Klipsch Icon WF-34 Floorstanding Loudspeaker First Look

[admin]

Klipsch has taken slim-line to a new level with their WF-34 Floorstanding loudspeaker system designed to take up less floorspace while still delivering the dynamic and detailed sound they are known for in their bigger boxed speakers. With three 4 1/2" woofers and dual rear ports, this tower has usable bass extension down into the low 50Hz range, perfect for blending with a pair of subwoofers to get fullrange sound for music and movies. If you are looking for a great combination of performance and aesthetics for a very modest cost, the Klipsch Icon WF series looks promising though we reserve final judgment until we can get in a pair for review.

Discuss "Klipsch Icon WF-34 Floorstanding Loudspeaker First Look" here. Read the article.

 

[rhu71774]

I am shocked that you guys like these speakers, at any price range, let alone $1200/pair. These things sounds like you listening inside of a large canyon. I know they are a very efficient speaker as are all Klipsch Horns, but they sounded awful. And this isnt coming from listening to them once, but many forced hours at a store I used to work at. They look pretty good design wise, but that is about all they have going for them. There are many many better options in that same price range. And although they look like furniture grade veneer, the veneer scratches off rather easily.

 

[gene]

This is not a review. Its a first look article which we may later decide to request review samples of. If enough readers here agree that they aren't worth reviewing, we likely won't pursue it. I welcome user feedback and will base that on whether or not we request review samples from Klipsch.

BTW I added a comment about us reserving judgment until we can hear them for ourselves based on your feedback.

 

[dalumberjack]

I have been a happy owner of klipsch speakers for a long time in my HT. They are not for everyone. A horn loaded speaker will sound different than most others. Now, do they sound like they are in a canyon? No. I would think if a speaker sounded that bad its either damaged or hooked-up incorrectly.

I have not had a chance to hear these (plan too) but klipsch is well respected. They are definitely one of the best bang for your buck speaker company's.

 

[rhu71774]

This is not a review. Its a first look article which we may later decide to request review samples of. If enough readers here agree that they aren't worth reviewing, we likely won't pursue it. I welcome user feedback and will base that on whether or not we request review samples from Klipsch.

BTW I added a comment about us reserving judgment until we can hear them for ourselves based on your feedback.

I am sorry, I see that now its not a full review, but just a "physical glance over" of the product. But at least now you have my opinion of Klipsch speakers. That goes for the majority of Klipsch speakers, and the worst are their Icon speakers. About the "Canyon" sound I mentioned earlier...cup your hands around your mouth and speak. That is what I hear in every single Klipsch speaker I have ever heard.

 

[jsantana]

WF-34 First review

Once I finished my basement I was thinking to get a good home theater system. First; I was inclined on getting one of the Lifestyles Series from Bose but they were not having any on sale. I had heard something about Klipsch speakers and I went to their website and I didn't know how their sound it was but the only thing that I knew was that they were better than Bose; well, nobody can't compare both systems because they compete on different categories. I bought the WF-34 front speakers, WS-24 surround speakers, WC-24 center channel (which I am not very convinced of it) and the XW-500d subwoofer. What I have is the Yamaha RXV-465 Receiver. I am not the best reviewer of this type of topic but let me tell you their sound is amazing. People say that I will destroy my house. What I like from them is the dynamic range of frequencies; you won't lose any frequencies as Bose does. I am very convinced of them. Having these speakers which are not the Klipsch top ones I can't imagine how the bigger one will sound. I really recomend this speakers especially the XW-500d!!!!!!

 

[westcott]

Once I finished my basement I was thinking to get a good home theater system. First; I was inclined on getting one of the Lifestyles Series from Bose but they were not having any on sale. I had heard something about Klipsch speakers and I went to their website and I didn't know how their sound it was but the only thing that I knew was that they were better than Bose; well, nobody can't compare both systems because they compete on different categories. I bought the WF-34 front speakers, WS-24 surround speakers, WC-24 center channel (which I am not very convinced of it) and the XW-500d subwoofer. What I have is the Yamaha RXV-465 Receiver. I am not the best reviewer of this type of topic but let me tell you their sound is amazing. People say that I will destroy my house. What I like from them is the dynamic range of frequencies; you won't lose any frequencies as Bose does. I am very convinced of them. Having these speakers which are not the Klipsch top ones I can't imagine how the bigger one will sound. I really recomend this speakers especially the XW-500d!!!!!!

Glad to hear you made the right decision between the two brands. I am sure you are very happy.

Congratulations.

 

[jeanseb]

I am sorry, I see that now its not a full review, but just a "physical glance over" of the product. But at least now you have my opinion of Klipsch speakers. That goes for the majority of Klipsch speakers, and the worst are their Icon speakers. About the "Canyon" sound I mentioned earlier...cup your hands around your mouth and speak. That is what I hear in every single Klipsch speaker I have ever heard.

