Klipsch RP-8000F II Floorstanding Loudspeaker Review - Improvement?

The last floorstanding speaker that we reviewed from Klipsch was the RP-8000F which was not a perfect loudspeaker but we found it to be an excellent value. Klipsch now returns with the RP-8000F II, and we take a look at how much has improved over the original, and does it still retain the same high value even though it has taken a price hike? Read our in-depth review to find out!
For the full written review, please visit: bit.ly/KlipschRP8000Fii-review
Buy on sale for $674/ea: audioadvice.io/3445l4A
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SVS SB-3000: bit.ly/SVSSB3000Sub
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Denon AVR-X6700H 11.2CH AV Receiver: audioadvice.io/3HsdEou
Anthem MRX1140: bit.ly/AnthemMRX1140
Monolith M8250x 8CH Amp: bit.ly/8CHamp
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Klipsch RP-8000F II Tower Speakers: audioadvice.io/3445l4A
Arendal 1723S Tower Speakers: bit.ly/Arendal1723s
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Focal Kanta No2: bit.ly/Focalkantano2
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[@Audioholics]

For the full written review, please visit: bit.ly/KlipschRP8000Fii-review Buy on sale from Audio Advice for $674/ea: audioadvice.io/3445l4A

[@housbinpharteen7445]

I have a whole Klipsch surround setup with KSP400 as mains, RC7 as center and 4 sets of KSP6 with RSW15 sub.. Love them.

[@LichaelMewis]

Tha j you @audioholics for doing these reviews. It really helps people like me make an informed decision which saves me time and money!

[@Audioenthusatic]

I bought kilpsch rp 8000f 2 Tower speakers and its sounds amazing…Then i got the new rp 504c 2 …. Awsome.. i like it…for my home Theatre setup…

[@stephenyoud6125]

Test and upgrade from Danny Richie at GR-Research shows its better than Mk1 but not fully fixed - better to get the Mark 1’s and the GR-Research upgrade to fix them.

[@gregkramer5588]

A small amount of EQ and a good sub these look like they would work very well! I like the additional controlled directivity. For me the issues over 12khz are inaudible. Maybe I could notice it 40 years ago but not know.

[@NikoAbston]

just upgraded from RF-82 and RC-62 ref IV to series II 504c and 8000f. towers haven’t arrived yet but this video is full of useful information. great quality vid thank you

[@JJ-lj7lr]

The bi-amp level adjustment is a great suggestion by James! Will try

[@Musicman369]

Hi Guys, Just listen to your review on the klipcsh rp 8000f 11. James said that the dip between the tweeter and the woofer is to great to over come, would it help if Klipsch made this a 2 1/2 way speaker to fix that issue ? Second why dont they make it a 2 1/2 way vs 2 way ? Cost ? Ive had the old rp 280f s for almost 6yrs now love them. What I did was bi amp them then transferred all low end to sub so thd speakers only play mids and highs and I feel i hear more mid out of the speakers. I tried lowering the tweeter 2 db but didnt like it i lost more acturate music, if that makes any sense ? I have them straight at my spot too no toe in. Thxs for the review.

[@williamkramer9069]

We need a video for James' set up. It looks like he has a floor to ceiling screen. What speakers is he rocking?

[@Squishmallows24]

So klipsch decided to make this new version only for the 8000f and 600m speakers. They have version 2 of the 500c only but not the 600c which doesn’t make any sense. The 504c version 2 is way too big for my setup. Would my old 600c be fine with the version 2 of the 8000f and 600m ?

[@bigjay1970]

Love me Some James Larson speaker reviews!🤔😬😉😇

[@trumps-not-rightfor-us5603]

My home 9 Channel system is created with these Perry comic except for one small change brighten left front channel are the RP 8060fa. And honestly it rocks the house it Rivals the theater system in a small theater in the neighborhood

[@kurtszabo8872]

Any shot you can add the pointer to the time intensity trading setup discussion that was mentioned?

