Audio Video News

Klipsch’s First Powered Speaker Boasts Bluetooth and Phono Preamp

SV Staff  |  Jan 19, 2016

Klipsch, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary, introduced its first powered monitor, the Reference Premiere R-15PM, at the CES 2016. The speaker is unusual in that it has an onboard phono preamp for direct turntable hookups along with Bluetooth wireless streaming.

The latest addition to the flagship Reference series, the 12.5-inch-tall bookshelf-style R-15PM will be available for $499/pair at authorized retailers and on klipsch.com by the end of the month.

Klipsch says the R-15PM was designed for quick set up with a variety of sources, including turntables, TVs, computers, and wireless devices. In addition to the integrated phono preamp and Bluetooth streaming, the speaker has digital optical, analog RCA, and USB audio inputs plus a subwoofer output.

The system has a 2 x 50-watt amplifier (in one of the speakers) and comes with a dedicated infrared (IR) remote control to provide easy access to source/track selection and play/pause controls.

As with the all speakers in the Reference series, the R-15PM’s titanium tweeter is loaded in Klipsch’s proprietary a 90°x90° Hybrid Tractrix Horn—coated in silicon-based rubber to “eliminate resonance and improve detail and resolution”—and mated with a magnetically shielded 5.25-inch copper-spun IMG woofer.

Visit klipsch.com for more information.

COMMENTS
canman4pm's picture
Submitted by canman4pm on January 20, 2016 - 9:07am

I'd love to see a review on these. Particularly how they perform, potentially, as a soundbar substitute. From a form factor standpoint, you have all the convenience of a soundbar (simple operation/connectivity even my mother can figure out), without many of the drawbacks: fully positionsable for optimum stereo separation, "aiming" at the primary seat position and not being in front of the screen/IR receiver. And since they have proper drivers (and I'm assuming good amplification) I bet they'll sound a hell of a lot better any bars in its price range; and I'll bet they sound quite a bit better than any bar costing double.

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