Bookshelf Speaker Reviews

Klipsch THX Ultra2 Speaker System

Subwoofer: KW-120-THX
Connection: NL2 SpeakOn
Enclosure Type: Vented
Woofer (size in inches, type): 12, Cerametallic cone
Power Rating (watts): see KA-1000-THX amp
Crossover Bypass: see KA-1000-THX amp
Available Finishes: Galaxy Black
Dimensions
(H x W x D, inches): 20.25 x 17.75 x 17.75
Weight (pounds): 80
Price: $1,250

Subwoofer Amp: KA-1000-THX
Connection: RCA ins/outs; two NL2 SpeakOn outs
Amplifier type: Class D
Power Rating (watts): 500 @ 8 ohms, 1,000 @ 4 ohms (FTC rated)
Crossover Bypass: Yes
Available Finishes: Black Anodized Aluminum
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 4.75 x 17.5 x 12.25
Weight (pounds): 27
Price: $1,400

These listings are based on the manufacturer's stated specs; the HT Labs box below indicates the gear's performance on our test bench.

Speaker: KL-650-THX
Type: two-way, monitor
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 1, horn-loaded titanium dome
Woofer (size in inches, type): 6.5, Cerametallic cone (2)
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 8
Recommended Amp Power (watts): up to 150 (RMS)
Available Finishes: Galaxy Black
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 15 x 17 x 12.5
Weight (pounds): 39
Price: $1,200

Speaker: KS-525-THX
Type: two-way, surround
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 1, horn-loaded titanium dome (2)
Woofer (size in inches, type): 5.25, Cerametallic cone (2)
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 8
Recommended Amp Power (watts):up to 100 (RMS)
Available Finishes: Galaxy Black
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 13.75 x 13 x 8.5
Weight (pounds): 20
Price: $625

Ratings: Klipsch THX Ultra2 Speaker System

Build Quality: 92
Robust cabinetry
Passive subwoofer enhances placement flexibility
Technical-knockout horn-loaded tweeters

Value: 92
The complete 7.1, dual-subwoofer package delivers awesome sound quality and quantity that surpasses systems that cost many times the THX Ultra2's price

Features: 93
Custom-installation-friendly design
THX Ultra2–certified
Biwired speakers
The horn-loaded tweeters minimize floor and ceiling reflections

Performance: 95
Ultra-low-distortion sound
The twin 12-inch subs will rock your world
Full-frontal dynamic-range assaults

Ergonomics: 90
OmniMount-able speakers
The separate sub amp's placement flexibility is a big plus
Front-ported monitors allow flush wall mount without degrading the sound

Overall Rating: 93
Klipsch's engineers pulled out all of the stops for this THX Ultra2–certified, custom-installation system, but I wouldn't be surprised if these speakers also develop a hard-core audiophile cult following.

General Information
KL-650-THX L/C/R Speaker, $1,200
KS-525-THX Surround Speaker, $625
KW-120-THX Subwoofer, $1,250
KA-1000-THX L/C/R-Sub Amplifier, $1,400
Klipsch Audio Technologies, (800) KLIPSCH
www.klipsch.com
Dealer Locator Code KLI