[@sweetchaoss]

thanks for the review. FYI: the link to the review (in the description) is incorrect

[@Audioholics]

fixed, thanks

[@901pics]

These speakers are about 500 apiece....sound like a great deal for the average person. For an older veteran like myself (some hearing loss)...these are an amazing deal. Would love for you to address this.

[@chriss881000]

2300$ here, and they will never go on sale

[@jrmardis]

@@chriss881000 They were just 500 this week.

[@Steve-Stoytchev]

Can you please get James a proper studio quality mic setup? This is an audio channel and you do a great job with it but I have trouble understanding James at times and I'm willing to bet it's the mic...

[@Clobercow1]

I would LOVE to see a set of JBL 590's review.

[@zzt231gr]

Excellent video! Are you gonna review the Elac Carina floorstander?It is an awesome speaker for the money!

[@LichaelMewis]

I just ordered a pair of Heco Aurora 1000s, a Heco Celan Revolution 4 center, and a pair of Heco Aurora 300s. Will be powering them with a Yamaha RX-A8A. Looking forward to listening how they sound. I originally ordered Polk R700s but they are on a big back order. I also have a Powersound TV2112M sub on order that should be in early next year.

[@joeydelmarsjr.646]

Would really like to know how well these compare to Emotiva T3+ vs JBL Studio 698

[@ulises3113]

Hello, has someone compared these speakers to the Tannoy revolution xt8f‽ Thank you

[@GokuInstinct1]

for a small townhouse, should I get the 8000? Or would it make a difference compared to the 5000 and 6000 models?

[@PigsOnTheWings1]

Pretty late to the party - Looking to upgrade my RF82 mk.1's. Been looking at the 1723s and the RP-8000F. Price difference be damned - which is the best all-round speaker?

[@fukeorama]

Ok Guys. Question. You have been saying keep speaker as small and not large and cutoff at 80Hz. For this speaker which has 8inch woofer, does that still apply?

[@williamkramer9069]

1 speaker at a fixed location may not provide even bass, 20 hz - 80hz, the way 2 or more subwoofers optimly set up can. The idea is to put the image producing drivers in the correct location and use subwoofers to create a more even "bass system". What good is a floor standing speaker doing if it has a null at 50hz in your listening position.

[@sg-fx3fv]

thank you!!

[@MaestroPrep]

So 28:35 .. Would you block a port? if so.. Which one the upper or lower?

[@ben23a31]

My understanding is that they aren't horns as much as they are tweeters with a wave guide. Is that the case?

[@teawanga]

Will you do a review on the 8060 with up firing speakers ? Many thanks

[@ch33psk8]

I know the new Gen 2's are better spec'd and build is updated , but for mine when I first heard the Gen 2's, it sounded like somebody just hit the loudness button. On the 2's the upper mids and HF, lower mids and LF seem to predominate and the Gen 2's are just louder. Mids seem slightly more intergrated on the Gen 1's, Imho. Thanks for professional comparison tho, awesome.

[@gaurd3]

Loudness button. Remember those😂😂😂

[@fredbloggs6080]

@@gaurd3 Within the last couple weeks I got a Yamaha R-N 2000A Network Receiver to go with these speakers, and it actually has a variable loudness control. No need to use it however, I keep it at zero--flat. I don't notice any emphasis in the lower mids and low frequency.

[@WavelengthReview]

the port flare design is to prevent port noise, or port chuffing i assume.

[@matejpodlesnik6538]

yes, but it would be even better if it was round not square

[@grogmonster2408]

If these or the previous model measure well, what is the benefit in spending a lot more on other speakers ?

[@Audioholics]

There are many more expensive speakers that measure much better and have more output capability and bass extension.

[@tonyt.5771]

How do you knock the tweeter db down, I have an A4A, what setting is this exactly?

