Klipsch R26FA vs R625FA and Alternative

If you are looking for a sound system that will provide you with a cinematic audio experience, then you should consider investing in high quality floorstanding speakers. Klipsch has positioned itself to gain a lot of popularity in the audio market, and its products are positively reviewed by audiophiles. Two great floorstanding speakers are the R26FA and the R625FA. In this article, we will be looking at the differences between these speakers and reviewing some alternative floorstanding speakers.

Differences at a glance: Klipsch R26FA vs R625FA

Although quite similar, the Klipsch R26FA and the R625FA includes some notable differences, especially in the audio performance. The table below provides an overview of the specifications of each of the floorstanding speakers and a quick review of the differences between the two. For convenience, the two speakers will be differentiated in terms of design, quality, ease of installation and audio performance.

Design and Build Quality

Both speakers look quite similar in terms of design. Whilst the Klipsch R-625FA has a more toned down and matte texture, the R-26FA are not afraid to stand out with its flashy metallic tweeters. Both speaker cabinets are composed of MDF, which is medium density fiberboard. This material is useful since it is anti-resonance, meaning that it ensures any unwanted vibration are reduced and the audio being produced is smooth and natural. The R26Fa includes a polymer veneer finishing whilst the R625FA is coated with wood grain vinyl. One major difference between the two speakers is their enclosure type. The Klipsch R26Fa follows a front firing bass reflex enclosure whereas the R625FA has a rear firing bass reflect enclosure.

Ease of Installation and Connectivity

Both floor standing speakers are relatively easy to set up and install. There are instruction manuals found in the packaging that can help the user to follow the steps and set up their speaker. Connecting the speakers to the external components are also relatively easy. Both Klipsch R26FA and R625FA come with gold plated binding posts that accept banana plugs, bare wires and pin and spade connectors. The only difference is that R-625FA comes with dual binding ports whilst the R26FA includes single binding posts.

Audio Performance

The audio performance of the speakers is the most crucial factor to consider. If we look at the audio specifications of both the Klispch speakers, we can see that they both includes 1-inch linear travel suspension aluminum tweeter and two 6.5-inch spun copper injection molded graphite woofers. When we compare the audio specifications, we see that the R26FA is capable of delivering a wider frequency range compared to its competitor. Whilst the R625FA is capable of producing highest frequency of 21000 Hertz, the R26Fa can deliver a treble response as high as 24000 Hertz. Nevertheless, the crossover frequency for R625FA is higher at 2000 hertz. Since the sensitivity for R26Fa is a little higher, it can produce louder audio. Both speakers are Dolby Atmos compatible so they can deliver surround sound experience.

Klipsch R26FA

The Klipsch R26FA are excellent Dolby Atmos floorstanding speakers that offers impressive audio response at a good price range.

What is inside the box?

Klipsch R26fa comes in a rigid packaging which includes the floorstanding speakers themselves along with user manual, safety instructions and warranty sheet. Apart from these, there are two types of grilles found inside the box- one is a large grille which can be detachable and the other is the small grille which is fixed.

Refreshing and Efficient Design

The Klipsch R26FA has a refined design that not only looks pleasant but is also very functional. The speakers are available in black color and stand at 40 inches in height. R26FA consists of a perfectly damped MDF cabinet that is coated with brushed polymer vinyl finishing giving it an elegant touch. The cabinet is slightly elevated at the top so that the tweeter and woofer can be placed upward. This upward elevation ensures that the sound is directed at the ceiling for an immersive audio experience. The speaker comes with an acoustically transparent removable black cloth grille.

Premium Built Quality

The build quality of these speakers is remarkable. As mentioned, it is composed of an MDF cabinet. MDF in full form is Medium density fiberboard and it is a combination of dense resin mixed with fiberwood. This material is very useful for the construction of audio devices since it’s damping characteristics ensures that any unwanted resonance is eliminated with maximum effectiveness. The R26FA also includes four integrated rubber feet that gives it protection from being scratched when it is placed on rough or uneven surfaces.

Driver Construction

Klipsch R26FA loudspeakers include a front firing port that compliments the cabinet and drivers well. This style of positioning the port at the front ensures smooth air flow and reduces unwanted vibrations for maximum audio output.

