A set of good quality floor standing speakers can quickly transform your hi-fi system and deliver room-filling sound. Not only do these speakers stand out and draw focus to your audio system, but they also offer spectacular theatre-quality sound. With this Tannoy vs. Klipsch review, we will discover which of these two brands have the best floor standing speakers in the market.
I can definitely attest to the statement that the difference between a good quality sound system and a mediocre one is a decent floor standing speaker. The first time I purchased a floorstanding speaker, I did not understand the immense upgrade I added to my audio visual arsenal. These speakers are some of the most popular speakers available in the modern audio market and are popularly known as the heart-pumping anchor of any fantastic home theatre system. They produce full-range sound and delivers better bass output than a bookshelf speaker.
There are various brands of floor standing speakers available in the market that features a variety of driver types. Most of them have larger cabinets than the bookshelf speakers and can produce audio with grander scale, bass, and authority. Whether it is the traditional dynamic driver or the electrostatic panel driver or even the ribbon driver, every floor standing speaker design has its own benefits and weaknesses. Tannoy and Klipsch are both popular manufacturing brands of loudspeakers, microphones, and home-theatre sound systems. Their products are of high-quality and deliver a crisp and clear sound to spice up your living space. These audio devices also have an elegant and sleek design, perfectly blending into your home décor. Without further ado, let us quickly delve into this Tannoy vs. Klipsch review.
What are the differences between Tannoy and Klipsch speakers?
| Tannoy Revolution XT 8F Floorstanding speakers | Klipsch RP-280F Floorstanding speakers | |
| Design | Available in Espresso and Medium Oak finishes, it measures 3.5*1*1.2 ft. and weighs 20 kg | Sleek design that measures 1.4*10*3.6 ft. and weighs 28kgs |
| Sensitivity rating | 91dB | 98dB |
| Frequency response | 34 Hz-32000 Hz | 32 Hz- 25000 Hz |
| Power Handling | 100 watts RMS with 400 watts Peak Power | 150 watts RMS and 600 watts Peak Power |
| Check price | Check price |
Tannoy vs. Klipsch Review – How do they compare to one another?
Design
Tannoy Revolution XT 8F Floorstanding speakers have smartly finished and solid trapezoid cabinets available in two finishing options; Medium Oak and a Dark Walnut (Espresso). The cabinet also features angled sides and crisp edges, designed to minimize internal standing wave build-up. It also has a cavity bass reflex system for maximum low-frequency performance. The speaker also hosts an 8-inch Omnimagnet dual concentric driver, which is the latest generation of its drive units. With this new driver, the speakers deliver improved time alignment, treble dispersion, and optimum coherence. More so, the speaker has its tweeter in the middle of the mid/bass driver, inside the woofer’s polepiece. Its tweeter features a ring-radiator in its waveguide to create wider treble dispersion.
On the other hand, the Klipsch RP-280F Speakers have cabinets that feature a unique and sleek design with its speakers placed a distance above the ground level. Its bottom speakers have a 2-degree tilt to maximize the perfect angle adjustment for optimum performance. Its woofers contain the traditional cerametallic material, while its tweeters have aluminum material. However, both components have copper accents that blend perfectly with cherry and ebony colors. The RP-280F’s outer shell has an ergonomic design that delivers a flatter frequency response, meaning better sound output.
Sensitivity rating
Due to the enormous cabinet size of the Tannoy Revolution XT 8F, a lot of atmosphere easily moves inside it, giving it an excellent sensitivity rating of 91dB for one watt for every one meter. Alternatively, Klipsch RP-280F has a sensitivity of 98Db for every 2.83 volts, resulting in entirely incredible loud sounds without any distortion. It also delivers excellent tone renditioning, wider frequency response, as well as overall enhanced audio output. Similarly, these speakers have exceptional stereo imaging and separation, equipped with a deep and wide soundstage.
Frequency response
The Revolution XT 8F Floorstanding speakers from Tannoy sports a 25mm PEI dome tweeter and a 200mm multi-fiber 44mm voice coil that crosses over at 1800 Hz. As such, its crossover frequencies range from 250 Hz – 1800 Hz. More so, the speaker's 200 mm driver works below 250 Hz continuously. Its frequency response is 34 Hz – 32000 Hz and an impedance of 8-ohms, giving it smooth and precise high and low frequencies.
