When the woofer is really called into action, it proves to be a fine performer that complements the passive models well. The detonation of explosive charges that sets off the attack on Scarif in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Blu-ray) is a case in point. Despite the meagre specification, the R-100SW delivers LFE that is felt as well as heard and does so with an absence of bloat or overhang. It seems Klipsch has worked hard to ensure that the cabinet, amplifier and driver work together in a manner that is greater than the sum of its parts. Under all but the more appalling provocation it stays controlled and agile. Given that the passive speakers are as sensitive as they are and that high listening levels are easy to achieve, it does a brilliant job of keeping pace. Often, any review of a package around this price will suggest looking at a woofer from a dedicated manufacturer, but I’m not sure that's applicable here. Klipsch Reference 5.1.2 verdict HCC VerdictKlipsch Reference 5.1.2 Price: £2,000 We say: Klipsch's Atmos array sounds big and bold but cohesive too and represents excellent value for money. It's not a style system, though... Performance: 4.5/5 Specification R-620F R-51M R-41SA R-34C R-100SW (subwoofer) Is Klipsch Reference Theater Pack good?The Good. The Klipsch Reference Theater Pack offers excellent sound from a very compact set of 5.1 surround speakers. The included wireless sub has plenty of low-end muscle. Klipsch built in similar components to its full-sized speakers.
Does the Klipsch Reference Theater Pack need a receiver?Yes, it does require a receiver for Klipsch 5.1 system.
Are Klipsch speakers really that good?Klipsch is one of the leading high-end speaker companies for more than 50 years and their speakers are known for their high quality, durability and great sound. If you're looking to update your audio system, you can't go wrong with Klipsch.
Does the Klipsch Reference Theater Pack come with speaker wire?Reference Theater Pack: The Klipsch Reference Theater Pack includes four matching satellite speakers, a center-channel speaker, a wireless powered subwoofer with built-in 2.4GHz receiver, and an external wireless 2.4GHz transmitter. Speaker wire is not included and sold separately (see Accessories tab).
|