Klipsch R-28F Reviews: Is This the Right Speaker for You?
Elmira Lustiva
Klipsch R-28F Reviews: Is This the Right Speaker for You?
If you're looking for excellent quality, floor-standing speakers, Klipsch's new line of reference speakers might be for you!
The Klipsch series is known for its durable, high-performing speakers made for both music enthusiasts and newbies in the field.
But, now that Klipsch is owned by a whole different corporation let's review if their products still live up to its name!
Curious about the product and if it's worth it? Read this review to learn if it's worth the deal or not!
Klipsch R-28F Brief Overview
Source: TheConchHouse
Overall, Klipsch R-28F floor-standing speakers PASSED our listening tests.
We tested different genres from electronic, hip-hop, jazz, blues, classical, and rock - and the speakers yielded the best results.
Specifications:
Finish: Brushed Black Polymer Veneer
Sensitivity: 98 dB @ 2.83 V / 1 m
Weight: 56.67 lbs. (25.68 kg)
Depth: 15.7” (39.8 cm)
Height: 42” (106.6 cm)
Width: 9.5” (24.1 cm)
Normal Impedance: 8 Ohms Compatible
High-Frequency Driver: 1" (2.54 cm) Aluminum diaphragm compression driver
Low-Frequency Driver: Dual 8" (20.2 cm) copper spun magnetically shielded IMG woofers
Frequency Response: 35 Hz—24 kHz +/- 3dB
Power Handling (Cont/Peak): 150 W / 600 W
Inputs: Dual binding posts / bi-wire / bi-amp
Enclosure Material: MDF
Enclosure Type: Bass-reflex via front-firing port
Finish: Brushed Black Polymer Veneer
Built From: 2014
Low-Frequency Extension: 32 Hz
Warranty: 5 years
In many speakers, music with low and hard-hitting bass frequencies tends to make them sound muffled and unclear. But, that's not the case with the R-28F.
The Klipsch series surround system is jam-packed with many impressive features. Yet, we're stunned at the speakers' very reasonable price.
They prioritize the model's premium quality, which is why they're durable and long-lasting.
Additionally, the speakers entirely operate on 150 watts. But, it can handle bursts up to 600 watts.
As for the exterior design, they fit a modern aesthetic that could fit in any listening space.
This is just the tip of the iceberg as to why the Klipsch R-28F floorstanding speaker is one SUPERB equipment and how come it's worth a thousand bucks.
Pros:
Made with durable material that will last long
Impressive clarity and quality
The tweeters provide a wide frequency range and volume
Excellent compatibility with ALL Klipsch sound system
Exceptional frequency responses with a lot of bass
Cons:
No Bluetooth pairing
The lack of color choices and wood patterns
Tweeter makes it tough to move around as the system appears bulky and large
The 6 Main Features of Klipsch R-28F
Before we hop on to the main features, let's talk about the speakers' design.
The Klipsch speakers' exterior is very premium-looking. Although you can't really personalize it, the design is already elegant and is everything you need in your living room.
They're designed to fit in medium to large rooms and are loud enough to fill an entire space with high-fidelity sound.
Floor speakers are meant to be placed on the floor, and the pair is a perfect fit for any room. These surround system floor-standing speakers produce remarkable clarity and detail.
But, the exterior is just one of the many things to love about Klipsch. Its overall quality, both the design and acoustics, are achieved with and seen on its six main features:
1. LTS Tweeter
Thanks to its Linear Travel Suspension (LTS) technology, the floorstanding speaker stands out for delivering clarity and less distortion audio.
Now, the listener can hear NATURAL SOUND as much as possible.
With the use of Kapton®, a light and firm material, the LTS tweeter provides high efficiency and incredible detail.
You'll find this technology in almost all of Klipsch's high-end speakers.
Together with the IMG woofers, the Linear Travel Suspension tweeters bring out a punchy, balanced, and awesome sound quality that can easily fill a large room.
2. Tractrix Horn
It's not a Klipsch if it's not equipped with the Tractrix Horn. This technology features a balance to the OVERALL sound quality of the R-28F speakers.
The signature horn is what's behind Klipsch's remarkably precise acoustics. It hits the sweet spot regarding high-end and crystal-clear audio systems.
Think about it this way: you're watching a wild fight scene, so the room is filled with this loud, intense, thumping music, and along with that, you also have to listen to the dialogues.
Without the power of the Tractrix Horn, you won't be able to listen to all the crucial details while watching an intense fight scene (especially in a large room).
The tractrix horn works hand in hand with the tweeters to make its acoustics PUNCHY and CLEAR.
3. IMG Woofer
In most cases, companies use a paper woofer for their speakers. Unfortunately, this makes the sound quality dull like car speakers.
On the other hand, Klipsch's woofer is an Injection Molded Graphite woofer - which is what IMG stands for.
The IMG woofers are 8" in diameter, and each speaker features not just one but two woofers, so you can imagine their power.
For floor-standing speakers, this is VERY IMPORTANT for the speakers' clarity and comprehensive frequency response.
The woofers' bass frequencies make the sound quality of the floor-standing speakers top-notch.
4. Dual 5-Way Binding Posts
This one speaks for itself. The terminals of Klipsch make both bi-wiring and bi-amping possible.
