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Klipsch Reference RF-42 II Floor-standing speaker

Item # 714RF42IIB

Klipsch's most affordable Reference floor-standing speaker Even though the RF-42 II is the smallest tower speaker...

Klipsch's most affordable Reference floor-standing speaker Even though the RF-42 II is the smallest tower speaker...

5 questions - 16 answers

Item # 714RF42IIB

Shop all Klipsch Floor-standing Speakers

About the Klipsch Reference RF-42 II

Kristen Schaub
Klipsch's most affordable Reference floor-standing speaker
Even though the RF-42 II is the smallest tower speaker in the new Klispch® Reference Series II lineup, it still makes the most of today's demanding music and movie soundtracks. This slim floor-standing speaker is ideal for small- to medium-sized rooms, and it produces powerful, lifelike sound with any audio source. 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.

Klipsch's most affordable Reference floor-standing speaker
Even though the RF-42 II is the smallest tower speaker in the new Klispch® Reference Series II lineup, it still makes the most of today's demanding music and movie soundtracks. This slim floor-standing speaker is ideal for small- to medium-sized rooms, and it produces powerful, lifelike sound with any audio source. 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.

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.

High-tech driver design
The RF-42 II also uses newly machined, light-yet-rigid Cerametallic woofers with a folded edge to produce smoother mids and tighter bass. The specially treated aluminum in the cones helps to dampen unwanted vibrations and reduce distortion, while integrated dustcaps add stability. The RF-42 II also has dual five-way binding posts, giving you the option to bi-amp or bi-wire this speaker for even better performance. And the rigid, braced cabinet comes in a handsome woodgrain vinyl finish.

Got wire?
Most speakers don't include any. Learn about choosing and installing speaker wire at the Crutchfield Learning Center.
Shop our selection of speaker wire.

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 59-24,000 Hz (±3dB)
  • power handling: up to 75 watts RMS (300 watts peak)
  • sensitivity 95 dB
  • 8-ohm impedance
  • Tractrix® horn with 1" titanium dome tweeter
  • dual 4-1/2" Cerametallic™ woofers
  • bass-reflex (ported) design
  • black ash woodgrain vinyl finish
  • dual binding posts for bi-amping or bi-wiring
  • 10-1/16"W x 34-3/4"H x 9-3/4"D
  • warranty: 5 years
  • MFR # 1011849

What's in the box:

  • Black floorstanding loudspeaker
  • Removable grille
  • 2 Stabilizer feet
  • 4 Carpet spikes
  • 2 Self-tapping screws
  • 2 Machine screws
  • Owner's Manual
  • Unpacking instructions

Customer reviews for Klipsch Reference RF-42 II

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4.5 out of 5 stars
14 reviews

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More details on the Klipsch Reference RF-42 II

Stacey B.

Features & specs

General
Enclosure Bass Reflex
Finish Woodgrain vinyl
Color Black Ash
Tweeter Traxtrix Horn
Tweeter Size (inches) 1
Midrange Size (inches) ---
Woofer Size (inches) 4.5
Woofer Composition Cerametallic
Woofer Surround Rubber
Built-in Powered Sub No
Dolby Atmos Drivers
Connector Type Binding Post
Bi-amp Inputs Yes
Parts Warranty 5 Years
Labor Warranty 5 Years
Specifications
Power Range 75
Frequency Response 59-24k Hz
Sensitivity 95 dB
Impedance (Ohms) 8
Subwoofer Amp Power ---
Height (inches) 34-3/4
Width (inches) 10-1/16
Depth (inches) 9-3/4
Weight 27.1 lbs

Product Research

Overview: The Klipsch Reference Series RF-42 II floor-standing loudspeaker delivers high-performance sound using Klipsch's advanced technologies and world-class materials. The Klipsch Reference RF-42 II employs dual 4.5-inch woofers and a 1.0-inch titanium diaphragm compression driver loaded with a square Tractrix Horn, inside a bass reflex enclosure. The Klipsch Reference Series floor-standing loudspeaker will bring out the power, detail, and emotion in your music, movies, or video games.

Driver Technology
Enclosure Design
Connections
Mounting Options

Driver Technology

Highly-Efficient Design: The Klipsch RF-42 II utilizes a highly efficient design to produce more output using less power & energy for louder sound with less distortion. The RF-42 II is able to fill small to medium rooms with outstanding, accurate, non-fatiguing sound that you can listen to for hours.

Tractrix Horn Tweeter: The Klipsch RF-42 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 delivers 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.

Dual Woofers: The dual 4.5-inch woofers of the RF-42 II feature Klipsch's distinctive, copper-colored Cerametallic cones. Made with an anodized aluminum, these cones are strong and dent resistant. The anodizing process converts their 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 4.5-inch woofers also employ a rubber surround for added durability.

Crossover Network: For signal purity and perfect driver integration, the crossover on the RF-42 II features the finest components and Klipsch custom internal wiring.