The premium quality speaker consists of a 1″ aluminum tweeter which combines LTS (Linear Travel Suspension) technology to minimize distortion and provide an audio that is clean, accurate and detailed. Klipsch’s proprietary Tractrix Horn technology has also been incorporated with the tweeters. The square Tractrix Horn delivers a 90° (w) x 90° (h) dispersion audio pattern that results in enhanced stereo imaging, wider soundstage and powerful audio response.

The dynamic floorstanding speaker also includes dual 6.5″ copper-spun cone woofers. The woofers have Copper-Spun IMG (Injection Molded Graphite) property which make it very rigid and lightweight. These characteristics ensure that the woofer offers precise and impactful low frequency response with minimum audio distortion.

Binding Post Terminals for Versatile Connectivity

Klipsch R26FA includes dual binding posts for the main channel and single binding post terminals especially for the height channel. The binding posts of the main channel are connected with jumpers. These will accept bare wire, spade connectors, banana plugs and pin connectors. The dual binding posts can be used to bi-wire or bi-amp the main channel of the speakers.

Impressive Audio Performance

The floorstanding speakers have a frequency range of 38-24,000 Hz which suggests the impressive sound quality. Theoutstanding speaker is able to deliver audio at a power of 400 watts and a sensitivity of 97 dB, suggesting that it can offer a sound that is dynamic and powerful with convenience.

First, let’s look at the treble. The high end drivers are the aluminum tweeters which is located at the front and the top of the speaker cabinet. The high frequency is crisp and clear. It is delivered with precision and power. Turning the volume up does not cause the audio to break up, meaning that the distortion levels at high volumes is controlled. The tractrix horn is also very useful for the Klipsch speakers to achieve impressive stereo separation and staging. The midrange is well balanced and there is not massive enhancement in audio. The Klipsch R26FA deliver a natural and steady midrange without it being too overpowering or dramatic.

The low end is where the powerful floorstanding speakers shine. The R26FA can deliver frequency as low as 38 Hertz, which is adequate for a prominent and impactful bass response. Although the bass response is powerful, it is not overpowering. There is less distortion at lower frequency range although the bass can go very low. The bass is deep and rich, with a warm tone. Nevertheless, the bass response may not be enough for orchestra or bass heavy music, as some music produces frequency as low as 16 Hz. For home loudspeakers, 38 hertz would be sufficient.

Dolby Atmos for Heightened Surround Sound

The elevation channel integrated on top of the speaker cabinet ensures that sound is being reflected off the surface and deliver immersive Dolby Atmos Audio. The elevated sound results in a three dimensional audio experience. There is a height channel that is specially designed into the front firing port for heightened Dolby Atmos audio experience. Since there is an elevated channel at the top of the cabinet, the sound being emitted from the channel is reflected onto the surface of the ceiling, doing at every direction, filling the room with audio that creates a three dimensional effect. This height channel is capable of handling about 75 watts of continuous power and 150 watts of peak power. It works by connecting to the AV receiver’s Dolby Atmos effect speaker outputs.

User Response

Users have shown a positive attitude towards the Klispch R-26FA floorstanding speakers. In the Klispch website, the speakers have an average rating of 5.0 out of 5.0 for both quality and value of the speakers. Out of the 80 customer reviews on amazon for this product, there has been an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.0 stars. Most users think that these speakers sound great, are easy to install and handle. However, some other users have complaints of about the extra money spent on the speakers because of the Dolby Atmos effect that they offer. Based on these reviews, we have listed down the reasons to purchase along with the reasons to avoid getting the Klipsch R26FA.

Why should you get the Klipsch R26FA?

Here are some of the benefits of having the Klipsch R26FA integrated with your sound system:

• The loudspeaker is suitable for small sized rooms because of its compact size.
• Klispch R26FA has an elegant design with premium wood grain finish that makes it easily compatible with any interior.
• The build quality of these speakers is impressive. The rigid and anti-resonance MDF cabinet along with sturdy binding posts and rubber feet offers protection from scratches and long term durability.
• The drivers are coupled with klipsch’s proprietary technology that offer maximum audio output when working together.
• The elevation channel on the surface of the speaker cabinet gives opportunity for Dolby Atmos surround sound that allows the user to immersed into the three dimensional music that surrounds them.

