Klipsch® Builds upon Image Headphone Popularity with New Model
INDIANAPOLIS (May 30, 2008) — Following their introduction last November, Klipsch’s award-winning Image headphones instantly became a fan favorite among reviewers, making a name for themselves as the world’s smallest, lightest full-range earphone design. Today, the company is expanding the Image line to include the slightly larger X5, which brings another premium sound signature to this newly formed family.
According to Mark Casavant, Klipsch vice president of product development, the Image X5 is bigger than its predecessor by only 2mm in diameter. This minimal size difference makes the X5 easier and slightly less expensive to manufacture, so the company can pass the savings on to the end user. However, Casavant mentioned that these headphones are still considered very small, very lightweight and will continue the Image legacy of being the least fatiguing in-ear headphones around.
“Image’s overnight success was a sure sign that we needed to make it a family affair, allowing us to meet the expectations of several different consumer types,” said Casavant. “With the addition of the X5, we are renaming the original Image the X10 and establishing it as the flagship model within the line.”
Like the original, the X5 utilizes translucent patent-pending oval ear tips that are anatomically designed to fit comfortably inside the human ear canal. These soft, silicon tips reduce ear fatigue and provide an amazing seal for excellent noise isolation along with increased bass response. Because ear canal measurements vary, each X5 comes with five different-sized ear tips: small, medium, and large single flange designs as well as small and large double flange designs. That way, virtually everyone can find the precise fit and noise reduction they desire.
From a performance perspective, the X5 uses a balanced full-range armature driver with a tuned bass-reflex system for crisp, clear highs and deep, impressive lows. Technology-wise, the X5 and the original differ in that the X10 uses a balanced full-range armature micro-driver. The X10 is meant for listeners who prefer a lot of bass in their music, while the X5 has a superior top end with more forward voicing.
“The X5 continues Klipsch’s sound signature by performing accurately in the frequency and time domain, minimizing any phase distortion with its linear acceleration. As a result, you’ll hear things in your favorite recordings you never noticed before,” said Mark Blanchard, Klipsch senior acoustic designer. “The X5’s versatility and rugged design make it an excellent choice for ‘road warriors,’ students or anyone else who wants no-compromise audio, extreme levels of comfort and fashion-forward style.”
Image X5 headphones feature electroplated aluminum housings and streamlined, aerodynamic-shaped black “tails.” These flexible tails reduce cable stress and serve as an acoustic damper to minimize cable noise.
By adding strain relief at every cable connection point to help prevent wire damage to their 50-inch-long vinyl cables, Klipsch has made the X5 headphones as durable as they are stylish. In general, the basic Image family design has also undergone hours of extensive “real world” testing.
The Image X5 is compatible with the iPod, iPhone and virtually any device with a standard headphone jack. These headphones also come with a carrying pouch, an airplane adaptor, the above-mentioned ear tips and an ear tip cleaning tool.
Priced at $249.99 (U.S. MSRP), Image X5 headphones will be available for purchase at select retail locations and on klipsch.com late next month. As a bonus, purchasers who complete an online warranty registration will receive a free package of replacement ear tips in the size of their choice.
About Klipsch
Founded in 1946 by Paul W. Klipsch, one of America’s most celebrated audio pioneers, Klipsch® has long been a high-end name in loudspeaker design. Today, the brand continues its success as a leading global manufacturer of premium sound solutions for home, personal and commercial use. From massive professional cinema speakers to tiny headphones, Klipsch remains committed to delivering the most powerful, detailed and emotional sound experiences. Family owned and operated, chairman Fred Klipsch and vice chairman Judy Klipsch set the vision and strategy for the brand as well as the entire Klipsch Group, Inc. organization.