[@brooklynknightss]

Tone control

[@Finite-Tuning]

I really cannot imagine these being much if any better than anything else they've made. The crossover has been some of it, but the horn tweeter will always sound breathy and titanium tweeters will always make your ears bleed unless you knock them way down. But I do agree 100% these are cool looking speakers. Klipsch has it in the looks department, it's just a shame we can't hear sound with our eyeballs. Cheers 🍻

[@gregkramer5588]

Actually IMO a well functioning wave guys is a huge benefit not an issue. The "knock down" issue is present in any system where the tweeter is more efficient. Which BTW is nearly all systems.

[@MasterofPlay7]

@@gregkramer5588 like that piercing metallic sound?

[@gregkramer5588]

If that exists it does not show up when I listen or in measurements. So sure what ever you want! @@MasterofPlay7

[@MasterofPlay7]

@@gregkramer5588 no is present in some track like walk in fields of gold by eva cassidy

[@anthonydotb]

Great review. These look great. These or JBL Studio 590’s when they’re on sale?

[@bigjay1970]

I have the Studio line including 590's. Great speaker and is a different league than these Klipsch. Compression driver!😉🤗😇

[@FSXgta]

JBL, not even close

[@-MarkWinston-]

I have the 590 as part of my HT system (530 as surrounds) for over 6 years now. No comparison, the 590 takes it in every aspect.

[@anthonydotb]

Thanks! I wasn't expecting a response. Now the real challenge is going to be to find a matching center. Leaning towards the Airmotiv C2+. What are you guys using with your 590's?

[@-MarkWinston-]

@@anthonydotb 520C naturally. Might but an old 570 and turn it on its side for an upgrade

[@RyanRager44]

Can you review RF7's their flagship towers?

[@cha7260]

@@yournightmare9999 All the speakers that Danny review are all "not good" in his opinion, especially since he sell "upgrade" kits 🙄

[@natei.3859]

"The RP-8000F II has dual binding posts that can be bi-amped or bi-wired. I don’t think that is justified in this speaker, and it probably shouldn’t be used in a typical setup. With a listed power-handling spec of 150 watts continuous, these speakers wouldn’t really handle much more wattage than a mid-level AVR can put out, providing that the power isn’t spread out over nine other speakers in a surround sound system." Just got some of these speakers this year. I run them with a NAD T758 AVR. In the final analysis of these speakers, everything was 4 or 5 stars except for mid-range, but I wonder what this rating would have been if they were bi-amped. My AVR has the option of using the rear channel amp as a second amp for the front speakers; and setting them up in this configuration, to my ear, improved the mid-range accuracy tremendously. Voices, saxophones, acoustic guitars; the timbre of anything in this range is so much more apparent. I can hear the resonance in the bodies of these instruments. Again, I didn't take any measurements; but I tried them in the normal/jumpered configuration, listened to a song 3 times, switched them to bi-amped, and listened to the same song 3 more times. The difference for me with my amp/room is undeniable. I would argue that anyone who has these speakers and the equipment to bi-amp them should absolutely give it a shot. Costs very little and it might make a bigger difference than you think .

[@Karto86]

Thanks for the opinion! I have an Onkyo 7100 that has the bi-amp option and RP 6000 II - will give it a try!

[@Novilicious]

Love your reviews guys!! Please get some high end stuff…like $10,000 Wharfdale Elysians! They have a matching center that’s to die for and would love to know now they stack up to Perlistens

[@xiiivaniix]

I’d love to Know how they compare to the SVS Ultra?

[@danemoreno88]

Well I had svs ultra towers and center and now I have the 504 gen 2 and 5000f gen 2 and I like it a lot klipsch is a way better value and has the amazing clarity and dynamics

[@scottlowell493]

I have a set of Rp8000FII in my 2.1 channel system. VAST improvement over F1.

[@dennisheadley4408]

Wonder how these do with classical music? I listen to all types of music, but not into home theatre.

