Klipsch
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Klipsch HD Theater 500 5.1-channel sound system hands-on
Klipsch stunned the boxed surround sound world back in late January with the announcement of three relatively affordable 5.1 sound systems. The middle guy (yeah, the HD Theater 500) just started shipping out to the earliest of adopters, and we just so happened to get our set in today. For $599.99 (MSRP), you get four surrounds, a center channel and a powered (100 watt) 8-inch subwoofer. Each satellite is a sealed enclosure finished in a high-gloss piano black, with a 2.5-inch IMG woofer (center channel has two) and a MicroTractrix horn-loaded aluminum dome tweeter (0.75-inches) packed within. We can say with certainty that these drivers are delightfully small, but if you're looking specifics, here goes: the satellites are 6- x 3.6- x 3.85-inches, while the center channel measures in at 3.6- x 9- x 3.85-inches. As for the subbie? 13.9- x 12.5- x 12.5-inches. We're setting this rig up as we speak to give it a listen and report back, but till then, feel free to peruse the unboxing gallery below.
Here come the new iPod shuffle accessories
Now that everyone is getting used to the new iPod shuffle, the accessory makers are already pumping out the third-party additions (or at least announcing them). Some of the more interesting ones I've seen so far are: the Dexim Shu-Lip (right) that basically offers a streamlined 1/8" plug to USB dongle that turns the new shuffle into a thumb drive ($10). Headphones with included button controller as well as an adapter for existing headphones that just adds just the button controller from Scosche ($49.95 - $99.99 coming in "the Spring"). Headphones with controller from Klipsch ($99.99 "this summer"). Headphones with controller from Etymotic (pdf link) (availability not announced). In any case, if you're interested in dressing up the newest tiny iPod, it looks like the third-party makers have got your back (or at least they will by this summer).[via Gizmodo, Macworld, iLounge]
Klipsch debuts sub-$100 Image S2, S4 in-ear headphones
Klipsch hasn't exactly been catering to more budget-minded customers with its earphones as of late, but that looks to be changing with its new Image S2 and S4 models, which come in at a reasonable $49 and $79, respectively. That'll still get you the same proprietary, oval-shaped ear tips as Klipsch's pricier earphones though, along with a so-called moving coil design with controlled dampening, and a "hot rod" dual magnet motor structure on the S4. The S4 set also comes bundled with a few bonuses like a cleaning tool and a "crush-resistant" aluminum case, while the S2s get stuck with a basic cloth case and a slightly less flashy solid black finish. Look for the S4s to roll out first in April, with the S2s set to follow sometime In July.[Via SlashGear]
Klipsch horns in on DTV transition madness
In a bit of a creative leap, loudspeaker manufacturer Klipsch is launching a marketing campaign that ties in with the (probably soon-to-be delayed) DTV transition. We're on board with the catchphrase "A high-def picture demands high-def sound," but let's be clear -- the DTV transition isn't going to bring 24/7 high-def video to all your OTA channels, and it certainly isn't going to mean high-def sound will be filling the airwaves, either. Like we said, though, it's hard to deny the fact that most people aren't aware of how atrocious most TVs sound, or how spending a little money on some new speakers can really increase their enjoyment of their systems. Klipsch is hoping its HD Theater 300, 500 and 1000 systems are an ear- and wallet-opening experience for them. So, are you willing to forgive a bit of a marketing stretch for a good cause, or do you lump this right in with cable companies using the DTV transition to scare customers into digital tiers?
Klipsch intros HD Theater 300 / 500 / 1000 5.1 speaker systems
Klipsch isn't exactly known for hovering around in the bargain bin, but given the current worldwide economic situation, it's pumping out a new trio of 5.1-channel speaker systems that are quite affordable given the specs. Starting at the low-end, we've got the HD Theater 300 (shipping in April), which packs mid-range surrounds (2.5-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch MicroTractrix Horn-loaded textile tweeter in each) alongside a down-firing 6.5-inch subwoofer. Moving on up, there's the HD Theater 500 (shipping in March), which swaps in an aluminum dome tweeter in the surrounds and an 8-inch subbie. The top-end HD Theater 1000 (shipping next month) includes 8.6-inch tall surrounds that support wall mounting and a 10-inch earth shaker. As for prices? Try $399.99, $599.99 and $899.99 in order of mention.
Klipsch's Icon V speakers get tested, deliver on movies and gaming
The Klipsch Icon V speakers were created in cooperation with Best Buy, so of course the big blue and yellow box has them on its shelves, but Audioholics put them to the test to see how they fared in a more real-world setting, away from the car stereos and boomboxes. The review was pretty favorable overall -- in home, the speakers pumped out a lively sound that was a treat for movies and games, but the the horn-loaded tweeters plus a lean midrange weren't exactly a ticket to sonic bliss when listening to music at louder volumes. Still, build quality was solid, and at least you can listen to these in an everyday store (you do stop by Best Buy every day, right?), so let your own ears be the judge. Just make sure that what jumps off the shelves as "detailed and extended" doesn't wind up "screechy and fatiguing" to you in the long run.