Drawbacks of the Klispch R26FA

Here are a few things that you should consider before getting the floorstanding speaker:

• The low frequencies may not be adequate for orchestral or bass heavy music.
• The klipsch R26FA may not be suitable for larger rooms and might be a little bulky in size.

Klipsch R625FA

The Klipsch R625FA are sleek and stylish floorstanding speakers that not only look great but sound great too.

What is inside the box?

Apart from the floorstanding speakers themselves, the packaging includes a lot other components essential for the functioning of the speakers. There are two grilles, both of which are installed into the R625FA speakers. There are two extra feet that are added for keeping the bottom surface of the speakers protected. Four screws are also found in the box, which can be used for the installation of the Klispch floorstanding speakers. Lastly, there are instruction and safety manuals which act as a guide for the user in setting up and maintaining the floorstanding speakers.

Sleek and Simple Design

The Klipsch 625FA stand tall at 40 inches with their elegant exterior. These speakers are built with class, and can easily blend into any interior with their versatile and classic design. Composed of MDF, the cabinet is scratch resistant and consists of a wood grain vinyl texture that makes it look glossy and polished. The speakers are quite heavy, weighing at and 49 lbs and has dimensions of 17.30 x 9.45 x 40.00 inches so they are not exactly portable. These floorstanding dynamic speakers come with two magnetic acoustically transparent grille made up of cloth that can be removed during installation.

Durable Built Quality

Klipsch R 625FA floorstanding speakers have are well constructed. These speakers are composed of MDF, which has scratch resistant property and it allows for unwanted resonance to be avoided when music is being produced through the speakers. The reinforced MDF of the enclosure reduces vibrations that in turn minimizes audio coloration and allows sound to emitted with natural frequency. The tower casing design makes it optimized to be used at homes with convenience. The high quality speakers also include sturdy binding posts for easy connectivity options. Furthermore, the Klipsch speaker comes with two stabilizer feet that can be installed using the screws provided in the box. These feet are composed of rubber pads that keep the bottom of the speakers protected from scratches.

Driver Construction

The speaker consists of two types of driver- the high frequency driver and the low frequency driver. The Klipsch R 625FA is an up firing speaker that includes the drivers on the top surface so as to maximum effective transmission of audio. The design of the speaker includes a rear tractrix port which helps to reduce distortion or air turbulence.

The high frequency driver is made up of titanium. The one-inch tweeter incorporates a 90°x90° square Tractrix horn technology which works by aiming the high frequency audio directly towards the listener and creating a wide soundstage by ensure that unnatural reverb is reduced. Because the technology helps the sound to be directed to a specific location instead of it bouncing off the walls and moving all over the place, the audio being emitted is more clear and detailed. Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) is also used to ensure that the tweeter performs in its maximum capacity by minimizing distortion, allowing for high efficiency and enhanced details in the audio response.

The low frequency drivers included in the floorsttnding speaker are the dual 6.5″ Copper-Spun IMG woofers. IMG stands for Injection Molded Graphite, a material that is extremely lightweight and rigid which helps in increasing low frequency performance and at the same time reducing any type of distortions in the audio.

Binding Posts for Greater Connectivity

Binding posts are included for the speakers’ main channel and heightened channel for connectivity options. The speakers use spring loaded, gold plated terminals that allows them to connect to a receiver or an amplifier. The binding posts accept a wide range of plugs ranging from banana plugs, spade wires, bare wires and pin connectors.

Enjoyable Audio Performance

When we look at the audio specifications, we can see that the speakers exhibit great audio performance. The Klipscch R 625FA have a wide frequency range. These speakers are capable of delivering an audio response at a frequency as low as 38 hertz and as high as 21000 hertz. Moreover, they are packed with power, as the floorstanding speakers have a peak power rating of 400 watts and a sensitivity rating of 96 dB.

