Klipsch Reference Premier RP-8000F II Review

Klipsch’s range of passive speakers isn’t huge, but it’s well thought out. In a modern design, they offer two main series: the basic Reference line and the more advanced Reference Premier line. There are also a couple of standout models, like the RF-7 and RC-64, which sit in a higher class. Beyond that, there’s the Heritage line, which features retro designs, but these are in a completely different world compared to the modern models.

We’ve already reviewed a couple of models from the entry-level Reference series, but Klipsch has also updated the higher-end Reference Premier line. This time, we’re taking a closer look at a pair of floor-standing speakers from this premium series.

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Klipsch’s Multi-Caliber Approach

While Klipsch’s passive speaker lineup might seem modest, it makes up for it with variety. In the Reference Premier series alone, there are three floor-standing models and two bookshelf options, giving you five solid choices for building a stereo system.

For home theater enthusiasts, the options are even more impressive. Beyond the stereo models, Klipsch offers six dedicated cinema speakers, including a version of the flagship RP-8000F II floor-standing speaker with built-in Dolby Atmos modules. If Klipsch’s goal was to cater to movie lovers, they’ve succeeded. But even for stereo fans, there’s plenty to love; just pick the right “caliber” of speaker and start listening. Since the listening room is quite spacious, it was only natural to test the largest floor-standing model, the Klipsch Reference Premier RP-8000F II.

Spot the Differences

If you enjoyed “find 10 differences” puzzles as a kid, you’ll love comparing Klipsch speakers. Whether you’re looking at two models from the updated series or comparing a new model with its older version, it’s a fun challenge.

Klipsch, with its well-established design language and a global fanbase, prefers to play it safe. The developers didn’t even change the names or numbering, simply adding a “II” to indicate the update. In short, they’ve kept what works while making subtle refinements to the overall look. And the more subtle the changes, the more skill they require and the more interesting it is to see the results.

One of the key design updates in the new Reference Premier series is the sharper, more pronounced edges on the front panel. The cuts are now more defined, and this design extends to the grilles as well. This gives the speakers a more angular, forward-facing appearance, making the already deep cabinets feel even more elongated and dynamic.

If it were not for the horns, one could assume that acoustic engineers would thus minimize the refraction of sound waves that occur on the edges of the case, but given the specifics of the design of the emitters, this version seems untenable. The main goal here seems to be purely aesthetic.

Speaking of aesthetics, all speaker mounts are hidden from view, so the front panel looks solid and seamless, and acoustics without a grill look perfect. The finish of the Reference Premier series is made with high-quality vinyl film, which is both visually and tactilely distinguishable from veneer. In addition, there are two colors to choose from: the obligatory ebony and walnut. By Klipsch standards, it’s a lit’s luxury.

The most revolutionary and innovative innovation regarding floor-standing speakers, familiar to us from the younger Reference series, is a cable line for Dolby Atmos speakers integrated inside the case. The main terminals are located at the bottom and allow you to connect the speakers as aesthetically as possible without hanging wires and other disgrace. There are more clamps on the Reference Premier floor standing speakers than on the younger Reference ones since the Premieres support bi-amping and bi-wiring.

The only issue regarding usability that developers with surprising persistence ignore is acoustic support. The sharp, aggressively spaced legs look, of course, impressive, and besides, they give the necessary inclination of the speakers, lifting the axis of the speakers’ radiation a little up, toward the listener’s ears.

Yes, and the Reference Premier has cast aluminum supports, which, combined with a pointed shape, give good vibration isolation, for example, when installed on a stone floor. But, like the previous generation, these beautiful legs are not adjustable. The height, degree of inclination, and unevenness of the floor will again have to be corrected in completely non-standard ways – by placing coins or other objects of suitable thickness.

At the same time, shelf speakers have a completely different approach: the bottom of the column has a large cork lining, which is extremely practical when placed on any racks and surfaces. Very practical and reasonable.

Powerfull Horn

Since 1946, Klipsch’s core technology and endless source of inspiration has been the horn. Over the generations, these horns have evolved subtly, and in the updated models—both the entry-level and premium versions the modern Tractrix horns have grown significantly in size, now dominating the entire front panel.

The fundamental concept remains the same: the square shape and 90-degree vertical and horizontal dispersion create a wide listening area while reducing the negative impact of early reflections in the room. Given that these speakers are designed for home use, where room acoustics are rarely optimized, this approach is incredibly valuable.

In the new Reference Premier series, the horn is crafted from a silicone composite with a slightly soft-touch inner surface. This material choice is both acoustically inert and effective at damping vibrations, which are inevitable given the powerful woofers housed in the same cabinet. Even the slightest vibrations on the horn’s surface could color the high frequencies, so this design ensures clarity and precision.

