Klipsch Icon Series a Sound Fit for Flat-Panel Displays
New contemporary speaker lineup adds premium audio to premium picture
Following the notion that “sound is half the picture,” Klipsch is introducing a modern
line of high-performance speakers that are designed to not only complement the
style of flat-panel televisions, but also bring stunning audio to a stunning image.
In total, there are six models within the new Icon Series: the XF-48 fully-active
floorstander, XL-23 left/center/right speaker, XB-10 bookshelf/satellite speaker, XC-
10 center channel speaker, as well as the XW-500d and XW-300d subwoofers.
All of these speakers, except for the subwoofers, utilize a new wide dispersion
Tractrix® Horn-loaded tweeter with XT™ technology. This proprietary design diffuses
sound in a smooth, enveloping 80-degree by 80-degree pattern from extremely thin
cabinets. As with all Klipsch horn-loaded technology, this version also produces more
output using less energy and delivers the company’s signature dynamic sound.
According to Jim Garrett, Klipsch director of product planning, studies show that
consumers will identify one TV as having a better-looking picture than another,
even when the only difference between the two TVs is a higher quality speaker
system. “High-quality audio triggers passionate, emotional responses that make the
entire entertainment experience better and that’s exactly what our lcon Series is
engineered to do,” he said.
As the top model in the series, the XF-48 floorstander employs two high-output 5.25-inch black fiberglass cone woofers
utilizing powerful neodymium motor structures, two passive radiators that are 8.5-inches high by 5.25-inches wide to
augment the speaker’s bass output, and a 0.75-inch titanium diaphragm compression driver for precision, clarity and
effortless power.
While the XL-23 left/center/right features dual high-output 4-inch black fiberglass cone woofers, the XB-10 bookshelf/
satellite and XC-10 center channel use one. All of these models utilize single 0.75-inch titanium diaphragm compression
drivers. For increased placement flexibility, these models can be paired with the company’s optional XFS floor stands.
The sealed XW-500d subwoofer achieves its hard-hitting intensity and clean output via a 10-inch driver and a 500-watt
Bash® amplifier. For the quick and easy adjustment of all functions, the subwoofer features Klipsch’s unique Digitally
Controlled Subwoofer (DCS™) technology that includes three equalization modes (flat, depth, and punch) and three user-
adjustable presets (music, movie, and night) to create specific listening preferences. The XW-300d subwoofer offers the same
features as the XW-500d, but employs an 8-inch driver and a 300-watt Bash amplifier.
Each of these models conceal over 60 years of class-leading research and development within stylish black grain anodized
aluminum extrusion enclosures with piano black gloss trim accents.
“Our Icon Series proves that you don’t have to sacrifice great sound for great style,” said Garrett.
To achieve the ultimate Icon home theater experience, Klipsch recommends the following setup: a pair of XL-48 floorstanders
to serve as main channels, an XL-23 left/center/right for a center channel, a pair of XB-10 bookshelf/satellites for surrounds
and an XW-500d subwoofer. However, because all of the speakers within the Icon line are cosmetically and sonically
matched, any combination will yield high-performance results.
The XF-48, XL-23 and XB-10 are slated to begin shipping to the specialty retail and contracting market in October, while the
XC-10, XW-500d, and XW-300d will become available in January.
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