Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II & 504C II Speaker Review
The Klipsch Reference Premiere II line is the newly updated version of the Reference Premiere series of speakers from Klipsch. The Reference Premiere II line builds upon the success of the original Reference Premiere series by incorporating several technological advancements and design improvements.
The Reference Premiere II line includes a range of different speakers, including floor-standing models, bookshelf speakers, and center channel speakers. Each model is available in ebony or walnut finishes, allowing users to choose a style that best suits their decor.
As a fan of Klipsch's previous models, I was excited to get my hands on the new line and put them to the test. I’ll be testing the 8000F II as well as the 504C II. So, will the updated version outperform its predecessor? Let’s dive in!
Specifications
The Klipsch Reference Premiere 8000F II is a floor-standing speaker that boasts a powerful and immersive sound. With a frequency response of 35Hz to 25kHz, this speaker is capable of delivering rich, detailed sound across a wide range of frequencies.
The 8000F II features two 8-inch woofers and a 1-inch titanium Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) vented tweeter with a hybrid cross-section Tractrix horn, which provides high levels of efficiency and dynamic range.
The 1-inch LTS tweeter is designed with a vented housing to minimize the negative effects of standing waves on sound quality. It is housed in the signature Tractrix horn, which has a larger opening for improved sound staging and directivity. As a result, there is a wider "sweet spot" for optimal listening and improved imaging within that area. The horn features a soft silicone face and a specialized phase plug to ensure that the highs are smooth and not fatiguing.
Klipsch has also introduced a significant upgrade to the woofers in the latest version of its Reference Premiere speakers, which involves the incorporation of shorting rings, to improve the upper-frequency sensitivity while minimizing distortion.
Like most Klipsch speakers, the 8000F II has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms and a sensitivity of 98dB, making it highly efficient and able to produce sound with minimal power.
At a size of 43-inches x 10.9-inches x 18.3-inches and with a weight of 62 pounds, the speaker is a sturdy and impressive piece of equipment that is bound to draw attention in any room. The cabinet construction remains the same as the previous version, featuring ¾-inch thick MDF paneling and bracing, but with a significant internal redesign over its predecessor.
Klipsch has made some notable improvements to the RP-8000F II's cabinet by adding more bracing and dividing it into sections. This helps to decrease the amount of resonance and vibration from the cabinet, resulting in better clarity. The cabinet now has two Tractrix ports located at the rear, which enhance the bass response. The ports have a distinct horn shape that encourages more efficient airflow to reduce low-frequency distortion and port noise.
It also has three pairs of binding posts located on its rear, which provide the option to bi-amp or bi-wire the speaker as well as a pair of passthrough height channel binding posts that route through the inside of the cabinet and out near the top, a neatly wire-managed solution for Klipsch’s RP-500SA Dolby Atmos elevation speakers and their included wiring.
Moving over to the center channel, the RP-504C II is the flagship center channel speaker in the new Klipsch Reference Premiere II lineup. It features a revised tweeter and improved driver motors. Positioned on either side of the central tweeter are two 5-1/4" Cerametallic woofers, each equipped with new aluminum shorting rings that help to reduce distortion and enable the drivers to handle higher power. The RP-504C II's enclosure includes a rear-firing Tractrix port, which extends the speaker's bass response. The RP-504C II measures roughly 32-inches wide, 6.9-inches tall, and 15-inches deep and weighs 36 pounds.
Both speakers in the Klipsch Reference Premiere II series feature magnetic grilles that allow for easy attachment and removal, and the 504C II features cork pads on the bottom to add stability and security while helping decouple the speaker from surfaces.
Setup
As both the 8000F II and 504C II employ a ported cabinet, it is not advisable to place it directly against a wall or the rear of your entertainment center. Instead, I would recommend providing some space around the speaker to allow for optimal results.
Klipsch provided an Onkyo TX-RZ70 to pair with the system. Onkyo specifically supports Klipsch speakers with customized crossover configurations to better integrate the speakers based on known performance parameters, which is known as Klipsch Optimized mode. This approach avoids relying on guesswork for room correction. I also ran Dirac Live to get the most out of the speakers in my space.