As for the tweeter nestled within the horn, Klipsch followed a simple rule: “If it works well, don’t touch it!” The titanium dome, paired with a long-throw LTS (Linear Travel Suspension) system, delivers a linear response to the audio signal. This combination is perfectly suited for the horn, and there’s no need for further tweaks here. After all, as Klipsch knows well, the real magic lies in the horn!

But the mid/bass drivers have been reworked more thoroughly. Their diffusers are made of ceramic-metallic proprietary material – light and durable, resistant to deformation. An updated version of the magnet system uses an aluminum Faraday ring to reduce distortion and make the speaker’s response more accurate throughout its operating range.

The Klipsch Reference Premier RP-8000F II features two of these 205mm drivers, each with its acoustic volume loaded onto an original design bass reflex. Rectangular phase inverter ports are made using Tractrix technology. In this case, the task of the horns is to minimize turbulence. And by the way, they are installed not only outside but also on the opposite side of the phase inverter inside the case.

By dividing the body into isolated acoustic volumes, the number of partitions connecting the side walls naturally increased. In addition, a stiffening rib passes approximately in the middle vertically through the entire body. As a result, the cabinets are less prone to vibrations and do not emit unnecessary overtones that can color the sound.

Sound

The most striking first impression of getting to know the new Reference Premier floor standers is the incredible information content and accuracy. From the first notes, you pay attention to how clearly and in detail the sound images are drawn and how many small details this acoustics pulls out of the recording.

This can lead to a hasty and incorrect conclusion that the sound will be exclusively monitored. As soon as you get used to the abundance of sound information (and this happens quite quickly), you completely imperceptibly fall into the process of involved, emotional listening. This is a sure indicator that the sound of acoustics is not overheated for the sake of comfort and not overdried for the sake of information content. And the more diverse music you can listen to on these speakers, the more objective and accurate the impression will be.

Even more objectivity in the assessment gives a change of components. So, for example, the transition from a digital source to vinyl added softness and fluidity to the sound. The character changes just as noticeably when changing the amplifier. Using a tube or hybrid device instead of a transistor one, you can add warmth and characteristic tube softness to the sound. However, I liked the connection with the Parasound transistor more because the system allows the listener to enjoy, among other things, the numerous nuances and subtleties of the recording.

Dave Brubeck’s famous recording of “Take Five” has a lot of small overtones, like the rattling of the double bass strings and long afternoons after hitting the cymbals. For rock and metal, the combination of Klipsch with transistor amplification turns out to be ideal: the sound turns out to be as dense as possible, driving and without a hint of porridge even in a complex guitar mess. When listening to free jazz and diverse improvisational music, rhythmic patterns are not confused, and the essence of the most complex compositions is not lost.

The sound of the RP-8000F II turned out to be surprisingly balanced, accurate, and verified. The highs sound open and free, and the stage is perfectly focused on the listening point. The middle is detailed, legible, and articulated – like good monitor speakers. And all this is based on a solid and well-defined bass foundation, which only floor standers can create. The bass of the Klipsch Reference Premier RP-8000F II feels as smooth and clear as possible, and the sound of the acoustics as a whole is solid and large-scale.

As for its depth, it was difficult for me to imagine how a subwoofer could help these speakers when working with musical material. Moreover, there was a feeling that those depths of the bottom, to which this acoustics gets, are not available to every subwoofer. It may make sense in a theater system to increase the sound pressure at the bottom, but when listening to music, this is not at all necessary, even if 90% of your library is BSO recordings.

Conclusion

The new Klipsch Reference Premier RP-8000F II didn’t just meet expectations it blew them away. These speakers deliver truly high-quality sound, effortlessly handling any genre of music with ease. What’s more, they’re incredibly responsive to changes in components, giving you the flexibility to shape the system’s character to your liking. Compared to its predecessor, the new RP-8000F II takes things up a notch, offering an even more balanced, detailed, and focused sound. And that’s saying something because the previous generation already punched well above its weight. If you’re looking for speakers that combine power, precision, and versatility, these are it.

Pros

detailed, dynamic, and perfectly balanced sound; responsive to component changes; universal in genres; and a wide choice of models for stereo and cinema systems

Cons

fixed supports

Klipsch Reference Premier RP-8000F II Specs

Tweeter: 25 mm titanium dome in Tractrix horn

Mid/bass drivers: 2 x 205 mm, Cerametallic cone

Frequency range: 35-25000 Hz (+\-3 dB)

Sensitivity: 98 dB

Klipsch Reference Premier RP-8000F II watts:

Power: 150W (continuous) / 600W (peak)

Impedance: 8 ohm

Crossover frequency: 1630 Hz

Acoustic design: phase inverter

Dimensions: 1095x275x463 mm

Weight: 27.85 kg

Finish: Vinyl, ebony/walnut