Klipsch floor-standing speakers are premium quality audio devices that promise to deliver impeccable sound quality when you want to listen to music or watch your favorite movies. We conducted an in-depth comparison between Klipsch R-28F and RP-280F to determine which is the better of the two.
In the past, the giant speaker market had speakers that looked similar to big boxes and took up plenty of space to reproduce high-quality sound. Luckily, the industry continues to evolve every day with the help of modern design technology and space considerations. As a result, many audio enthusiasts understand the power, presence, and beauty of a pair of premium quality floor-standing speakers.
Klipsch is one of the most reputable audio equipment manufacturers in the industry. Not only are they known for their unique and innovative construction, but their products also deliver superior and unmatched audio quality. Likewise, the Klipsch R-28f and RP-280f are no different. Without further ado, let us find out which of these two speakers reign supreme.
What is the difference between Klipsch R-28f and RP-280f?
| Model | Klipsch R-28f | Klipsch RP-280f |
| Dimensions | 42 by 9.5 by 15.7 inches | 43.1 by 10.5 by 18.3 inches |
| Maximum output power | 600 watts | 600 watts |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 98dB at 2.83V | 98dB at 2.83V |
| Check Price Now | Check Price Now |
Klipsch R-28f vs. RP-280f- How do they compare?
Design
Available in black, the Klipsch R-28f has the same dynamic design as other Klipsch speakers. It has a simple yet sleek design with black and copper accents, which give users a sense of homogeneity. With dimensions of 42 by 10 by 16 inches and a mass weight of 56.7 pounds, this device is relatively compact and lightweight. The R-28f also comes with a firm and durable MDF cabinet, covered with black vinyl finishing. It has 8-inch dual IMG woofers, LTS aluminum tweeter, 90×90 Tractrix Horn technology, and two front-firing ports placed at the front of the speaker
Measuring 43 by 11 by 18 inches and having a total weight of 63 pounds, the Klipsch RP-280f is the largest speaker available on the Klipsch Reference Premiere Speaker series. Like the R-28f, it comes with an MDF cabinet with polymer veneer finishing, 90×90 Hybrid Tractrix Horn technology, dual 8-inch spun-copper cerametallic woofers, and a 1-inch titanium LTS tweeter. However, the Klipsch RP-280f is available in three different finishes; black, ebony, and cherry.
I’ve compared Klipsch RP-280f with some of its other siblings such as Klipsch RP-8000f, RP-5000f, and RP-260f.
The Klipsch R-28f is, therefore, more lightweight and compact than the Klipsch RP-280f.
Performance/sound quality
Thanks to its dual 8-inch spun-copper IMG woofers and 1-inch aluminum LTS tweeter with horn technology, the R-28f delivers outstanding audio performance. It operates on continuous sound power of 150 watts with a peak of 1200 watts at 8-ohms nominal impedance, meaning listeners can listen to their favorite playlist at high volumes without any distortion. With the help of its Tractrix Horn and aluminum tweeter, the device reproduces excellent extensions and high-frequency responses to improve sound dynamics and imaging while creating the cleanest and most natural sound possible.
The Klipsch RP-280f also produces 600 watt sound quality with a continuous power handling of 150 watts. Its simple 2.0 system and 98dB/2.83V/m enable it to deliver robust and dynamic vocals and mids with smooth and clear transitions to high frequencies. The speakers also have Dolby Atmos technology that aids in providing overhead sound to your surround sound system. Furthermore, audio enthusiasts looking for a more immersive listening experience can pair these speakers with some subwoofers to make a 2.1, 5.0, or 5.1 system.
The Klipsch RP-280f has better and more versatile sound performance than the Klipsch R-28F.
Bass response
Upon testing the speakers out on a couple of songs to see which one had a better bass response, the Klipsch RP-280F performed better. On the acoustic album, ‘Fisherman’s Woman’ by Emiliana Torrini, the RP-28f delivered plenty of versatility and character with the help of its low-frequency drivers that are larger than 6-inches. I could hear her vocals jump effortlessly as if I was right at the front of the soundstage. The guitar was very detailed, and I enjoyed listening to this particular album.
