Klipsch Launches Reference, Synergy Series

By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 8/30/2010

INDIANAPOLIS — A new high-end 17-SKU Reference II series and a moderately priced eight-SKU Synergy series represent the first of multiple speaker introductions that Klipsch will unveil in the coming weeks, the company promised.

In refreshing its moderately priced Synergy series of inroom speakers, Klipsch revised its horn tweeters, added new crossover networks, and delivered a more contemporary look to deliver higher performance at almost the same price as their predecessors, the company said.

Eight new models consist of three floorstanding towers (F-30, F-20 and F-10) at a suggested $598 to $998 per pair, one bookshelf model (B-20) at $279 per pair, two center channels (C-20 and C-10) at $199 and $299 each, and two surround speakers (S-20 and S-10) at $329 and $479 per pair.

All models feature a revised Tractrix Horn throat geometry that enabled Klipsch to lower the crossover point to increase midrange frequency presence, a spokesperson told TWICE. Tractrix Horn technology delivers high efficiency, improved reliability, a wide soundstage and welldefined imaging, the company added.

The five speakers with 1-inch tweeter (F-30, F-20, F-10, C-20, S-20) add a new Linear Travel Suspension and aluminum- diaphragm compression drivers, said to work together to deliver more piston-like motion to reduce high-frequency distortion and create a more open, natural sound.

The speakers are available in black-ash vinyl veneer with gray accents. The horns now feature a black finish, and the speakers’ grille cloth is darker to match today’s flat panel TV bezels.

In the Reference II series of in-room speakers, Klipsch is offering five floorstanding towers priced from a suggested $549 to $3,198 per pair, four bookshelf models from $279 to $798 per pair, four center channels from $229 to $1,299 each, and four surround speakers priced from $329 to $1,198 per pair. They’re available in black ash or cherry wood and vinyl veneers.

All Reference II speakers feature a new crossover system and re-engineered drivers, including an upgrade to the company’s proprietary Tractrix Horn tweeter technology and new lightweight, rigid Cerametallic woofers.

The new Tractrix horn tweeters feature a new suspension system and titanium compression drivers, both intended to work together to reduce distortion and provide an open, natural soundstage, the company said. The design already appears in the company’s step-up Palladium flagship series.

The Cerametallic woofers feature aluminum drivers specially treated to improve damping and thus reduce distortion and tighten bass response, the company said. Reengineered crossovers offer smoother on-axis and offaxis integration.

The new line also features several cosmetic upgrades, including new black-metallic finished baffles, new logos and rounded feet, which protrude to give the cabinets a slimmer look.