Alternatively, the RP-280F from Klipsch strives to offer you the best home-theatre experience with its full 5.1 surround system, which provides an impressive and incomparable audio experience. These speakers come with a Tractrix horn with a cutoff frequency of 1500 Hz and higher, delivering dynamic sound quality void of any distortions. Its frequency response ranges from 32 Hz- 25000 Hz (+/-3dB) and 8-ohms nominal impedance, making it convenient to use and power.
Power handling
As a general rule, it is advisable to have a more powerful amplifier with higher wattage output than what the speakers are rated for, allowing you enjoy the full potential of the speakers without causing them any damage.
The XT8F model from Tannoy works efficiently with amplifiers that supply a minimum of 25 watts RMS up to 100 watts RMS, with 400 watts Peak Power. Its power handling range allows it to deliver impeccable pace and vibrancy that is extremely fast and sharp to the human ear. More so, its sound quality features resolute leading edges, and its bass output is just the right ideal balance of deep and punchy.
On the other hand, each of the speakers of RP-280F can handle 150 watts RMS and 600 watts Peak Power from a powerful amplifier, allowing ideal conditions for dry, dynamic, and intense bass output.
Tannoy vs. Klipsch- A comparison review
Tannoy Revolution XT 8F Floorstanding speakers Overview and Key features
It is no secret that Tannoy is one of the oldest and most reputable audio companies in the world. Being in the arena for several decades, Tannoy Ltd has become synonymous with public address systems available in the UK. The brand is a predominant player in the Global audio market, and its Revolution XT line has made quite the debut among sound enthusiasts.
The XT 8F model is the largest floorstander available in its series and consists of a trapezoidal cabinet shape with integrated spiked bases. It uses the brand's new 8″ Omnimagnet Dual Concentric driver, where its tweeter is in the middle of its mid/bass unit, resulting in excellent phase coherence, imaging, and efficiency. The driver also utilizes a sophisticated waveguide that incorporates a torus-shaped diaphragm for high-frequency output as well as an ‘Ogive' phase plug for excellent coherence and alignment with the mid/bass element.
With this model, you can expect real power and precision as it delivers deep and punchy audio output. The speakers have a frequency range of 32 Hz – 34000 Hz and a sensitivity rating of 91dB for one watt per every meter. The speakers can handle from 25 watts RMS to 100 watts RMS, with 400 watts Peak Power and an impedance of 8-ohms.
What we like
- Excellent quality bass output
- Delivers loud sound quality without any distortion
- Eye-catching and durable build and finish that is available in two options; Medium Oak and Espresso
- Reasonable price
What we do not like
- Its large size requires ample space for optimum performance
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Klipsch RP-280F Floorstanding speakers Overview and Key features
Just like Tannoy, Klipsch is a pioneer American audio manufacturing company that has been around for decades, giving it plenty of years to create and design innovative loudspeakers to blow your mind off. Many of their products feature unique acoustic features and innovative technologies to deliver an impressive audio experience.
The RP-280F has a unique and ergonomic design, ideal for high-demanding and spacious sound requests. Its dual 8-inch woofers consist of the traditional cerametallic material while its tweeters have aluminum material, perfect for producing tremendous low-frequency output and warm, precise mid frequencies. More so, the speakers host enhanced 1″ Tractrix horn that features a circular throat around a sophisticated titanium diaphragm tweeter, further boosting its high-frequency response and delivering high-quality audio sound to your living space.
The speakers also have a magnetic black grille at the front, allowing easy removal and installation of the grille without the need to use screws. Its subwoofer has a bass-reflex design that complements the other features of the speakers, increasing their overall performance. With a sensitivity rating of 98dB and an impedance of 8-ohms, the speakers produce smooth and clearly defined high and mid-range frequencies. They have a higher frequency response ranging between 32 Hz- 25000 Hz and can handle 150 watts RMS and 600 watts Peak Power, ideal for your daily listening experience.
What we like
- High-quality and durable MDF cabinet design with brushed polymer veneer baffle finish
- Exceptionally rigid and lightweight cerametallic woofer design for minimal distortion and cone breakup
- Compressed and molded rubber construction for improved sound quality and reduced harshness
- Enhanced tweeters with Tractrix horn for higher frequency response
- Reasonable price tag
What we do not like
- Its large size makes it difficult to position it properly
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Verdict
Whether it is delivering a rich and highly resolute audio sound or a deep and dominating bass output, these floor standing speakers do it all. Their working performance and exterior design have taken the audio market by storm, making them popular devices among many audio enthusiasts. Depending on your budget and what you are looking for in a floor standing speaker, both Tannoy and Klipsch speakers offer a unique set of appealing features to its consumers.