Performance
The Klipsch Reference Premiere II series is a clear upgrade from the previous generation, especially when it comes to detail and sound quality. While watching the Batmobile chase scene in "The Batman," the speakers really shine. The scene is full of fast-paced action, with the Batmobile racing through the streets and dodging obstacles. You can hear every detail of the sound effects, from the roar of the Batmobile's engine to the screech of the tires as it rounds corners.
It isn’t just the action that sounds great, though. The dialogue coming from the 504C II is crystal clear, with every word coming through loud and clear. Even with the sound effects and music playing at full volume during all the talking in the club scenes, the voices are never drowned out or hard to understand.
The Klipsch Reference Premiere 8000F II speakers deliver an incredibly dynamic sound with a powerful punch that truly shines during the final boxing match in “Creed III”. As each punch is thrown, you can feel the full impact thanks to the speakers' impressive dynamic range. The bass is powerful and clear, detailed mids and highs really bring the action to life, and it almost feels like you're there watching the match in person.
It's a commonly held belief that Klipsch speakers have a harsh sound, especially with older models. However, the newer Mark II series shows that the company is constantly improving. As an owner of the Reference Mark I, I've noticed that the Mark II speakers are more laid-back in sound. They're not completely neutral, but they're less bright compared to previous generations.
While going through more of my test tracks, the speakers have a little extra energy present when listening to "In Bloom" by Nirvana, and while not 100% accurate, I love how it sounds. The speakers brought a certain liveliness to the track that really grabs your attention, almost a sense of excitement that came through that made the song feel more alive than ever before.
Another exceptional track with the Reference II's is Daft Punk's “Giorgio by Moroder.” The soundstage is noticeably larger than the Mark I’s, with instruments and vocals placed accurately across the soundstage. The separation between the different instruments is also quite good, allowing me to hear the subtle details that I wasn’t able to hear with the 8000Fs. The bass was tight and punchy, but never overpowering, while the midrange was clear and detailed, without any harshness or sibilance.
Conclusion
The Klipsch Reference Premiere 8000F II and 504C II are truly impressive speakers that offer exceptional performance for both music and home theater applications. Despite being based on the same design as their predecessors, these speakers represent a significant improvement in terms of clarity, detail, and overall sound quality. The 8000F II's dynamic range and punch make it perfect for movies, while the 504C II's clear and articulate midrange reproduces dialogue with exceptional clarity.
With the 8000F II priced at $1499 for the pair and the 504C II at $699, these speakers are well worth the investment for anyone looking to experience high-quality sound. If you're in the market for speakers that can deliver an immersive and engaging listening experience, the Klipsch Reference Premiere II series should certainly be on your shortlist.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Fantastic dynamic range | Same design as the previous generation |
A high level of sensitivity eliminates the requirement for a large amplifier | |
Well-defined highs |
FAQ
What is the recommended amplifier power for the Klipsch Reference Premiere II speakers?
The Klipsch Reference Premiere II speakers have high sensitivity, which means they do not require a lot of power to produce loud sounds. Klipsch recommends using an amplifier with an output of 50-400 watts per channel to power these speakers.
What is the Klipsch signature sound?
The Klipsch signature sound is characterized by a horn-loaded design that provides a high level of efficiency, dynamic range, and clarity. It is often described as having a lively and engaging sound with a strong emphasis on the midrange and high frequencies. Klipsch speakers are known for their ability to fill a room with sound, and they are often used in home theater and music systems where high volume levels are desired.
Why do some Klipsch speakers have 4 terminals?
Klipsch speakers have 4 terminals to allow for bi-wiring or bi-amping. Bi-wiring and bi-amping are methods of connecting a speaker to an amplifier using two separate speaker cables, one for the low frequencies and one for the high frequencies, or two separate amplifiers, one for the low frequencies and one for the high frequencies. This can potentially improve sound quality by reducing interference between the frequencies and providing more power to each driver.
