SOUNDBITES
NEW KLIPSCH REFERENCE PREMIERE SERIES
Klipsch has released its new Reference Premiere series speakers. Michael Buratto, product manager for Klipsch, said that the new line comprises enhanced versions of the company’s previous award-winning Reference Premiere series models plus adds new models to the line-up. All models are now available in three finishes—ebony, walnut, and hand-sanded piano gloss black. ‘Now in its second generation, the Reference Premiere speakers feature the latest technological audio advancements, premium material upgrades, and dramatic cosmetic details,’ said Buratto. The top-line floorstanding model, RP-8000F ($3,299 per pair) is pictured below.
The Klipsch Reference Premiere Series II models use Klipsch’s proprietary Tractrix horn technology and ‘Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) titanium tweeter. ‘This ultra-premium vented tweeter further smooths high frequency response for enhanced detail and clarity,’ says Buratto, ‘maximising dynamics and delivering detailed performance.’ Bass/midrange drivers are Klipsch Cerametallic types. ‘We’ve taken the successful foundation of our best-selling speakers and enhanced them to create the best-sounding premium speakers on the planet at these price points,’ said Buratto.
The new Reference Premiere series comprises five floor-standing towers, two bookshelf models, five centre-channel speakers and four surround speakers, one of which (the RP-500SA) can be used as a Dolby Atmos elevation speaker. Prices range from $1,999 to $3,299 for a pair of floor-standers, from $1,199 to $1,499 for a pair of bookshelf models, form $1,099 to $1,599 for a centre-channel, and from $1,299 to $1,999 for a pair of surrounds.
For more information, contact Klipsch’s Australian distributor, QualiFi, on 1800 242 426, (03) 8542 1111 or www.klipsch.com.au
MONITOR AUDIO STUDIO LOUDSPEAKERS
Monitor Audio’s newly released Studio loudspeakers follow the new trend of ‘grille-less’ design, so there’s nothing to impede or disperse the sound from the drivers, and the drivers themselves are an eye-catching focal point of the industrial design. ‘Monitor Audio’s new Studio is a high-end loudspeaker that features unique design features and technologies found in the company’s flagship Platinum II series such that it offers absolute performance from strikingly compact cabinets,’ said Sam Encel, of Interdyn, which distributes Monitor Audio in Australia. ‘The shape of the cabinet and the configuration of the drivers have been designed with the sole intention of delivering the most faithful sound reproduction possible.’
The Monitor Audio Studio design sees two 200mm-diameter metallic-silver-coned RDT II drivers operating in parallel before crossing over to an air motion tweeter Monitor Audio variously calls a ‘honeycomb’, ‘micro pleated diaphragm’ or ‘MPD’ design. The two coned drivers are similar to the drivers used as midrange drivers in the Platinum PL500 II, but have been modified to operate as true bass/midrange drivers. The RDT II cones are housed in a bespoke cast polymer chassis which improves rigidity and damping characteristics. ‘Micro-pleated diaphragm tweeters provide incredible articulation due to the low mass of their diaphragms,’ said Encel. ‘.’
