Simply Irresistible: Three New Reference Satellites
By Sarah Knight
Whether it comes to Christmas or birthday gifts, children always focus on the larger presents. They assume that the bigger the box, the better the treasure, and anything small is merely chump change. However, as they grow older and receive expensive jewelry or cool gadget gifts, the large package theory transforms into more of a myth.
Klipsch also dispels the concept bigger means better by introducing three new compact loudspeakers in its best-selling Reference Series line.
The RSX-4, RSX-5 monitors and the RCX-4 center channel combine performance, style and functionality for users who are seeking dynamic sound and an elegant appearance, but require small, unobtrusive speakers for their home entertainment systems.
For the first time, the Reference Series legacy of advanced technology and visual sophistication extends into the lifestyle category. Because of their affordability, seamless design and placement flexibility, these miniature marvels can deliver excellent sound to virtually any room.
These new Reference Satellite speakers can be used together or with other speakers, allowing consumers to create home theater or stereo configurations that meet the specific needs of their listening areas. The RSX-4 and RSX-5 monitors can serve as either front left or right speakers or as surrounds, and the RCX-4, a horizontal-oriented center channel, has been designed for placement on top of a standard television.
The new Klipsch RW subwoofers complete these Reference Satellite configurations by adding high-impact, deep bass sound.
"The Reference Satellites have been designed to handle multiple installation applications with confidence that you're not trading off sound for style and convenience," said Jim Garrett, Reference Series brand manager. "The Reference Satellites are Reference-quality speakers utilizing Reference-quality components, which were designed by our Reference engineering team."
All Reference Satellites are two-way, magnetically shielded speakers that use 1-inch titanium-dome, compression drivers coupled to Klipsch's new round MicroTractrix™ Horns for maximum clarity and efficiency. The RSX-4 and RSX-5 employ 4- and 5.25-inch woofers, respectively, while the RCX-4 has a pair of the 4-inch drivers flanking its MicroTractrix™ Horn.
The woofers are long-throw units powered by a unique neodymium motor structure. They utilize Cerametallic™ cones that are lightweight with excellent rigidity, which dramatically reduces all resonances. As a result, the Reference Satellites are capable of robust bass extending low enough for comfortable operation with today's built-in A/V preamp/processor and receiver crossovers.
"Our new Reference Satellites are real problem solvers," said Garrett. "A/V specialists are receiving great pressure to meet significant market demand for compact-sized audio solutions and our Reference Satellites exceed the performance of other compact loudspeakers currently available."
As with the other new Reference Series models, these satellites feature high-quality network components and premium internal wiring.
Reference Satellites can be purchased individually, so you can create a system unique to your requirements. We do recommend the Cinema 8 package featuring four RSX-4s, one RCX-4 and one RPW-10 and the Cinema 10 with four RSX-5s, one RCX-4 and one RW-10d.
Klipsch proves good things do come in small packages by featuring these small and stylized, yet tough loudspeakers in the world's most sought after home entertainment products line.