Klipsch Icon vs Reference: Which Series Comes with Best Speakers

Klipsch is popular among people for their quality speakers and they have different series with different unique features. If you are a Klipsch lover then you may know Klipsch Icon and Klipsch Reference series. We are going to compare Klipsch Icon vs Reference series to see which one has the best speakers and features.

Both of them have the same configuration, a horn-driven tweeter with a low-end woofer. This style now stands out among other speakers that use a speaker cone. Since the horn tweeter is built, every horn instrument will probably sound a little more natural and lively.

The speakers of Klipsch Icon are true examples of high-performance, high-style, and high-value home entertainment with slim black vinyl cabinets and top caps made of wooden furnishings. The sound in the group of lifestyle speakers is superior and inexpensive and that happened because of using the same XT Tractrix Horn technology in the previous Icon lines.

With patented horn-powered technology and IMG woofers built from classic spun-copper, Klipsch Reference series speakers add life-like sound to existence in your music and movies. The exclusive Tractrix horn technology from Klipsch guarantees high-frequency energy of a reference speaker series is concentrated at the listener and decreases the reverb or filtering of the artificial reverb.

Both serve numerous roles. Icon’s sequence has higher artistic appeal and offers you the outstanding sound of home cinema, without needing any host of other speakers to surround you. The reference series targets those who care less about the aesthetics than the proportions, improved volume performance and quality, and a balanced mix of music and movie implementations.

And if you compare Klipsch Icon vs Reference from the vire of price then you will not see much difference.

Model by Model Comparison

Bookshelf Speaker

Bluetooth speakers, due to their smaller scale, are damn good, many of them are portable and sound quality just goes higher than regular wired speakers which are closely rival. In our today’s fast world, Bluetooth speakers are becoming popular for taking our music everywhere we want them. Smartphone and handheld systems are available and can be paired wirelessly. Many of them are mobile or water-resistant and dustproof too.

Klipsch R-15m vs Klipsch Icon Kb-15s

Klipsch R-15mKlipsch Icon Kb-15s
TypeSpeakerSpeaker
Speaker System Typeleft / right channel speakersleft / right channel speakers
ASINB00AS3X740B00LMF41IY
Design FeaturesBrushed polymer veneerVinyl veneer
Detachable GrillesYesYes
Amplification TypePassivePassive
Crossover Channel Qty22
Nominal Output Power85 Watt85 Watt
Max (RMS) Output Power340 Watt340 Watt
Frequency Response62 - 24000 Hz62 - 23000 Hz
Nominal Impedance8 Ohm8 Ohm
Sensitivity94 dB94 dB
Crossover Frequency1800Hz1800Hz
Connectivity Technologywiredwired
Recommended PlacingBookshelfBookshelf
Body MaterialMDFMDF
Driver Typetweeter driver, woofer drivertweeter driver, woofer driver
Driver Qty11
Driver Diameter1 m, 5.25 m1 m, 5.25 m
Driver Materialaluminum, injection-molded graphite (IMG)aluminum, injection-molded graphite (IMG)
Driver Technology / DesignLinear Travel Suspension (LTS)Tractrix Horn
Dimensions8.2 x 7 x 12.5 inches8.2 x 7 x 12.5 inches
Weight10.3 pounds11 pounds

Klipsch R-15m

Pros

  • A narrower design for sliding into cramped spaces than other units
  • A robust tone that is not affected by low price tags
  • Tractrix horn dynamic in the development of natural sound
  • At 10 pounds, a light carries
  • A brushed polymer finish mixes with home decor and is hard to harm greatly.
  • For its scale, Intense Bass

Cons

  • Not developed for large venues
  • Perhaps the sound needs to be turned higher than average for clarity.

Klipsch Icon Kb-15s

Klipsch KB-15 Icon_soundboxlab.com

Pros:

  • A unique combination of accuracy, clarification, and effortless strength is made.
  • Fills small to medium rooms with strong performances that are lifelike,
  • With songs and movies, equally impressive
  • Highly successful architecture requires fewer resources to generate more production
  • Precise, non-fatiguing sound gives hours of listening enjoyment.
  • With less distortion than the opposition, it plays louder

Cons:

  • The tweeters are absolutely delightful.
  • Possibly 2 to 3 dB is higher than the woofer.

Verdict

The Klipsch Icon Kb-15s speaker uses Tractrix® Horn technology in a sound that’s lifelike, more production uses less energy, greater efficiency, decreased distortion, and a large picture soundstage. There are some issues with the ported woofer because when the bass is cranked up through no speaker fault, it makes some notes sound boomy.

The Klipsch R 15-M monitor bookshelf monitor speaker has far more to offer than its unbelievably futuristic look and superb audio efficiency. The R15-M speakers deliver an unprecedented level of flexibility and functionality compared with other bookshelf speakers available at the same price point.

