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Klipsch Reference RB-81 II Bookshelf speaker (Black Ash)

Item # 714RB81IIB

The RB-81 II also uses a newly machined, light-yet-rigid Cerametallic woofer with a folded edge to produce smoother...

The RB-81 II also uses a newly machined, light-yet-rigid Cerametallic woofer with a folded edge to produce smoother...

3 questions - 7 answers

Item # 714RB81IIB

Shop all Klipsch Bookshelf Speakers

About the Klipsch Reference RB-81 II

Kristen Schaub

Klipsch's top Reference Series II bookshelf speaker

The RB-81 II also uses a newly machined, light-yet-rigid Cerametallic woofer with a folded edge to produce smoother mids and tighter bass. The specially treated aluminum in the cone helps to dampen unwanted vibrations and reduce distortion, while an integrated dustcap gives it a cleaner look and adds stability. Dual sets of five-way binding posts let you bi-amp or bi-wire each RB-81 II for even more dynamic sound. And the rigid, braced cabinet comes in a handsome woodgrain vinyl finish.

Klipsch's top Reference Series II bookshelf speaker

Klipsch's RB-81 II bookshelf speaker provides clear, full-bodied sound to those who demand it, but don't have the room to accommodate a floor-standing speaker. Building on Klipsch's previous Reference speaker line, the Series II models have updated drivers and a new crossover system for even more spacious sound. Pick up a pair, and let these impressive speakers create an intimate listening environment on your next movie or music night.


Horn technology for "front row" sound

All Reference Series II speakers feature a redesigned version of Klipsch's famous horn-loaded tweeter. Because high-frequency sounds are more directional than bass frequencies, it's especially important to target them right toward your ears. Klipsch places their titanium tweeter inside a flared opening, known as a "horn," which disperses the highs evenly across your listening area in a 90°-wide, 60°-high pattern. With their Series II speakers, Klipsch has redesigned the shape and slope of their famous horn enclosure, so your movie soundtracks and music will sound more "open," with improved dynamics and efficiency. All in all, you can count on powerful, "front row" sound that's crystal-clear at all volume levels.


Cabinet construction

High-tech driver design

The RB-81 II also uses a newly machined, light-yet-rigid Cerametallic woofer with a folded edge to produce smoother mids and tighter bass. The specially treated aluminum in the cone helps to dampen unwanted vibrations and reduce distortion, while an integrated dustcap gives it a cleaner look and adds stability. Dual sets of five-way binding posts let you bi-amp or bi-wire each RB-81 II for even more dynamic sound. And the rigid, braced cabinet comes in a handsome woodgrain vinyl finish.

Check out the rest of our Klipsch lineup, and build a complete Reference Series II home theater or stereo speaker system. And don't forget to add a Klipsch subwoofer for high-impact bass.


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Product highlights:

  • frequency response 44-24,000 Hz (±3dB)
  • power handling: up to 150 watts RMS (600 watts peak)
  • sensitivity 97 dB
  • 8-ohm impedance
  • Tractrix® horn with 1" titanium dome tweeter
  • 8" Cerametallic™ woofer
  • bass-reflex design via front-firing port
  • black ash woodgrain vinyl finish
  • dual binding posts for bi-amping or bi-wiring
  • dual bottom threaded inserts for use with a stand
  • 9-1/2"W x 19"H x 12-5/8"D
  • warranty: 5 years
  • MFR # 1011850

What's in the box:

  • Black two-way bookshelf loudspeaker
  • Detachable magnetic grille (attached)
  • 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owner's Manual

Customer reviews for Klipsch Reference RB-81 II

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More details on the Klipsch Reference RB-81 II

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Enclosure Bass Reflex
Finish Woodgrain vinyl
Color Black Ash
Tweeter Type Tractrix Horn
Tweeter Size (inches) 1
Midrange Size (inches) ---
Woofer Size (inches) 8
Woofer Composition Cerametallic
Woofer Surround Rubber
Power Range 150
Sensitivity 97 dB
Impedance (Ohms) 8
Frequency Response 44-24k Hz
Connector Type Binding post
Bi-amp Inputs Yes
Height (inches) 19
Width (inches) 9-1/2
Depth (inches) 12-5/8
Weight (pounds) 27.5
Wall-mountable ---
Bracket Included No
Recommended Stand Height (inches) 18-24
Parts Warranty 5 Years
Labor Warranty 5 Years
The Klipsch Reference RB-81 II replaces these items:

Product Research

Driver Technology
Enclosure Design
Connections
Mounting Options

Driver Technology

Highly-Efficient Design: The Klipsch RB-81 II utilizes a highly efficient design to produce more output using less power & energy for louder sound with less distortion. The RB-81 II is able to fill larger rooms with outstanding, accurate, non-fatiguing sound that you can listen to for hours.

Tractrix Horn Tweeter: The Klipsch RB-81 II features a professional-grade 1.0-inch titanium-diaphragm compression driver inside a square Tractrix Horn for smoother high-end response with greater extension, enhanced imaging, and more powerful dynamics. The Tractrix Horn deliver a 90-degree wide by 60-degree high dispersion pattern for a broader sound-stage. Behind the horn lies a 1.0-inch titanium tweeter with a linear travel suspension for open, natural, sound.

