Intro
It’s a question that might surprise some: Can an audiophile become a Klipsch fan?
For years, Klipsch has carried a reputation among many audiophiles as a brand to avoid if you’re after “true” high-fidelity sound. The main criticisms? That Klipsch speakers sounded too bright, too harsh, and not entirely natural—especially in the upper frequencies.
So, I wanted to revisit that perception and share my own experience.
First Impressions: The Early 2000s
Back in the early 2000s, when I was upgrading my home theater system (which I also used for two-channel music), Klipsch was one of the brands I auditioned. And yes—at that time—the common complaints rang true. Their sound leaned bright and slightly edgy. It wasn’t unpleasant, but it wasn’t the neutral, uncolored sound I was looking for.
If my focus had been purely on movies, I might have chosen Klipsch for their dynamic presence. But for critical music listening, I moved on.
Fast Forward to 2025
Recently, I found myself shopping for a new center channel speaker. My old high-end center channel simply didn’t fit into my current apartment setup—it was too large for the entertainment cabinet. After a short stint using an old Cerwin-Vega center channel as a temporary fix, I began looking for something that would fit the space without compromising too much on sound quality.
That’s when I came across the Klipsch Reference R-52C, listed at a great price on Amazon. After reading plenty of positive reviews, I decided to give Klipsch another shot.
R-52C
Rediscovering Klipsch
Once installed, I was pleasantly surprised. The R-52C delivered clear, detailed sound with excellent dialogue intelligibility and a balanced tone that never felt harsh or fatiguing. Off-axis performance was also impressive—voices stayed natural even when I shifted positions on the couch.
As I dug deeper, I discovered that Klipsch had been refining their designs in recent years, reducing the brightness and harshness that used to define their sound while preserving that signature Klipsch energy and dynamics. I could definitely hear the difference.
The Upgrade: RP-504C
After living with the R-52C for about a month, I was so impressed that I decided to move up to one of Klipsch’s Reference Premiere center channel models. The next logical step was the RP-500C II, but while searching, I came across the previous-generation RP-504C — still available, significantly better, and a clear upgrade over the 500C II, all at a much better price. So, I pulled the trigger on the RP-504C and recently installed it in my home theater. All I can say is wow — this speaker is phenomenal. The sound quality easily surpasses the R-52C, which was already impressive.
RP 500C II
The RP-504C is on another level. It delivers richer detail, greater clarity, and a more effortless soundstage. Honestly, it’s the best center channel speaker I’ve ever owned—better even than my former high-end model. And once again, there’s no trace of that “bright” or “harsh” sound Klipsch once had a reputation for.
RP 504C
To make it fit, I did have to raise my TV slightly by placing its feet on risers, but the result was absolutely worth it.
So, Can an Audiophile Become a Klipsch Fan?
Absolutely. I’m living proof.
After revisiting Klipsch with an open mind, I’ve become a genuine fan. Their modern speakers combine the excitement and dynamics Klipsch is known for with a level of refinement that can satisfy even the most discerning listener.
And let’s be honest—those copper woofers and Tractrix horns look stunning.
Sure, some people will never be fans, and that’s fine. But I’m glad I gave Klipsch another chance. It’s reminded me that brands evolve, designs improve, and sometimes, revisiting what you once dismissed can lead to a very rewarding rediscovery.
Image credit Klipsch
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