The Klipsch RP-8000F is probably one of the most efficient floor-standing speakers in their price range, it is really difficult to find such a high-sensitivity speaker and yet still so affordable. The RP-8000F is a highly rated floorstander and their sonic performance has helped them garnered quite a few accolades. Still, this doesn’t mean any amplifier will make them sound good, it is still important to find the right amp that is compatible and matches well with this speaker.
If we pair the wrong amp, the Klipsch RP-8000F may sound too harsh or hard but don’t worry, we got this covered. We have prepared a list of the best amps that you can go for and match them with your Klipsch RP-8000F. These amplifiers are chosen based on the compatibility with the speakers’ sound characteristics and their strengths. This important information about the RP-8000F will be shared with you as well.
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Sound Characteristics and Merits of Klipsch RP-8000F
I am always amazed by how efficient the Klipsch speakers are and the RP-8000F is no exception. With a speaker sensitivity of 98dB (2.83V / 1m) which is really high for a floor-standing speaker. But, they didn’t state the recommended amplifier power range but only gave a whole number of 150 Watts (RMS) and 600 Watts (Peak). Unlike some other brands of highly efficient speakers which state that 1 Watt is enough to drive them, we cannot assume the same with Klipsch RP-8000F. Probably it will be safer to get high-quality amplifiers with power outputs that are closer to Klipsch RP-8000F continuous power handling. The nominal impedance of 8 Ohms still gives us an indication that it is easy to drive these floorstanders.
The iconic Hybrid Tractrix Horn already gave an impression that is a speaker made by Klipsch, there is a 1 inch (25mm) Titanium LTS Vented Tweeter right at the center of the horn. Right below them, will be two 8 inch (200mm) copper-spun Cerametalli woofers and there is a rear-firing Tractrix port at the back of the speaker cabinet. There is a bold look to it, but when you put up the speaker grill, this makes it look less intimidating. In terms of aesthetics, it is easier to pair the Klipsch RP-8000F with most amplifiers with their speaker grills on. Unless the amp and/or home interiors have that rustic and maybe wood aesthetic elements, then you can blend the RP-8000F in without their grills. They have a really impressive frequency response of 32Hz-25kHz (+/- 3dB) and most likely, these tower speakers do not need support from a subwoofer.
The sweet spot is quite tight and requires time to trial and error the toe-in angle of the speakers till you find the best angle and the best sound. Is easy to crank their volume up, and the Klipsch RP-8000F can really go loud without much effort. Surprisingly, the RP-8000F is not as bright-sounding as other Klipsch speakers, and it is more neutral sounding as well. The highs are crisp and with clarity, it has plenty of details and delivers them in spades. They are forward sounding in nature and project a well-defined soundstage. The instruments are also well defined which shows the accuracy and precision of the RP-8000F stereo imaging.
More Details at Amazon – Klipsch RP-8000F Floorstanding Speaker Pair
You will need ample breathing space for these speakers if not the walls will reinforce the bass and overwhelms the rest of the frequency. The bass reproduction of Klipsch RP-8000F is definitely class-leading at this price point and will be sufficient even for movies, without the need for a subwoofer. Never was a time, we find that these floor-standing speakers are lacking in the bass department. There is scale and authority with the way they deliver, simply entertaining especially for the home cinema experience. The clear and balanced sound quality of Klipsch RP-8000F is great but it does lack a bit of musicality in them.
Overall, the Klipsch RP-8000F is a fantastic floor-standing speaker that is ideal for a stereo system or as the main L/R channels of a home theater system and they are also neutral bright sounding. We need to be cautious not to match them with overly bright sounding amplifiers as it could easily cause listener fatigue or makes the music presentation too harsh and unbearable. We will be leaving out the need for a subwoofer and it will be entirely up to you if you want to get one. Now we have all this information, it is time for us to share with you the best amps to pair with your Klipsch RP-8000F tower speakers.
