Steve Bennett Hi Fi

Horn loading is a simple method of amplifying sound using ‘natural’ means. If you cup your hands around your mouth and yell, your voice carries much further. Finally your children take notice of what you’re saying...

Klipsch utilizes the same principle by contouring the shape of the speaker housing to naturally amplify the output from the speaker driver (much like a megaphone). In doing this the speaker system becomes very efficient compared to conventional designs. A horn loaded speaker only requires a fraction of the amplifier power that a conventional speaker needs.  A huge sound can be produced from a modest amplifier. A unique horn shape – the Tractrix Horn - was pioneered by Mr Paul W Klipsch In 1946. Dissatisfied with the calibre of audio equipment on offer, he developed a horn loaded speaker capable of a level of realism that speakers of the time couldn’t match. Since then Klipsch has specialised in the ‘horn loaded’ concept of speaker design.

The hurdle confronting horn loaded designs is the amount of ‘colouration’ that a horn can impart on the sound. To this end there have been many bad sounding, but very loud, sounding horn speakers over the years. Klipsh’s ’Holy Grail’ has been to develop horn technology to sound natural. Their designs are one of the very few that sound clean and articulate over a wide frequency range.The sound of a horn speaker is very dynamic - Akin to the sound of live music you’ve heard at concert venues. This crystal clear excitement can be disarming to those who like their sound relaxed and distant. To those who want to hear every nuance in a recording and do so at realistic volumes, a great horn speaker such as Klipsch is a revelation.

The incredibly powerful sound produced by Klipsh makes them an obvious choice for home cinema applications. The immersive and riveting effect that you experience in a good movie cinema can be reproduced (and usually bettered) in your home with Klipsch speakers. Wide-bandwidth dynamics and high sound pressure levels are easily achieved using affordable ’real world’ amplifiers. This makes a reference quality cinema experience available to people on an everyday budget.

Klipsch produces a comprehensive range of models to suit nearly any home. This includes subwoofers, centre, rear and main speakers. Large and small.

Update: RB81 as advertised has now sold out. More stock is due to arrive early August. In the meantime, Klipsch has offered the impressive RB61 for just $949.00 - SAVE $250!