I think you should have a second listen to them, especially the WF line. The Icon WF series is not a downgrade from the reference. It's just a different line. I'm not a fan of the reference line neither, but the WF are totally different.

To be honest, I've listen to Paradigm, Dali, Energy, Athena, JBL, Polk and these ones were the most realistic speakers for movies I've listen too.

Sure it's a personnal choice, but for the money, they give you a pretty good movie experience.

 

[krzywica]

Glad to hear you made the right decision between the two brands. I am sure you are very happy.

Congratulations.

Dude your tongue must be bleeding something fierce.

 

[rhu71774]

I think you should have a second listen to them, especially the WF line. The Icon WF series is not a downgrade from the reference. It's just a different line. I'm not a fan of the reference line neither, but the WF are totally different.

To be honest, I've listen to Paradigm, Dali, Energy, Athena, JBL, Polk and these ones were the most realistic speakers for movies I've listen too.

Sure it's a personnal choice, but for the money, they give you a pretty good movie experience.

I definitely agree it is personal opinion, but I have listened to the WF, icon, VF, and Reference lines...unfortunately extensively. Every single one with those damn horns sounds like the singer is singing with theirs hands cupped around their mouths. I have never listened to their highest end, but based on what I have heard, I doubt I will ever recommend Klipsch to a person. I spent years Klipsch, and although the WF and Icon have only been out for a couple years, I have listened to them for months before I reserved judgement on them. They are a brand I can honestly say I dislike.

 

[jeanseb]

Every single one with those damn horns sounds like the singer is singing with theirs hands cupped around their mouths.

I have to disagree here. I complety think the opposite. To me (and all of the person I know who have listen to them), they are very realistic and can reproduce with a lot of clarity all the details, including vocals. AFAIK, they excel with vocals!

That is really weird because this is what made me buy them.

 

[krzywica]

I would agree with rhu71774 here. I can't stand Klipsch speakers for music. They do very well for HT but not at all for music IMO. But to each his own. If your happy with them thats great, arguing speaker taste is a mute point.

 

[rhu71774]

I have to disagree here. I complety think the opposite. To me (and all of the person I know who have listen to them), they are very realistic and can reproduce with a lot of clarity all the details, including vocals. AFAIK, they excel with vocals!

That is really weird because this is what made me buy them.

To each their own I guess. Thats what makes ears beautiful, because what sounds good to you, doesnt to me, and vice versa.

 

[rhu71774]

I would agree with rhu71774 here. I can't stand Klipsch speakers for music. They do very well for HT but not at all for music IMO. But to each his own. If your happy with them thats great, arguing speaker taste is a mute point.

And I think for movies they are acceptable, but I definitely dont prefer them for music.

 

[jeanseb]

To each their own I guess. Thats what makes ears beautiful, because what sounds good to you, doesnt to me, and vice versa.

And I think for movies they are acceptable, but I definitely dont prefer them for music.

I guess you're right on that one. To each their own

 

[Flyinace2000]

I just listened to these at my local magnolia. Sound pretty good i thought. They were priced at $800/pair. Right now I was pretty set on getting the EMP E55Ti which will cost the same.

Thoughts?

 

[krzywica]

Have you heard any EMP or RBH speakers before?

 

[Flyinace2000]

Nope...as of right now I am buying them on the fantastic reviews.

I did listen to Klipsch, Polk, and Paradigm today.

 

[monkeydog]

"canyon" good description

I have to concur. A buddy of mine just set up a very nice Klipsch reference system in his dedicated HT room.

On first hearing it sounded great! The sub really pressurized the room, awesome.

But then I noticed a the effect described in this thread, I couldn't put my finger on it then, but "canyon" is it.

I went home that night feeling much better about my (albeit, more expensive) Paradigms.

I have heard older horn speakers that don't seem to sound this way...anybody have any theories?

 

[westcott]

I have to concur. A buddy of mine just set up a very nice Klipsch reference system in his dedicated HT room.

On first hearing it sounded great! The sub really pressurized the room, awesome.

But then I noticed a the effect described in this thread, I couldn't put my finger on it then, but "canyon" is it.

I went home that night feeling much better about my (albeit, more expensive) Paradigms.

I have heard older horn speakers that don't seem to sound this way...anybody have any theories?

Sound has a lot to do with what you are used to hearing. Horn loaded speakers with a controlled dispersion will sound different than direct radiating speakers. If you grew up listening to DR speakers, that is probably going to sound better to you. The two designs interact with the room in different ways and only when speaker placement and acoustic treatments are properly implemented, would the differences become less evident, especially when you get in the reference series of either design.

Unfortunately, most people have rarely had the chance to listen to a properly set up sound system.