Floorstanding Speaker

A quality floor standing pair would automatically overpower and provide room-filled music to your high-end setup. Members on Board tend to create bigger booths than bookshelf speakers to build greater scale, authority, and bass. But larger cabinets don’t fit the better sound. You would certainly like a specialized floor stander for the home theater system whether you are a dedicated audiophile or a movie lover.

Klipsch KF-28 vs Klipsch RF-82

Klipsch RF-82Klipsch KF-28
Speaker System TypeFloor-standingFloor-standing
Detachable GrillesYesYes
System Components1 x Floor-standing speaker1 x Floor-standing speaker
Amplification Typepassivepassive
Crossover Channel Qty2-way2-way
Nominal Output Power150 Watt150 Watt
Max (RMS) Output Power600 Watt600 Watt
Nominal Impedance8 Ohm8 Ohm
Frequency Response33 Hz – 24 kHz35 - 23000 Hz
Sensitivity98 dB98 dB
Crossover Frequency2000Hz1800Hz
Connectivity Technologywiredwired
Driver Typetweeter driver, woofer drivertweeter driver, woofer driver
Driver Qty1, 21, 2
Driver Diameter1 m, 8 m1 m, 8 m
Driver MaterialCerametallic, titaniumaluminum, injection-molded graphite (IMG)
Driver Technology / DesignTractrix HornTractrix Horn
Dimensions9.3 x 43.9 x 16.3" (23.5 x 111.4 x 41.4 cm)16 x 9.5 x 43.3 inches
Weight61.5 lb (32.2 kg)59 pounds

Klipsch KF-28

Klipsch KF-28 Icon_soundboxlab.com

Pros:

  • Completes medium to large spaces with powerful, lifelike performances
  • With songs and movies, equally impressive
  • Highly successful architecture requires fewer resources to generate more production
  • Precise, non-fatiguing sound gives hours of listening enjoyment.

Cons:

  • Fatiguing at higher volumes with music
  • Midrange a bit thin

Klipsch RF-82

Pros:

  • Crispy highs and super accurate lows.
  • Really expanded the sound stage.
  • Classic finish with a modern texture
  • The sound signature provides a full sense of listening.

Cons:

  • Quite large and heavy
  • Not enough connectivity

Verdict

Klipsch RF-82 speaker is perfect for those who don’t want a lot to buy a speaker but want an incredible experience during the tour. The incredible signature of the sound will take you away. The sound of the big sound stage sounds so normal and genuine.

KF-28 speaker Klipsch excels at the home theatre. It excels in offering a wide variety of musical styles, from heavy rock to jazz, if you have the other device elements. Honestly, it would sound great, along with Klipsch KF-28 speakers, a decent middle speaker, and a subwoofer.

Klipsch WF-35 vs Klipsch RF-52 II

Klipsch WF-35Klipsch RF-52 II
Speaker TypePassivePassive
Nominal Impedance8 ohms8 ohms
Frequency Response50Hz-23kHz +/-3dB36 Hz - 24 kHz ± 3 dB
Sensitivity97 dB96 dB
High-Frequency Driver1" (2.5cm) titanium diaphragm compression driver mated to a 4.5" 80° x 80° round Tractrix horn1" (2.54 cm) titanium diaphragm compression driver mated to 90° x 60° square Tractrix Horn
Low-Frequency DriversTriple 5.25" (13.3cm) high-output fiberglass cone woofersDual 5.25" (13.3 cm) C era metallic cone woofers
Enclosure TypeBass-reflex via dual rear-firing portsBass-reflex via rear-firing port
FinishCabernet furniture-grade wood veneerBlack Ash woodgrain vinyl
Dimensions43 x 7.25 x 11.75" (109.2 x 18.4 x 29.8 cm)6.8 x 36.9 x 14.4" (17.2 x 93.8 x 36.5 cm)
Weight41 lb (18.6 kg)38.5 lb (17.5 kg)

Klipsch WF-35

Klipsch WF-35_soundboxlab.com

Pros:

  • Provides a dynamic, detailed sound with crisp highs and punchy, extended bass.
  • The fit and finish will impress even the most snobby of buyers, with rock-solid, beautifully finished cabinetry, tight seams, and edges, and top quality parts.
  • Provides a big sound overall and will fill bigger rooms nicely.

Cons:

  • The midrange lacked ultimate detail.
  • It May does not appeal to buyers wanting a more laid back, transparent sound to go along with the gorgeous cosmetics.

Klipsch RF-52 II

Pros:

  • Provides a well-balanced, lively sound that stays on the right side of refinement and impresses with its punch and clarity.
  • Offers enough speed and musicality to appeal to music lovers.
  • Doesn’t require high power to perform optimally.

Cons:

  • Top-end got a bit zippy at times and carried that into the midrange, giving the sound a cold quality that exposed itself mostly on classical, vocal, and piano tracks.
  • Has some directionality issues that shrink the sweet spot, and could use a little more bass extension.

