Overview

The Klipsch RP-8000F-II is the flagship floorstanding speaker in Klipsch’s Reference Premiere series, featuring the company’s horn-loaded 90°×90° Tractrix waveguide, a 1” titanium LTS tweeter, and dual 8” Cerametallic woofers in a 2.5-way layout. The II generation adds cabinet bracing and dual internal chambers (one per woofer) with separate rear Tractrix ports, improving resonance control and reducing inter-modulation between woofers. Sensitivity is specified at 98 dB (2.83 V/1 m, half-space), and the rated frequency response is 35 Hz–25 kHz (±3 dB). [5]

Scientific Validity

\[\Large \text{0.6}\]

Independent measurements show solid but imperfect linearity. Spin data and listening-window averages reveal unevenness that benefits from careful placement and, where available, room correction. Erin’s Audio Corner documents objective performance using Klippel NFS (CTA-2034) with commentary indicating non-flat in-room trend versus perfectly on-axis output. [1]
Audioholics’ review notes that while directivity is well controlled by the enlarged waveguide, the tonal balance on axis can run bright relative to the bass; they recommend toe-out of roughly 20–30° from the listening position to balance tweeter energy—a concrete, repeatable setup guidance. [2]
Sensitivity measured by Audioholics is about 92 dB (2.83 V/1 m anechoic), lower than the 98 dB spec (half-space/room-gain context), but still above average for towers. [2][5]

Technology Level

\[\Large \text{0.6}\]

The design leverages established horn-loading and lightweight stiff cones rather than novel transducer tech. Notable execution details include the larger silicone-damped Tractrix horn, vented tweeter housing, and dual isolated woofer chambers with ports—pragmatic refinements that improve directivity control and cabinet behavior, but not a departure from contemporary best practices. [2][5]

Cost-Performance

\[\Large \text{0.7}\]

At 799 USD (each) from major retailers, RP-8000F-II competes against lower-priced towers that can meet or exceed measured linearity and bandwidth for most listening use-cases. The SVS Prime Tower is 599 USD (each) with a published 30 Hz–25 kHz (±3 dB) response and strong third-party reputation for neutrality; it sacrifices sensitivity (spec 87 dB) but matches or exceeds bandwidth/linearity for typical rooms, making it the cheapest “not-inferior” comparator across functionality and measurable performance. [4][6]
Given RP-8000F-II’s higher maximum headroom and efficiency, its value is best realized if you need elevated SPL from modest amplification or prefer horn dynamics.

Reliability & Support

\[\Large \text{0.7}\]

Klipsch lists 5-year coverage for Reference/Reference Premiere passive speakers. Service is dealer-backed with manufacturer support channels. Passive crossovers and drivers generally yield straightforward long-term reliability, and there is no firmware risk. [7][8]

Rationality of Design Philosophy

\[\Large \text{0.6}\]

Klipsch pursues high efficiency and dynamic capability via horn loading and relatively high tuning. Audioholics’ ground-plane data show ~40 Hz port tuning with flat bass to ~300 Hz, prioritizing sensitivity and output over deepest extension—rational for rooms where boundary gain and a subwoofer will handle the bottom octave. [3]

Advice

• Start with speakers facing straight ahead, then toe them out 20–30° to tame treble energy relative to mids/bass; sit with ears near tweeter height. [2]
• Expect in-room bass into the low-30 Hz region with placement gain; for <30 Hz movie content, integrate a subwoofer and cross at 60–80 Hz depending on room/seat. [3]
• If you value smoothest neutrality at the lowest price and don’t need high sensitivity, compare to SVS Prime Tower (599 USD each). If you need higher SPL from modest amps and like the horn presentation, the Klipsch is the better fit. [6]

References

[1] Erin’s Audio Corner – “Klipsch RP-8000F II Floorstanding Speaker Review” — https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/klipsch_rp_8000f_ii/
[2] Audioholics – “Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F II Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review” — https://www.audioholics.com/tower-speaker-reviews/klipsch-rp-8000f-ii
[3] Audioholics (page 2) – LF ground-plane & 40 Hz tuning detail — https://www.audioholics.com/tower-speaker-reviews/klipsch-rp-8000f-ii/page/2
[4] Crutchfield – Current retail listing 799.99 USD (each) — https://www.crutchfield.com/shopsearch/klipsch_rp_8000f_ii.html
[5] Klipsch — RP-8000F II Spec Sheet (PDF) — https://d2um2qdswy1tb0.cloudfront.net/spec-sheets/RP-8000F-II_Spec-Sheet_v02.pdf
[6] SVS — Prime Tower 599.99 USD (each), 30 Hz–25 kHz (±3 dB) — https://www.svsound.com/collections/prime-series
[7] Klipsch Support — Policies and Warranties (Reference/Reference Premiere 5-year passive) — https://support.klipsch.com/hc/en-us/articles/360024446512-Policies-and-Warranties
[8] Klipsch — Limited Warranty (Passive Speakers) — https://www.klipsch.com/warranty-passive-speakers

(2025.8.24)