Enclosure Design

Bass Reflex Enclosure: The dual 4.5-inch Cerametallic cone woofers and 1.0" titanium diaphragm compression driver are mounted in a Bass reflex enclosure which features a single rear-firing port. The RF-42 II's rigid cabinet offers improved internal cross-bracing to minimize panel vibrations that can color sound and a rear-firing port to eliminate turbulence noise. A black metallic finished baffle around the horn mouth and dual woofers dramatically improve acoustics across the sonic range. The bass reflex enclosure features a MDF cabinet finished with a Black Ash wood-grain vinyl.

Detachable Grille: The floor-standing loudspeaker features a removable 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 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

Feet: The RF-42 II feature two integrated front-feet and two stabilizer rear-feet with rubber bottoms so you can safely place the speaker on your tile or hardwood floors. The Reference RF-42 II also comes supplied with a set of carpet spikes so you can place the speaker comfortably on your carpet. The supplied carpet spikes add approximately 1.0-inch to the height of the speaker. The carpet spikes screw in directly to the bottom of the floor-standing speaker's feet.

Placement: The Reference Series floor-standing loudspeaker is designed to perform well in a wide variety of locations but you will get the most out of the speaker by following these simple guidelines.

  • The speaker requires a few inches of clearance behind it to allow its port to breathe and will sound best when they are at least two feet from any nearby walls.
  • A pair of RF-42 II loudspeakers should be equal distance from the wall behind them. It 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

5 questions already asked

Q
how nany watts?
mohamed  Sep 02, 2014
1 answer
A
Total watts for the RF-42 II is 300 watts. The RMS is at 75 watts. The sensetivity is very high at 95db which means it takes less power to put out more sound! Keep in mind with these speakers, they put out some bass, but I'm using my RF-42II with a sub. How do these speakers sound? For the price they definitely do the job! After hooking them up, my 19 year old son and I watched Transformers and the sound was like you were at the movies! They're are a lot of great sounding speakers out there, if your willing to pay thousands of dollars! I'm not one of those people! In a living room these are definitely more than enough! I recommend these speakers WITH A SUB! Hope this helps you.
william  Sep 03, 2014
Q
In comparison to B&W 684's, which has a more dynamic range and clarity ?
rishi  Jul 26, 2014
5 answers
A
I don't know about B&W.but you can't go wrong with Klipsch.they are pleasant to listen to for long periods of time.the most important thing is that the subwoofers complete them.don't buy cheap subs pair them up.use dual subs.
nicholas w  Jul 28, 2014
A
Thanks this helps
rishi  Jul 28, 2014
A
I'm afraid I cannot specifically compare the performance with the B&W 684 since I don't have those speakers, but can certainly vouch for the exceptional clarity and overall quality of RF-42 II. Extremely happy with these...just be sure to get the center channel and a good, powered sub-woofer as well... Sharadh N
sharadh  Jul 27, 2014
A
I did not have a chance to listen to the B and W's.
ryan  Jul 26, 2014
A
Thanks for your question. For information on comparing two or more models I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences and help you make the best choice for your system and your budget.
greg  Jul 26, 2014 (Staff)
Q
I notice that the rear legs are wider than the rest of the speakers...can someone advise what the width of the body of the speaker is vs. the width of the rear legs?
sharadh  Feb 25, 2014
3 answers
A
stability w/o sacrafising looks.
joseph a  Mar 07, 2014
A
Set it up, turn it on, and if it falls over, put the legs back on. That's what they are for.
daniel m  Mar 04, 2014
A
The speaker box itself is 6" wide. From one side of a leg to the other is approx 10". Note that the legs are not attached when you receive the speaker and they are optional.
arthur  Feb 26, 2014
Q
Hi I don't know which one to pick - RF42 or RF52. I have a 20 square meters (approx 4 meters from the TV to the sofa) living room . I really want the 52's but the wife claims the 42 are enough. What do you think? Shay
shay  Feb 02, 2014
6 answers
A
I like my speakers. You'll like either pair.the RF52 will have more mid bass.the big thing is the subs. I have two Klipsch subs. They make all the difference. Tell your wife to stay out of the stereo stuff and you won't tell her what makeup to buy. You can always upgrade later but GET THE SUBS! Sorry wifey.
nicholas w  Feb 13, 2014
A
I'm not super picky, but I can't imagine needing more volume or depth of sound than what the 42's provide. My room is about 30 sq meters with 5 meter ceilings and I primarily use them for music more than movies or sports.
lloyd e  Feb 03, 2014
A
Thank you very much
shay  Feb 03, 2014
A
I listen to mine more for music. My wife saw the size of the 52's and forced me to get the 42's. However I kept the 52's and listed to both side by side. To both of us (for music) the difference was definitely noticeable. However the 52 is by far a bigger speaker. It is slender and not too tall but stands out from the wall at least 16 inches once set up and with a little gap in the back for the port. If you are using mainly for TV/movie you may be alright with the 42. Hope this helps.
ryan  Feb 03, 2014
A
I have a similar room, just over 19 square meters and purchased the 42s, they more than fill the room with sound. I'm using it in a dedicated home theater room, and splurged on the sw110 subwoofer. I would recommend the 42s to anyone with a similar room size.
daniel  Feb 02, 2014
A
Yes, your wife is correct! I have the 42's and they are VERY powerful !!
david  Feb 02, 2014
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