The speakers offer a colorful and bright treble response thanks to the Tractrix horn design of the one-inch titanium LTS enabled tweeters. The high frequency response is clear and concise, without much breaking up of audio. The dialogue is audible and instruments can be separated with ease. The midrange is well balanced and neutral.

The 6.5 inch woofers are lightweight and rigid. These components of the driver ensure that the bass being produced is deep and punchy. The cone is designed to produce precise movement that helps it deliver audio with less distortion at high volumes. The result is a smooth and precise low end audio that sounds impactful.

Dolby Atmos: True Surround Sound Capabilities

The speakers truly shine when watching movies and the Dolby Atmos effect plays an important role for this effective performance. The enclosure design includes both upward and forward facing speakers. The Dolby Atmos surround sound effect is achieved thanks to the upward firing speakers which direct the sound to the ceiling, resulting the sound waves from bouncing off from the walls and filling up the room. Hence, the user gets a 360-degree surround sound audio experience with the Dolby Atmos effect. Watching movies with these speakers connected is truly an enjoyable experience since it makes the user feel like he or she is in the environment of the movie itself, being truly immersed into the experience. The Klipsch R625FA can be combined with 7.2 channel surround sound package for an even more enhanced audio experience.

User Response

There have been positive reviews by users on an average about the Klispch R625FA. The Klipsch website shows an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5.0 from those who have used and reviewed the product. Apart from that, Amazon has 58 ratings of the famous floorstanding speaker. The reviewers have rated the product 4.7 out of 5.0 stars on an average, which is an impressive number. This suggests that the speaker has gained positive popularity among its users. Most of those who have provided high ratings did so because they believe that the R625FA delivers high quality sound. Unhappy customers mainly complained about the size of the speakers.

Reasons to get the Klipsch R625FA

The following reasons are why you should definitely consider purchasing the Klipsch R625FA:

• Klipsch R62FA has an efficient design that incorporates both front firing and upward firing speakers for a holistic and immersive audio experience.
• The speakers have high-quality spun copper and IMG woofer cones for enhanced bass response.
• Klipsch speaker includes tweeter that incorporates the proprietary LTS technology for a bright and impactful treble response.
• The floorstanding speakers offer lifelike audio performance with the help of Dolby Atmos feature.

Reasons to avoid the Klispch R625Fa

Here are some reasons why you should not buy the Klispch R625FA:

• The floorstanding speakers are a little bulky hence they are difficult to move around the room.
• Klipsch R625FA floorstanding speakers are a little expensive for the features that it has to offer.
• There are no wireless connectivity options for the speakers. Bluetooth connectivity allows convenience in listening to music and watching movies.
• The speakers may require a larger space to function effectively and truly stand out in terms of their performance.

Alternative options

Here are some alternate options for floorstanding speakers that perform well and are easy to function:

Jamo S809

The Jamo S809 are impressive floorstanding speakers that utilize Dolby Atmos for an immersive and room-filling audio experience.

The two way floorstanding speaker is available in three different color options- black, walnut and white. These speakers are moderately heavy, weighing at about 30 lbs. The Jamo S809 uses a compact MDF enclosure design with a small cabinet that is engineered for full audio output. The design of the speaker is further enhanced with the wood accents that are placed on the cabinet. To top it off, the floorstanding speaker incorporates magnetic grilles with minimalistic front-baffle for an elegant and streamlined look. This is complemented by the large woven linen grille cloth wrapped around the grilles which finishes the modern look that the speaker offers. There are two sets of binding-post per speaker for added connectivity.

Now let’s look at the driver construction. These stylish speakers include a 1″ soft-dome tweeter. These tweeters help to deliver amazing acoustic audio performance. Therefore, the high end audio performance is clear and detailed. The speaker further uses an integrated WaveGuide technology which ensures that the high frequency audio delivered is lifelike. There are also three 5″ aluminized polyfiber woofers for a well-balanced bass response. Individual speakers utilize low frequency reflection technology, which results in bass as low as 37 Hertz. The drivers are positioned upwards for maximum audio directivity. The Jamo S809 is also compatible with Dolby Atmos for surround sound audio.

