Klipsch Reference powered speakers

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic. Read 1169 times.

mix4fix

  • Volunteer
  • Posts: 2524
  • I reject your music, and substitute my own.
Klipsch Reference powered speakers
« on: 29 May 2025, 09:56 pm »
https://www.klipsch.com/powered-speakers#reference

Any opinions on the Klipsch powered Reference bookshelf speakers?

R-40PM
R-50PM

JLM

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 10752
  • The elephant normally IS the room
Re: Klipsch Reference powered speakers
« Reply #1 on: 30 May 2025, 12:38 pm »
Powered speakers, enough said.  Why not go with active speakers?  For less you can have JBL 305 Mk2 or JBL 306P Mk2 (on sale now at Sweetwater) that sound fantastic and go lower in smaller enclosures.

mix4fix

  • Volunteer
  • Posts: 2524
  • I reject your music, and substitute my own.
Re: Klipsch Reference powered speakers
« Reply #2 on: 30 May 2025, 06:34 pm »
I was more curious about the Klipsch sound, not necessarily how the drivers were amplified.

nlitworld

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 2444
  • Strange things are afoot at the Circle K
Re: Klipsch Reference powered speakers
« Reply #3 on: 31 May 2025, 02:12 am »
I was more curious about the Klipsch sound, not necessarily how the drivers were amplified.

Having owned several pairs of Klipsch consumer level over the years, there is worse, but it's not awesome. Kinda sharp, kinda dull, lots of cabinet resonance, and lots of quick connectors and bs parts in the signal path. I was much more impressed with a Parts Express C-Note kit. I know their C-Sharp powered speaker kit seems perpetually on backorder, but if you were any bit crafty that would give you a much better sound, and at 1/3 the price.  8) BUT if you really wanted to try some Klipsch powered options, do yourself a favor and bust out a soldering iron. Also the larger R50PM would be what you want.
C-Sharp Kit


Just my $0.02
-Lloyd

Letitroll98

  • Facilitator
  • Posts: 5758
  • Too loud is just right
Re: Klipsch Reference powered speakers
« Reply #4 on: 31 May 2025, 11:17 am »
My memory of Klipsch speakers are the classic Klipschorns and Cornwalls that sounded wonderful.  The consumer lines not so much.  I've not heard any of the newer stuff, but years ago they were unrelentingly bright with anemic bass.  I understand that's been improved upon, but unless you getting a great deal I'd pass.  The JBL recommendations above are much better at about the same cost.