Klipsch gives its Icon VF-35, VF-36 speakers to Best Buy
Klipsch's Icon W speakers sure look a treat, but they're on the pricey end of the scale, so Klipsch is offering up the Icon VF-35 and VF-36 speakers to Best Buy shoppers at the lower price points of $750 and $950 per pair, respectively, to set things right. That 1-inch horn-loaded tweeter high on the front baffle somehow reminds us of a Dalek, which makes us wish we could remove the lower speaker grille to show off the trio of mid/bass drivers; but it's fixed (that middle pic is factory-only), so maybe live with the top grill on instead and be contented that those drivers are pushing response down to 41Hz and 36Hz, respectively. As you'd expect from Klipsch, sensitivity comes in at a high 97.5dB, so not a lot of amplifier will be necessary to drive these.[Thanks, Jim] Read - Klipsch Icon VF-35 Read - Klipsch Icon VF-36
Klipsch adds six models to its Palladium speaker lineup
As much as you may love the looks (and sound) of Klipsch's flagship Palladium P-39F speakers, the $20,000 price tag on a pair of these beauties puts them safely out of reach for most people. But Klipsch is hoping to give a few more people a taste of the high life with the introduction of six new models in the Palladium line. For your main channels, you can pick between the P-38F and P-37F floorstanding or the P-17B bookshelf speakers. Round out your system with the P-27S surrounds, P-27C center channel and a P-312W subwoofer and you'll find yourself surrounded by good-looking, sculpted "Linia" zebra-grain forms. These new models aren't $20,000 expensive, but they're not cheap either: $12,000 and $8,000 for the P-38F and P-37F, respectively; the P-17B bookshelf will lighten your wallet to the tune of $4,000. For a whole system, factor in $3,500 for a P-27C, $4,000 for the P-27S, and another $4,000 for the P-312W. More pics after the jump.
Klipsch intros new Icon W series speakers
Look at this -- another 2-channel stalwart company that has made the transition to the living room-as-theater world. Klipsch has introduced its Icon W speaker lineup, a traditionally designed (and we think, quite handsome) series that fills in the approximately $2,500 price point for a 5-channel (sans sub) setup. Klipsch has always been associated with horn-loaded drivers, and the tradition continues with the 1-inch Tractrix Horn tweeter deployed across the lineup. And here's something we like -- a naming convention that makes sense. The floorstanding WF-34 and WF-35 (pictured) floorstanders add in three of the 4.5-inch and 5.25-inch woofers, respectively. The WC-24 center channel and WS-24 surrounds use two of the 4.5-inch woofers; we'll let you guess the driver compliment on the WB-14 bookshelf model. Look for these at your local Magnolia store, with "per pair" prices from $499 on the WC-24 center to $1,499 on the WF-35.
Klipsch Image X5 headphones are slightly bigger, slightly cheaper
Klipsch made tiny waves with their original Image headphones, saying they were the world's smallest. We took their word for it and moved along. Now Klipsch has given up on the size game with its new X5 headphones, boasting that the 2mm-bigger X5 headphones are "light but heavy in sound." Anyway, the Image X5 use a full-range armature driver, tuned bass-reflex system, and sport a long-enough 50-inch cable. The housing is electroplated aluminum and Klipsch says the black "tail" reduces cable stress and dampens cable noise. The X5 is iPhone compatible and comes in at a more wallet-friendly (but still slightly alarming) $249 later this month. For that price you'll get the headphones, carrying pouch, airplane adapter, five multi-sized ear gels, and an ear gel cleaning tool.
Klipsch intros THX Ultra2 in-ceiling speakers
Not content with just giving you those IC-T drivers, Klipsch has busted out a new duo in its in-ceiling lineup, both of which proudly boast THX Ultra2 certification. Aimed at high-end users looking for high-end surrounds, the KL-7502-THX and KS-7502-THX models both feature dual 5.25-inch Cerametallic woofers that operate in an enclosed tuned-port chamber and at least a single 1-inch titanium tweeter. Better hope your bank account is pretty padded before ordering yourself a set, however, as these buggers are priced at a cool $1,000 apiece.
