Klipsch RB-81 Speaker

Features

The RB-81 is an extremely efficient speaker; its 97 dB sensitivity specification means that it can generate a big sound with low power receivers, but it’s hearty enough to accommodate 150Wpc amplifiers.

Like just about every Klipsch speaker ever made, this one features a (Tractrix) horn-loaded tweeter that focuses the tweeter’s dispersion to reduce floor and ceiling reflections while increasing the driver’s efficiency. The copper colored 8-inch Cerametallic woofer completes the driver array. The RB-81 is available in cherry or black ash vinyl wrap.

Tip: For best sound the solidly constructed, 30 pound speaker should be matched with a sturdy floorstand.

Sonic Character

Klipsch’s “towering achievement” in bookshelf design really does sound like a much larger speaker, and its size advantage pays whopping dividends in low-end slam, dynamic impact, and effortless high volume capabilities. Rock on!

Musical Examples

The big RB-81s made the most of avant noise band Sonic Youth’s Rather Ripped CD [Geffen]—and it wasn’t just the music’s dynamic jolts—the recording’s huge soundstage’s width and height provided a sense of scale that gave the music a “live” sound. But it’s no one trick pony, the RB-81 also scored on acoustic jazz. The shimmering harmonics and dynamic shadings of Milt Jackson’s vibes sounded realistically present. Bass definition was good, but not great.