Klipsch speakers have a good reputation in the home audio space. The Klipsch Reference vs Reference Premiere confusion still exists though. Klipsch’s sleek design and copper woofer are a key part of its design. The Klipsch Reference Premiere speakers carry the same signature design as its Reference speakers. So how is their sound quality different? Is the Klipsch Reference Series good? Here’s a definitive answer.
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What Is The Difference Between Klipsch Reference and Reference Premiere?
The Klipsch Reference Premiere line was launched in 2015 with ten passive loudspeakers and Dolby Atmos support. At that point, the line included three center channel speakers, three bookshelf speakers, three floor standing speakers, and two surround speakers. When it was unveiled, Klipsch introduced them as an evolution of the Reference line. Make no mistake. Reference Premiere speakers are positioned as the more premium option of the two speaker lines. In comparison, the Klipsch Reference line of speakers is a more affordable, entry-level option. Both speaker lines have grown since 2015. Any product references will be in regard to current market availability.
Best Klipsch Speakers: Reference & Reference Premiere
For those considering adding Klipsch speakers to their setup, you can find some of our recommendations below. After that, you’ll find a more comprehensive breakdown of the different product configurations in the Klipsch speaker line. Most of these options will perform well for watching movies or listening to music. None of these Klipsch speakers are necessarily capable of full-range frequency response. The RP-600 II and RP8000F II are closest, but a quality subwoofer will be required for a truly wide frequency response.
| Product | Features | Score | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |
| 9.7 | Check Price |
Best Subwoofer  |
| 9.5 | Check Price |
Upgrade Pick  |
| 9.1 | Check Price |
Best Value  |
| 8.8 | Check Price |
Klipsch Reference vs Reference Premiere Comparison
We have a comparison of the most important aspects of both speaker lines. It should be noted that some of these differences vary slightly for newer products. Both prices and products reflect the general market at the moment.
NOTE: Klipsch refreshed both speaker lines earlier this year with additional options.
Sound Quality: Reference Premiere or Reference Line
Preferences always play into the type of sound signature one like. As far as quality-sounding audio is concerned though, the consensus is the Reference Premiere line is superior. The level of clarity and detail is the biggest separator in my opinion. We’ve talked about the Klipsch RP-600M bookshelf speakers a lot. Comparing them to the R-51M bookshelf speakers is like night and day. The Reference Premiere bookshelf models tend to push to higher volumes with less distortion.
In addition to a general bump in sound quality, I’ve found the sound signature on the Reference Premiere Series speakers to be less harsh in the treble range. Klipsch speakers have a reputation for having a bright sound that can be fatiguing. I think most of those complaints are about the Klipsch Reference Series models. You can expect a smoother response from the reference premiere series. Tastes can vary for so some listeners or music genres. For home theater speakers though, it’s tough to find a reason to favor the audio quality of the Klipsch Reference Premiere speakers.
Cost and Value Comparison
Bookshelf Speaker Prices
Klipsch makes some of the best bookshelf speakers on the market. Bookshelf speakers are good for home theater and music, which makes them popular for home audio. The Klipsch R-51M is an affordable option and part of the Reference line. They have the classic Klipsch Tractrix horn, a 1″ tweeter, and a woofer size of 5.25 inches. The RP-500M is from the Klipsch Reference Premiere series. These two bookshelf speakers have the exact same driver sizes. The RP-500M generally sells for around $300 for a pair. That’s roughly $50 dollars more than the R-51M, which can be bought for around $250. They initially retailed with a similar price difference. The larger, upgraded model after the RP-500M is the RP-600M, which typically sells for $100 more. You’ll need a subwoofer for truly impactful bass, but those are solid prices. Just expect to pay a little more for the Reference Premiere models.
Floor Standing Speakers Prices
Floor standing speakers have an even bigger price deficit. A pair of Reference Premiere RP-8000F Floor standing towers will cost you around $1200. They have a 1″ tweeter and dual 8″ woofers. A pair of similarly-configured Reference R-820F towers will only require $600 in comparison. Now we’re talking about a cost difference that will make you revisit the bookshelf speakers vs floor standing speakers debate. The popular RP-8060FA adds a Dolby Atmos elevation speaker integrated into each speaker and will cost you $1,600 for a pair when on sale. A comparable smaller pair of floor standing speakers in the Reference and Reference Premiere lines sell for around $500 and $900, respectively.