Klipsch announces IC-T series in-ceiling speakers
Looking to add a few new drivers in order to create a true multi-zone audio setup? Not exactly keen on cramping the style of each guest room with a couple of towers? Fret not, as Klipsch is lookin' out for you (and business owners alike) with its new lineup of IC-T in-ceiling speakers. Up first is the IC-400-T, which features a five-inch cone and a one-inch tweeter mated to a two-inch Tractrix Horn design. As for the IC-650-T, you'll find an awful lot of technological similarities compared to the aforementioned IC-400-T, but it does sport a larger 6.5-inch woofer and 3.5-inch horn; the IC-525-T, as you might expect, simply steps down to a 5.75-inch woofer. Finally, we've got the IC-8T-SW2 subwoofer, which packs an 8-inch woofer and 8-inch drone with polypropylene cones and high temperature voice coils. Price wise, you'll be asked to cough up between $125 and $238 per pair for the full-rangers, while each subbie will set you back a cool $160. Click on to see more of the family.
Klipsch's CEDIA booth tour
Honestly, we were somewhat surprised by the magnitude of Klipsch's booth at CEDIA, but it made sure every square inch was well utilized. A variety of speaker families were all out for us to see, including the KlipschCast wireless lineup, the Icon series, and of course, the firm's ultra-elegant Palladium Floorstander. You know the drill, check 'em out below.%Gallery-7112%
Klipsch's IMAGE earphones deemed "world's smallest"
While JAYS' q-JAYS claimed to be the "smallest earphones on the market" just days ago, we doubt Klipsch would be willing to agree. Turns out, the firm's IMAGE earbuds are also proclaiming that they are the "world's smallest and lightest in-ear earphones," and while we haven't seen the ruler busted out just yet, we fear it may be needed to settle this obvious conflict. Regardless, these 'buds utilize patent-pending Contour Ear Gels, KG926 balanced micro-armatures, aluminum bodies that are finished in anodized copper, and come with 50-inch long vinyl cables. Ready for a November release, the IMAGE earphones will ring up at $349 and will arrive with a carrying case and pouch, a 1/4-inch / airline adapter, five sets of ear gels, and a cleaning tool to boot. Click on for a literal hands-on shot.
Jabra and Klipsch team up on S5010 cellphone speaker station
Just as Klipsch is no stranger to the world of musical docking stations, Jabra tends to enjoy slapping its name onto anything it can. Unsurprisingly, the two lovebirds have met in harmony to offer up the S5010 cellphone boombox, which sports an edgy, stylish design, weighs in at a very portable 3.7-pounds, and should handle just about any handset, DAP, or external music source you desire to pair up with it. The system touts a "universal" connectivity panel that consists of 2.5- and 3.5-millimeter inputs as well as a mini-USB connector, 30-watts of power split between the stereo drivers, a Class D amplifier, and "subtle" LED indicators littering the case. Curiously, you won't find any Bluetooth love on this one, which certainly stands out given Jabra's long-standing relationship with the short-range wireless protocol, but if you still find yourself lusting over the fairly average S5010, you can snap it up real soon for $149.[Via ShinyShiny]
Reader WoWspace of the Week: February 21 to 27
Short and sweet this week. Okay, maybe the space is more grotty than sweet, but I'll let submitter Charlie explain: You guys seem to be featuring really neat and nice set-ups, so I thought I'd show you what most WoW player's desks look like! In order from left to right: Latest Newsweek, bottle of water, Bourne Supremacy, LOTR The Two Towers (Extended), a Hotpocket, an old Canon AE-1 (for when I do shoot film), Klipsch speakers (eh, they're ok, field is a little narrow), Apple 20" Cinema Display, iPod Mini (it's there, trust me), 90+ year old negatives from my grandmother that I need to take into work to restore (brown envelope), BC mouse pad, USB multi-card reader I ninja'd from work, RAZR, Dual 2GHz Power Mac G5 with 2GB of RAM, ATi Radeon 9600 with 128MB of DDR (eh, need to upgrade), old Joystick from when I used to play flight sims all night long, and my Ventrilo headset.Remember to send your submissions in to our Reader WoWspace address, along with a couple of good photos of your space.
Klipsch's CS-700 and RoomGroove wireless media streamers
Klipsch continues their steady march from high-end audio systems into components for the acoustically unwashed masses with the introduction of these KlipschCast systems. Like Philips' Streamium, Klipsch's lineup allows you to wireless transmit -- "KlipschCast" in this case -- audio throughout the house. The CS-700 (pictured) console features a DVD player, AM/FM tuner, and acts as a hub to wirelessly transmit "CD-quality" audio to other KlipschCast products. It also packs three auxiliary inputs, HDMI, and an 8-inch down-firing woofer and 200 watts of amplifier power for hard-hittin' bass. The RoomGroove is an all-in-one music playback system with retractable iPod docking station (and aux jack for other players) and dual 2.5-inch high-output woofers in a ported enclosure. Both products hit in April; the CS-700 will come tagged for $1,300 while the RoomGroove pops for $349. RoomGroove pictured after the break.[Via Sci Fi Tech]