Cerametallic Woofer: The 8.0-inch woofer of the RB-81 II features Klipsch's distinctive, copper-colored Cerametallic cone. Made with an anodized aluminum, this cone is strong and dent resistant. The anodizing process converts the inner and outer surfaces to ceramic. The outcome is a rigid cone with superb damping characteristics that will not flex or resonate at frequencies within the woofer's operating range. The 8.0-inch woofer also employs a rubber surround for added durability.

Crossover Network: For signal purity and perfect driver integration, the crossover on the RB-81 II features the finest components and Klipsch custom internal wiring.

Enclosure Design

Bass Reflex Enclosure: The dual 8.0-inch Cerametallic cone woofer and 1.0" titanium diaphragm compression driver are mounted in a bass reflex enclosure which features a single front-firing port. The RB-81 II's rigid cabinet offers improved internal cross-bracing to minimize panel vibrations that can color sound and a front-firing port to eliminate turbulence noise. A black metallic finished baffle around the horn mouth and woofer dramatically improve acoustics across the sonic range. The bass reflex enclosure features a MDF cabinet finished with either a Black Ash and Cherry wood-grain vinyl veneer.

Magnetic Grille: The bookshelf loudspeaker features a removable magnetic grille which easily snaps into place over its cast-aluminum front baffle. The speaker can be used with or without its grille in place.

Connections

Dual Binding Posts: The bookshelf speaker has two sets of binding posts connected by jumpers. Using the dual binding posts, you can bi-amp or bi-wire the speakers. The binding post terminals will accept banana plugs (single only), pin-connectors, spade-connectors, and bare wire.

Mounting Options

Rubber Feet: The bookshelf speaker comes supplied with four self-adhesive rubber feet so you can sit the speakers on a stand or shelf securely. The rubber feet add approximately 0.3125" to the height of each speaker. There are also two 1/4"-20 threaded inserts on the bottom of the loudspeaker for mounting the speaker to third-party stands (sold separately).

Note: The two threaded inserts are spaced 1.625" apart.

Placement: The Reference Series bookshelf loudspeakers are designed to perform well in a wide variety of locations but you will get the most out of the speakers by following these simple guidelines.

  • Place the front left and right speakers on shelves or stands with their tweeters at approximately ear height for a seated listener. When used surround sound speakers, they normally perform best when placed slightly higher than ear level.
  • The bookshelf loudspeakers should be equal distance from the floor and the wall behind them. It can also helps to have the left and right speakers at different distances from their nearest side walls. This sort of staggering helps smooth the bass range.

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Customer Q&A

3 questions already asked

Q
Can this speaker be safely mounted inside a wall? I don't have much floor space, looking to not crowd the room by installing them inside the wall. Thanks!
audio rookie  Dec 17, 2014
5 answers
A
Since the speaker is not rear ported I would say you can. However, the wall depth is not as great as the speaker depth. That might be an issue. I have mine sitting on the side atop a bookcase about 7 ft high. You may get some bass kick from mounting in the wall but you may like the results. Good Luck! I love my 81's.
barry  Dec 19, 2014
A
Also Will, like you I want to save floorspace so one of mine is on top of a tall bookshelf & for the other I mounted the bookshelf in the corner near the ceiling (just a little single man shelf)...if I can post a picture here I'd send a picture to you?
david  Dec 18, 2014
A
Absolutely they can be -Will. But here's what you need to think about ... they're fairly deep from back to front. Check your interior wall depth and compare that with the specs for the speakers that wsy you'll know ahead time what you're up against. These things sound absolutely incredibly amazing - I've never been happier with a single pair speakers in my life. I'm a musician - I like loud, I like punch and I like clarity... got it. I have a sub with mine which you may or may not want to add but it really does round it out. Follow up with me & let me know how it goes!
david  Dec 18, 2014
A
Likely. I do not have mine on the floor either. I have mine above the cabinets in my kitchen as a part of our entertainment system in our kitchen.
behnam  Dec 18, 2014
A
I think you would be better off getting in wall speakers. These would work but they would stick out of the wall quite a bit unless you have really thick walls.
paul  Dec 18, 2014
Q
How much scratch or dent should be expected?
michael  Feb 02, 2014
1 answer
A
Scratch & dent are open-box items that have minor cosmetic damage. They may be missing non-essential accessories. In some cases the manufacturer's accessories have been replaced with generic equivalents. The manufacturer's warranty applies. You can get an idea about typical cosmetic damage here: http://www.crutchfield.com/app/product/outlet/CloserLook.aspx
jeff  Feb 03, 2014 (Staff)
Q
what type of speaker wire connections does this speaker use...banana, spade, etc? Thanks!!
gcassidy  Nov 23, 2013
1 answer
A
The bookshelf speaker has two sets of binding posts connected by jumpers. Using the dual binding posts, you can bi-amp or bi-wire the speakers. The binding post terminals will accept banana plugs (single only), pin-connectors, spade-connectors, and bare wire.
jeff  Nov 24, 2013 (Staff)

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