[@starker1971]

The low extension characteristics might be more noticeable with classical music. If you have an idea of what I can listen to and for I could offer my thoughts. This is of course if I am able to discern well. I have some fed with a Sansui 2000. They are on an A - B switch with some JBL Studio 590's I have already noticed on many examples of music, it was necessary to pull down the bass.

[@justinkraus7784]

I've yet to hear better sound then that of the KLF-30. Some serious magic went into that poorly crafted wooden box!

[@georgeruckstuhl8094]

I have had KLF-20s since 1998. Won't ever get rid of them.

[@gregkramer5588]

@@georgeruckstuhl8094 I had a pair also. I should not have sold them!

[@brooklynknightss]

I actually have the klipsch rp-280fa and l actually like the speakers. I never thought about klipsch before. You either love them or hate them.. I like the sound. I love my definitive technology bp2000 but the rp-280fa are very very good.

[@AhmedAddas]

Room 3.5 x 4.5 meter 6000ii or 8000 ii?

[@enjoyunreality]

8000f always better! Not only in sonic way. Its fuller , more rich and more relaxed!

[@ryangonyer9498]

These Klipsch sounded better then the Paradigm se8000 I heard at the dealer.

[@ryangonyer9498]

Yea I listen to them side by side and even got up and had two other people sit and asked them what they thought . Both of them clearly chose the Klipsch over the Paradigm. I was really shocked because I thought for sure I would choose the Paradigms. It sounded like the Paradigms were muffled.

[@3184Patrick]

@@ryangonyer9498 the Paradigm SE8000 are also $400 less a pair then the RP8000 Klipsch. The Paradigm Premier 700F/800F are closer to the same price as the RP8000II.

[@ryangonyer9498]

@@3184Patrick Umm... The price is $849 for the Paradigm and the Klipsch is $899. Where do you get $400 less?

[@3184Patrick]

@@ryangonyer9498 up in Canada Gibbys (big retailer) has the SE8000F's on for $1700(sale reg 2000) a pair and the RP8000 ii's are $2400 a pair. the 700F are $2100 and the 800f are $2700

[@ryangonyer9498]

@@3184Patrick I live in the U.S.. So Canada's pricing means nothing to me. Either way the Klipsch kicked Paradigm's a$$!

[@ricanman85]

I have the RP-280F speakers from 2 generations ago, how do you think these compare with those?

[@ricanman85]

@@yournightmare9999 I love ‘em

[@davidsagarra9841]

I have the 280s also since a couple of years ago, I haven’t listened to the 8000 Gen1 or Gen2 but the comparisons between the Gen1 and the 280s almost always favor the 280s. They sound amazing. I moved them to a second system and replaced them with the Forte IV which are in different league.

[@jameslarson2277]

Hard to say. The 280 is when they ditched the old tractrix horn and went for the new hybrid tractrix horn which is much better. But I don't know what their performance targets were pre-RP-8000F. The crossover may well have been worse and possibly the woofers. I would guess that the 280s are more like the new Reference Premieres than the old Reference RF speakers, and that would be a good thing.

[@davidsagarra9841]

@@jameslarson2277 Actually, the full model name of the 280s is RP-280F because they are, indeed, part of the Reference Premier line

[@pn9120]

Do the GR Research uppgrade for this speaker and review it plz.

[@starker1971]

In all the examples of the 8000F first generation, I only see 1 port, not 2

[@brooklynknightss]

My klipsch RP-280FA rock loud with no distortion

[@MaestroPrep]

I really Wish there would have been charts and graphs for both speakers.. side by side.. Charts and graphs are great.. But unless a comparison is "A" vs. "B" We are left to make inferences, interpretations and assumptions... I think we want to know.. does the 8000F II deserve a 600.00 dollar price increase over the 8000F ?? Is it actually worth the price increase or is it just a matter of having the latest and greatest version number! as of this post ( 12-27-2023).. the RP8000F is 349.00 on amazon, the RP800F II is 978.00... Does the new version actually deserve that much of a price difference???