Center Channel Speakers
The Klipsch Reference R-52C center channel speaker sells for as low $180. It’s unfortunately one of the only center channel channels from this line with decent availability. Klipsch Reference Premiere Series models are more plentiful. The RP-500C center channel is comparable to the R-52C and can typically be bought for $350. That represents a pretty sizable jump for budget shoppers. Klipsch Reference Premiere center channels top out around $500 with the RP-504C.
Design and Construction
We use the term construction because the build quality is not the correct term here. Two bookshelf speakers can have woofers made of a different material. Most home theater enthusiasts know this doesn’t automatically dictate good sound quality. With that said, this is how the design and construction differ across the two speaker lines.
Klipsch Reference line tweeters are aluminum and the Reference Premiere line uses titanium tweeters. While speakers with aluminum tweeters are common, titanium is a stronger material. Klipsch touts the titanium tweeter as key to improvements in overall sound quality and power handling.
You will find cerametallic woofers on most Klipsch Reference Premiere speakers. Klipsch says this improves dampening for bass that is more impactful. Klipsch Reference speakers have rigid injection-molded graphite (IMG). The signature copper-colored woofers are available on center channels, floor standing speakers, and bookshelf models from both lines. You also find Klipsch’s signature Tractrix horn on all those speakers.
Can I Mix Reference Premiere and Reference Speakers?
Mixing and matching different speaker lines is generally frowned upon in general. Home theater enthusiasts know that consistency in sound is important. If you buy two bookshelf speakers from one brand, pairing a non-matching center channel isn’t advised. The same logic carries over to the Klipsch speaker lines. Building speakers with similar components and materials ensures consistent features, sound signatures, and crossover integration.
If you’re in the middle of upgrading your system, there’s no reason to fret too much though. Say you’ve upgraded your front speakers and can’t afford matching rears right now. Would I forgo using my old speakers as rears until they’re replaced? No. Home theater doesn’t have to always be a critical listening experience. Just know that your intent shouldn’t be to mix speakers in your final setup. This will ensure the most consistent sound from your home theater speakers. Want to add two powered subwoofers? No problem. Deep and low bass is essential for home theater. These low frequencies are just typically handled almost entirely by the subwoofer. Therefore, mixing brands or lines is not a concern.
2022 Refresh of Reference and Reference Premiere Speakers
We’ve added this section, as Klipsch has completely revamped both speaker lines. All the new additions carry Klipsch’s familiar flair along with a slightly more understated design. The Tractrix horns and copper woofers have made a return. While we haven’t gotten a chance to review the new products yet, most of this information is very much relevant. The referenced speakers will likely remain on the market for a while. We can only hope it also means some discounts. We’ll incorporate more updates to this comparison as we learn more about the products.
Klipsch Reference Premiere vs Reference: In Conclusion
If it’s not clear by now, the Reference Premiere line definitely represents an upgrade over the Reference speakers. The Klipsch Reference Series speakers still represent a great value proposition. Especially if music is your focus and you’re with the bright sound signature that comes with them. They also represent a great option for shoppers on a budget. Both will work for home theater, but the Reference Premiere speakers definitely have a leg up here. They have a more ideal sound signature for home theater purposes. They will also serve you better in the long run if you’re building toward a larger home theater speaker setup.
Klipsch Speakers: FAQs
Are Klipsch Reference Premiere Speakers Better?
Technically, Klipsch’s reference premiere speakers are indeed intended to have higher quality material and a more refined sound signature. Both are true in my experience. That doesn’t mean many won’t enjoy the sound and value of the reference lin.
Which Klipsch Speakers Are Cheaper?
Both the reference and reference premiere speaker lines go on sale often. Klipsch’s reference speakers retail for less though and will usually cost less money.
Keith Collins has been writing for over 15 years for various publications. He’s a lover of music, home theater, and excellent sound quality. His fondness for technology in addition to his non-stop curiosity fuels his writing ventures.
Thank you for your review and information, it helped me feel better about my purchase of the RP 280’s over the R820’s..
I recently acquired a pair of KLF20’s and they are amazing speakers. So they are now my front speakers and I now use the RP 280’s as my rear speakers. My center channel is the RP 504, subwoofers are Klipsch R12 and Polk Audio 505 12. in. If you have any thoughts or advice please let me know. Thank you.