5. MDF Cabinet and Removable Grille
The cabinet is polished with a polymer veneer finish that gives off its modern facade. The grille is sturdy and can be totally removed for a more enhanced and transparent look.
6. Front Port
Unlike most speakers, Klipsch featured front-firing ports rather than placing them on the back of the speaker to make a more stable sound.
Alternative Brands to Klipsch Speakers
If you really want a floor-standing speaker with subwoofers without having to spend one grand for each, here are a few options that can be the deal breaker:
1. Polk Audio Monitor 70 Series II Floor-Standing Speakers
Source: Polk Audio
Like Klipsch, this speaker provides great sound quality. It's not just vintage, this audio equipment comes at a very reasonable price too. You can get this for about $500 a pair.
2. Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ Tower Speaker
Source: Emotiva
Also an affordable alternative ($700 a pair), this tower speaker is as powerful as the Klipsch R-28F. It's got the same clear, vivid sound as the Klipsch too!
3. HSU VTF-2
Source: HSU Research
Many audiophiles also recommended the HSU VTF-2 for its incredible bass and range.
It's not the same build as the other high-end speakers mentioned, but it's not bulky and heavy, so that's a bonus.
Frequently Asked Questions
We're genuinely impressed by the overall make of these speakers. It flaunts excellence from the inside and out. It's certainly the best equipment for top-notch entertainment.
If you still have questions in mind, worry not. We'll answer a few more points to help you puzzle things out.
What Is the Difference Between a Speaker Driver and a Woofer?
The speaker is an OVERALL sound system that provides sound. Speakers have speaker drivers consisting of woofers and tweeters.
The woofers take care of the low frequencies while the tweeters take care of the high frequencies.
What Is the Advantage of a Subwoofer?
While you might already hear the sound from your speakers, you need a subwoofer to feel the thumping bass. Adding one will improve the quality of the overall system.
Which Is Better, Klipsch R-28F or RP-280F?
Overall, we think the Klipsch RP-280F is MUCH BETTER than the R-28F.
As for the sound quality, RP-280F provides more versatility and sound performance than the R-28F.
When played with incredibly deep music with powerful bass, the RP-280F stood out, having a better bass response than the R-28F.
As for the design, both the speakers are sleek-looking in black and copper finishes.
The R-28F weighs 56.7 lbs. while the RP-280F is 63 lbs. Hence, the R-28F is lighter and better on that matter.
If you need something light and less bulky, there's the R-28F. But if you're prioritizing an ultimately better sound, go for the RP-280F.
What's the Best Receiver to Pair with the Klipsch R-28F Speakers?
Yamaha drivers should be fine. They're generally the best driver to pair with the Klipsch reference line of speakers.
But the Klipsch R series has a flexible range of connectivity, so you can also try out other receivers.
Is There an Advantage to Using a Subwoofer?
YES! Subwoofers are great for adding extra layers of low frequencies.
Do You Need a Subwoofer with Klipsch R-28F?
The speaker is already equipped with two bass speakers that provide solid low frequency to the audio.
Is Klipsch R-28F Worth It?
We have reviewed different floor-standing speakers, and the Klisch R-28F floor-standing speaker just stands out in three different categories:
Range and Performance
The Klipsch series is known for manufacturing their own technology, making their setup sound great for a SUPERB listening experience.
The floor-standing speakers are also equipped with the best parts that can deliver natural sound as much as possible.
All thanks to the IMG woofers, the bass response of this bad boy is impressive. The high-end drivers fill the room with deep, thumping bass.
The LTS tweeter and the IMG woofer also work together to give you the best listening experience.
The prebuilt LTS tweeters are planted in the speakers for a more detailed, concise volume. Other than that, the two woofers of each speaker can give you more bass with this setup.
You won't need the best room acoustics as the speakers provide superb, solid sounds.
For us, if you're really looking for speakers with mid to high-range quality, you have to get the KLIPSCH REFERENCE.
PRO TIP: If you wish to achieve a nicer surround effect, try pacing the speakers 6-7 feet away from each other.
Price
Now let's talk money.
Is this the most budget-friendly speaker? Not really.
For the most part, the speakers deliver exceptional detail and bass response, so you have to know that it can be pricey, and that's $1000 a pair.
You're not just paying for the name, you're paying for the features, the listening experience, and the whole acoustic finesse.
But for us, there are many reasons why saving up for floor-standing speakers is WORTH YOUR MONEY.
Design
The R-28F is hefty. It can be bulky for some people rooting for a minimal look.
But, its exterior is SLEEK and FINE and can go with almost all the modern and even vintage home designs.
They will look kind of big and bulky in a small room.
The only downside of this system is that you can't really personalize it, and there are no other colors available other than black.
Final Review
We think that for its price range, design, and overall performance, this product is worth saving up for. Just to wrap it up, here are the main reasons why:
Power saving due to its sensitivity of 98 dB
Highly efficient speaker setup for beginner audiophiles
Great woofer and tweeter system to enhance sound
Superior quality and material
After careful consideration and weighing down the pros and cons, we definitely think that the Klipsch R-28F speaker setup is one of the BEST in the market, and we HIGHLY recommend it!
If you're looking for other audio-related gears, Klipsch also manufactures amplifiers, receivers, microphones, and headphones!
You may also check out the same Reference Premiere series for other speaker options!
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Posted Jan 15, 2024
Detailed product review of Klipsch R-28F. Made for audiophiles!
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