The RP-280f, on the other hand, also has an incredibly deep and powerful bass. On Bensley’s song ‘Wildfire’ off the ‘Next Generation’ album, the speaker delivered a colorful bass range, and the vocals came out with a unique glow that other speakers cannot quite deliver. The vocals were also present in rare fullness, unparalleled with many other speakers available in the market.The Klipsch RP-280f has a better bass response than the Klipsch R-28f.
Extra features
When it comes to ports, the Klipsch R-28f features a front-firing port at the speakers’ front that aids in reducing turbulence and vibration to deliver dynamic and stable sounds. It also has dual 5-way binding posts for high-quality and versatile terminals that provide bi-wiring/bi-amping capabilities. Alternatively, the RP-280F comes with Tractrix ports that use Tractrix geometry for faster and more efficient air transfer when generating the cleanest and most potent low-frequency response. These speakers also have bi-wiring/bi-amping capabilities.
The Klipsch RP-280f stands out more than the Klipsch R-28f due to its new Tractrix port and bi-wiring/bi-amping capabilities.
Klipsch R-28f vs. RP-280f- A comparison Review
Klipsch R-28f review
The Klipsch R-28F floor-standing speakers are the ideal affordable products that are compact, lightweight, and robust enough to satisfy audiophiles. They are the largest performance option from the Klipsch reference series line and come with an overall similar design scheme to other Klipsch products. They have a brushed black polymer veneer MDF cabinet and a strong and removable magnetic grille, giving it a modern look.
Ideal for medium to large rooms, these audio devices deliver exceptional audio performance with their dual 8-inch copper-spun IMG woofers and dynamic 1-inch LTS aluminum tweeter with horn technology. Its 90×90 Tractrix Horn technology paired with an aluminum tweeter offers an outstanding high-frequency response that delivers the most natural sound possible.
Furthermore, its dual 8-inch IMG woofers are incredibly lightweight to provide a detailed and punchy low-frequency response with minimal cone distortion and breakup. The R-28f also has two 5-way binding posts for bi-wiring/bi-amping capabilities.
- Solid construction
- Powerful and versatile output
- Compatible with all other Klipsch audio products
- Power-efficient
- Has got some connectivity problems
- Only available in black
Klipsch RP-280f review
If you want to immerse yourself in stereo fully, the Klipsch RP-280f floor-standing speakers are the perfect audio equipment to use. They are the largest speaker in the Klipsch Reference Premiere series and feature a modern and aesthetically pleasing design with impeccable bass response.
With its elegant copper cerametallic woofers and ebony, black, or cherry wood paneling, this speaker cannot go unnoticed as it complements the look and feels of your home. It comes with a flared-up cabinet due to its horn-like shape, which guides the sound to your preferred listening area. Its Hybrid Tractrix horn consists of molded silicone rubber for decreased resonance and has a circular throat-like shape, which evolves to a titanium diaphragm tweeter and extends into a square-shaped 90° x 90° mouth.
The RP-280f speakers also feature well-treated aluminum woofers that are strong and lightweight to dampen and prevent sound distortion. Likewise, its woofers come with a titanium voice coil that allows better linear movement. The speakers also have a refined crossover and sturdy and removable grille, magnetically attached to the unit, eliminating the need for a mounting hole.
Additionally, the RP-280f creates a distinct and compelling sound that is quite different from other speakers in its category. Regardless of the music genre, it blasts a transparent, cool, and smooth sound with the right amount of energy and a powerful bass level. The speaker has a sensitivity rating of 98db/2.83V, with each speaker having the ability to handle a maximum of 600 watts of sound power.
- Clear, detailed, and natural sound quality.
- Sleek and durable design.
- Easy to set up and use.
- Extremely power-efficient.
- It produces too much sound for a small room.
Final verdict: So, which is better, Klipsch R-28f or RP-280f?
When compared side by side, the Klipsch RP-280f is a better and more powerful floor-standing speaker than the Klipsch R-28f.
It delivers a detailed sound quality with dominating and punchy bass response, allowing plenty of headroom for high and low frequencies. The speaker is also upgradable to other systems by connecting it to other subwoofers, making it versatile and flexible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best receiver to drive the Klipsch R-28f speakers?
Generally, Yamaha receivers pair well with Klipsch speakers.
Do you need a subwoofer when using Klipsch RP-280f?
No. Its simple 2.0 system is enough for a truly immersive listening experience.