[@derekf7772]

I think it does. The 8000F ii does not have that suck out in the frequency response of the 8000F and is therefore more linear. This improved linearity does come at the expenses of bass extension so that is a trade off vs the first generation.

[@fredbloggs6080]

A few days ago they were on sale on Amazon for $599. When I bought them two weeks before that they were $749. When I saw the new price I asked Amazon and although they couldn't price match because they were sold by a third-party, they gave me an equivalent courtesy credit for the $300 difference.

[@gaurd3]

Lol James is an overall positive reviewer. He’s a lot nicer than he has to be.

[@royalway12]

I wonder how Black Oak Arkansas sounds, on the black oak Klipsch.

[@danemoreno88]

Idk why klipsch always does this and make the center woofers so small example the biggest you can get is the 504c in the regular lines does not match up with a 8000f they need a center with 8 inch woofers to match the 8000f if bic America can do it with the acoustech line so can klipsch

[@sIman1991]

in a movie setup 5.1 or higher you wouldn't really notice the difference and Music is normally listen in 2.1.

[@robertbenton2804]

The original RP-8000F only has one port not two as you mistakenly said, so it is using the entire cabinet volume for bass response.

[@ec4146]

What do they sound like, not measurements

[@trumps-not-rightfor-us5603]

Particularly I love the speakers you know in a 9 channel surround sound setup I am using nine of these the RPM 8000f Mark 2. Only because of the time that I bought these they were fairly priced prepare so four pair and one single for the nine channel no center channels no height channels not necessary these do the complete job of mastering a listening aspect for that configuration believe it the size of the room that I have these set up in is 30 ft long 25 ft wide width 12 ft no windows.. and the furnishings are sparse enough not to affect how the sound reflective and the carpet makes no difference.. if you try this configuration I'm sure you'll be please there are some movie theaters in Europe that do the same thing with the exact same speaker in all channels driven in a theater that holds hundreds to a couple of thousand of people at one time and most people come out of those theaters with a smile on their face wondering how do I do this in my home

[@haraldpost]

Impedance curve shows min. impedance ~5 ohms. Improvement! RP280F is 3.8 ohms! And that thing says 8 ohms! My $2000 AVR (Pioneer Class D) does not like that load. It is rated for 8/6 ohms. I run multisub and 100 hz crossover but thas does not solve anything as the impedance is below 6 ohms from 90 to 500 hz. And at 120-180 hz below 4 ohms!

[@Audioholics]

Pioneer Class D ICE had problems with speaker loads IF the impedance dropped below 4 ohms above 3khz due to limitations of the modules at the time. I identified this problem and Pioneer moved to a different module shortly thereafter as a result. www.audioholics.com/av-receiver-reviews/pioneer-sc-07

[@MrPninja]

1800 in the US, try 3000 in Australia

[@robertng138]

Seriously, I thought Canada is bad, the cheapest I find is $1500 gen 1 from Gibby.

[@user-gs4oi1fm4l]

"Crossover guy" 😂

[@turbotax6452]

😂😂

[@Teachering]

GR-Research has a lot to say of the 1st iteration of the Klipsch RP-8000F. They were not, at all, impressed. The loudspeakers were said to be out of phase. Basically, these loudspeakers were said to be broken. I am beginning to believe that GR-Research is on to something as regards Klipsch quality. There was a time when I gave serious thought to buying the Klipsch Forte IV. It frightens me to think that I might have sunk several thousand dollars in to them. Bad investment. I really cannot see how these Klipsch RP-8000F II would show much improvement. Klipsch engineers seriously need to get to the woodshed. Or do they care?

[@Audioholics]

Both versions of this speaker weren't perfect but none of the samples we reviewed had drivers incorrectly phased. GR-Research is in a constant search for problems they can "fix" with everyone else's products except theirs of course.