Verdict

The Klipsch RF-52 presents a convincing value proposition for the audience. In the Klipsch tradition, it definitely rocks the home, but it also gives a little elegance. It is incredibly economical and can fill a good sound space without a huge amplifier in the rack. The RF-52 should certainly be on your audition list if your needs match these attributes.

For its inexpensive price, the WF-35 offers quite a lot. It has rhythm and life, lots of thumps, and also a dose of sophistication. It doesn’t need premium power to sound amazing, or even similar to it, and looks much better than other speakers. It can confuse more than a few people who wouldn’t usually go next to a horn.

Find out the difference between Home Theatre set up and Home Cinema set up

Soundbar

Soundbars provide some benefits over more conventional home theater layouts: They require less space and are therefore more inexpensive and simpler to install. If you’re searching for a Dolby Atmos soundbar or want something to link to your MP3 player, there is a model for you.

Not all soundbars are similar, though and some provide a greater listening experience than others. You would want one that looks decent and is similar to your current gadgets whether you watch a lot of TV or always hear music at home, whether you want to connect it to your mobile television or choose to listen directly from your mobile.

Klipsch Reference R-20B vs Klipsch Icon SB-1

Klipsch Reference R-20BKlipsch Icon SB-1
DesignBar---
AmplificationSelf-poweredSelf-powered
Separate SubwooferYesYes
Wireless SurroundsNo---
Number Of Channels2.12.1
Dolby DigitalYesYes
DTSNoNo
Dolby AtmosNoNo
DTS:XNoNo
Dialogue EnhancementNoNo
Auto VolumeNoNo
Virtual Surround3D Surround3D Surround
Optical Digital Inputs11
Coaxial Digital InputsNoneNone
HDMI ARC InputNoNo
HDMI eARC InputNoNo
3.5mm Stereo Analog InputsNoneNone
RCA Stereo Analog Inputs11
USB Type-A InputNoNo
Subwoofer OutputWirelessWireless
Tweeter3/4" Horn-Loaded dome (2)0.78" Horn-loaded dome
Midrange3" Cone (4)None
WooferNone3" Cones (4)
Subwoofer Driver10" cone10" cone
EnclosureSealed(spkr)/Ported(sub)Sealed(spkr)/Ported(sub)
System Frequency Response27-20k Hz33Hz-20kHz Hz
Sound Bar RMS PowerNot givenNot given
Subwoofer RMS PowerNot givenNot given
HDMI Video Pass-through ResolutionN/AN/A
HDR Video CompatibleNo---
Includes RemoteYesYes
Voice ControlNoNo
Control by AppNoNo
HDMI CECNoNo
Remote IR PassthroughNoNo
Learns TV RemoteYesYes
Bluetooth ConnectivityBuilt-inNo
Apple AirPlayNoN/A
Chromecast built-inNoNo
Files on Your NetworkNoNo
Built-in Wi-Fi VersionNone---
BandsN/A---
Wall-mountableYesYes
Mounting Bracket IncludedNoYes
Sound Bar Size (inches)4-1/8H x 39-15/16W x 2-15/16D4-1/8H x 40W x 2-15/16D
Sound Bar Weight8.5 lbs7 lbs
Subwoofer Size (inches)13-3/4H x 9-1/8W x 19-5/8D13-3/8H x 9-3/16W x 19-5/8D
Subwoofer Weight26 lbs25 lbs

Klipsch Reference R-20B

Klipsch Reference R-20B_soundboxlab.com

Pros:

  • Great bass
  • Good overall sound
  • Sleek design.
  • Easy setup

Cons:

  • Expensive if not on sale
  • Bluetooth is vulnerable to other nearby wireless networks.

Klipsch Icon SB-1

Klipsch Icon SB-1_soundboxlab.com

Pros:

  • Crisp highs
  • Great mids and deep bass.
  • Easy installation.
  • An excellent value compared to more expensive soundbars.
  • Good surround sound simulation.

Cons:

  • Not as good as 5.1 surround sound systems
  • Limited connectivity.

Verdict

The Klipsch R-20B is the best soundbar around for bass loving audiophiles. It can often be found at online retailers for up to half off the retail price and if you are able to find a deal like this you should snatch it up, as you won’t be disappointed. The Klipsch Icon SB delivers very good sound quality and extended bass in a convenient package, but lacks some of the connectivity expected at this price level.

Difference between Bluesound speakers and Sonos speakers

Conclusion

I know that I’ve given you a lot of details, but we have the best intentions to satisfy your audio needs at home. But the Klipsch Reference speakers will usually provide the strength, the information, and the emotion of live music even if you cannot engage in a live performance.

You just can’t go wrong in our humble view. Klipsch Icon speakers, on the other hand, are of outstanding value for the price, really look as good as many reviewers say, and deliver fantastic sound.

If you’re more into the sound of the music, though, and show yourself as an audiophile, go to the Reference series. But if you only want to arrange a modest but gorgeous speaker inside the budget for your fantastic home theater, the Icon series is the one for you. And Klipsch Company always tries their best to satisfy customer’s needs.

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