Reasons to purchase

• Elegant and contemporary design
• Dolby Atmos compatible
• Waveguide Technology for enhanced treble response
• Connector is not required because of elevation speaker connection

Reasons to avoid

• Low sensitivity rating

Klipsch RP 8000F

Thhe RP 8000F is Klipsch’s one of the many well-known floorstanding speakers that deliver a powerful audio performance with its well-built enclosure composed of LTS tweeters and Cerametallic cone woofers.

The Klipsch RP 8000F has a beautiful design with excellent build quality. The ebony and walnut color finishing include sating painted baffles with a finishing that is scratch resistant whilst the piano black model is designed with hand-sanded finishing. The bass reflex enclosure is composed of MDF cabinet that ensures reduced unwanted vibrations and smooth audio reproduction. The design of the RP 8000F also include black cloth magnetic grille which is acoustically transparent. The speaker features cast aluminum feet which is mechanically designed to reduce surface area so that the low frequencies are emitted with more precision and impact. There are dual binding posts found in the Klipsch speaker which ensure secure connectivity and allows both bi-wiring / bi-amping capabilities.

The high frequency driver is a 1″ Titanium LTS Vented Tweeter with a Hybrid Tractrix Horn. It includes a vented tweeter design that helps to reduce standing waves and thus increase audio clarity. The linear travel suspension technology is Klipsch’s signature feature that is incorporated in almost all speakers for enhanced and detailed treble response. Tractrix port is used for smooth air flow and reduced air turbulence. Thus the bass response is more clean and powerful. The low end drivers are spun copper Cerametallic Cone Woofers designed to be lightweight and rigid for reduced distortion and optimum bass output.

Reasons to purchase

• Beautiful design with excellent finishing
• Neutral and balanced audio response
• High sensitivity rating
• Less audio distortion

Reasons to avoid

• Large and heavy in size

SVS Prime Pinnacle

The SVS Prime Pinnacle is a high-value, high performance floorstanding speaker that every audiophile should have in order to enjoy an immersive audio experience.

The SVS Prime Pinnacle has a three-way floor-standing speaker design. These speakers are available in either gloss black and black ash finishing. Both look promising and aesthetic, but the gloss black looks more luxurious if you are not looking for a minimal outlook of the speakers. The SVS speaker utilizes a FEA-optimized MDF cabinet with internal bracing to minimize audio resonance. The design includes acoustically transparent FEA optimized grille which substantially improves high frequency response. To further improve sound quality, a separate sealed midrange enclosure is incorporated in the cabinet. The floorstanding speaker features an innovative SoundMatch Crossover with a three-way architecture composed of premium quality air-core inductors, capacitors and circuit boards. There are 5-way binding post terminals for versatile connectivity and easy installation. The build quality of these speakers are remarkable and they come with two feet options- elastomer and spike feet which keeps them protected.

SVS Prime Pinnacle features a 1″ aluminum dome tweeter that uses FEA-optimized diffuser to provide treble response that is crystal clear, natural and airy. The high frequency sounds wonderful as the vocals can easily be separated from the instruments. The 5.25″ composite glass-fiber midrange driver adds to the increased tonal accuracy and broader soundstage. For the bass response, the floorstanding speakers incorporate three 6.5″ polypropylene woofers which are lightweight and rigid and handle the lower frequencies with precision.

Reasons to purchase

• Great build quality
• Brilliant bass response
• SoundMatch Crossover
•  5 way binding posts

Reasons to avoid

• Treble response may not be sufficient for many

Final Verdict

Produced by the same company, the Klipsch R26FA and R625FA are identical in nature but not quite the same. The floorstanding speakers look different, their weight varies at about 3 pounds and they have a 1-inch height difference. Whilst the high frequency drivers and low frequency drivers are constructed with the same materials, there is some difference in the way they work together to deliver audio response.

From our review, we can conclude that the Klipsch R26FA is suitable for audiophiles on a budget who are looking for a loudspeaker with good sound quality for smaller rooms. However, if price is not a concern, the R625FA should certainly be the first choice because of the better audio performance that it has to offer.

Shazneen Tabassum

Freelance tech journalist & author soundboxlab.com Read More