[@Teachering]

A conundrum. I greatly appreciate your response. @@Audioholics

[@starker1971]

In regard to GR research. Do consider electrical bullet connectors as an alternative to tube connectors. In an A B test where a speaker was equipped with both, no one acknowledged that the binding post was still connected in the circuit. Never underestimate the draw to sell the same functional thing with an "audio" premium prices added to it.

[@frankcostantini2630]

Looks like Klipsch listened to some of Danny Ritchie's upgrade recommendations to the original RP-8000F. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIGbdp2PnK5oZ5I

[@frederf69]

I have never gone for this make as they exaggerate the sensitivity & those copper coloured cones look like 🤮🤮

[@-MarkWinston-]

I recently heard these speakers and Ill say this, I totally dislike Klipschs sound and after listening to this speaker I still dislike Klipschs sound. They might be flat and balanced tonally but they do not have any depth at all, very forward and 2 dimensional, small soundstage and surprisingly not very strong bass. With all the brightness and forwardness comes no air and detail retrieval isnt great either. Just my 2 cents.

[@NightFlight1973]

I lived with used pair of RP-600M ($400CAD) for a couple months in 2020. For $500 CAD used, you could find a pair of ELAC DBR-62, and everything you mention and more are corrected. Klipsch is not even in the same league as the ELAC/Andrew Jones line despite similar pricing. This Klipsch line is targeted for the HT crowd, who typically aren't listening to music appreciatively.

[@cha7260]

I agree about the depth and imaging of the soundstage. It may be its biggest weakness in my opinion, but the other characteristics I am fine with. To me, they are very neutral sounding for the most part, but some content can sound a little harsh, though it looks like Klipsch are trying to address that with the mkII.

[@-MarkWinston-]

@@cha7260 there is more than tonality in the listening experience. When soundstage is narrow and shallow, you lose all that immersion. These are not really neutral speakers either as can be seen in the PIR graph.

[@LichaelMewis]

@@-MarkWinston- I was thinking about ordering these speakers then changed my mind I just ordered a pair of Heco Aurora 1000s, a Heco Celan Revolution 4 center, and a pair of Heco Aurora 300s. Will be powering them with a Yamaha RX-A8A. Looking forward to listening how they sound. I originally ordered Polk R700s but they are on a big back order. I also have a Powersound TV2112M sub on order that should be in early next year. I'm hoping the Hecos performan well in the 7.1.4 system I'll be running them in and I hope they perform just as good on 2.1 or even 2.0 channel music listening.

[@-MarkWinston-]

@@LichaelMewis ex owner of the R700 and currently own the Chora 806, 826, Aria 906 and 948. The differences are stunning to say the least, the only thing the R700 has over the Focals is bass, which isnt a problem for me as I run dual subs. Detail retrieval, clarity, transparency, soundstage width, instrument separation and imaging as a whole is on another level on the the Focals, I mean on another planet. Give those an audition, you might just fall in love like I did.

[@gordthor5351]

Yeah you can complain, when companies use sneaky tactics to deceive their customers. It's BS and unacceptable, because there is no good reason to use your own (ridiculous) standards instead of industrial standards. Most people get fooled even if (again, sneaky) context is included in the fine print. Most power tool companies claim that their 18volt batteries are "20volt Max", which is just as stupid (and deceptive) as marketing car batteries as 13.6 volts, when all batteries have a higher float voltage than there working voltage. Klipsch isn't confident in their product if they feel the need to deceive their customers. It's pathetic. Specs tweaked to look good are garbage specs.

[@Jayman001]

This guy sounds like he’s having a hard time reviewing these speakers.

[@Audioholics]

"This guy" is a much more competent reviewer and subject matter expert than the majority of well-spoken youtube "influencers".

[@johngault-9597]

Sorry but that guest reviewer sounds so disinterested...maybe a little coffee and a motivational speech before starting...

[@milkman100001]

cheap and nasty speakers..

[@Sniper0]

Andrew Robinson said its better than the previous one and it sound really good! so which is which