Klipsch RP-8000F Specifications
- Speaker Type: Bass-reflex (rear-firing)
- Drive Units: 1 inch (25mm) Titanium LTS Vented Tweeter with Hybrid Cross-Section Tractrix Horn and two 8 inch (200mm) Cerametallic Cone Woofers
- Frequency Response (+/-3dB): 32Hz-25kHz
- Recommended Power: 150 Watts (RMS) and 600 Watts (Peak)
- Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms
- Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1m): 98dB
- Dimensions (H x D x W): 1095mm x 446mm x 277mm, 43.1″ x 17.6″ x 10.9″
- Weight: 27.2kg (60lbs)
Best Amps to pair with Klipsch RP-8000F
The Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated is probably the best amp to match with your Klipsch RP-8000F as firstly, it has the power output to drive these speakers to really loud volume. And more importantly, the Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated brings more musicality into the sound quality. The integrated amp has that sweet and warm sound characteristic which does tame the RP-8000F brightness a little. The amp also has a nice balance, capable of bringing out the best of your speakers. It may not be suitable for listeners who are too use to bright-sounding audio systems.
More Info at Amazon – Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated Amplifier
The Peachtree Audio Nova150 is another amazing amplifier with more than enough power to drive the Klipsch RP-8000F at incredibly loud volume. The neutral warm nature of the Nova150 provides a tad warmth into the overall sound reproduction without compromising the details and timing. Other than providing a little more musicality into the system, there are also a plethora of features such as a high-quality DAC (Reference 9018K2M SABRE32 DAC), powerful headphone output, and more. A talented amplifier that complements well with the Klipsch RP-8000F floorstanders.
More Info at Amazon – Peachtree Audio nova150 Integrated Amplifier with DAC
Marantz AV receivers such as the SR7013 are ideal amp companions for the Klipsch RP-8000F too, the Marantz house sound fits in nicely with the neutral bright sounding RP-8000F, providing a cleaner and smoother overall sound quality. For movies, the RP-8000F would be more than capable of delivering excitement and details of every action scene, engaging you with its powerful and big sound reproduction. For live performances, you will be able to feel the presence and energy of the performers playing their hearts out on stage. Another notable feature will be the Audyssey, which makes it easier to calibrate and ensure seamless integration of your subwoofer with the rest of your speakers.
More Information at Amazon – Marantz AV Receiver SR7013
If you do not like warm sounding system and much prefer a forward-sounding music delivery, the Yamaha A-S801 will be a great choice for you. This amplifier has clarity and transparency, with powerful low-end delivery that matches well with your Klipsch RP-8000F. Since your RP-8000F is efficient, the Yamaha A-S801 has more than enough power to make your speakers shine. This amp and speaker combination is great for movie listens too, the lively sound delivery will provide you with the excitement and sounding clean even at high volumes. You should have an audition with them first and see if you like what you hear before seriously deciding.
More Info at Amazon – YAMAHA A-S801BL Natural Sound Integrated Stereo Amplifier
The Denon PMA-1600NE is a powerful amplifier which you can pair with your Klipsch RP-8000F speakers, it is one of the best all-rounder amps where you can enjoy listening to your favorite tunes either from a high-resolution audio source or an analog source. The Analog Mode enhances the sound quality by having more clarity and purity when playing vinyl records from your turntable. Their music delivery is smooth with a tad of warmth, which makes it slightly easier on the ears. The Denon AV receivers are also well matched with your Klipsch RP-8000F, you should consider auditioning them.
More Details at Amazon – Denon PMA-1600NE Stereo Integrated Amplifier
If you are planning to get power amplifiers to match with the Klipsch RP-8000F, you might want to check out the Emotiva brand. There have high-performance entry-level power amps that are affordable and worth every penny. Another amazing power amp to check out will be Cambridge Audio Azur 851W which is a very powerful amplifier and has the capability to be bridged mono to have even more power to drive a single speaker. If you like bright-sounding stereo systems then you might want to go with Rotel amplifiers. As for bright sounding home theater systems, Sony AV receivers are great choices for your RP-8000F.
More Info at Amazon – Cambridge Audio Azur 851W Power Amplifier
To Sum It Up
The Klipsch RP-8000F are indeed efficient speakers but it is still advisable to get high-quality amplifiers with good power output. Based on the floor-standing speaker’s recommended amplifier power requirement, they can handle very high power peaks and the RMS power of 150 Watts are quite on the high side as well for a speaker at this price point. The amps listed here are some of the best matching amplifiers you can go with your Klipsch RP-8000F and we will suggest that you audition them first when you have the opportunity.
