Klipsch iFi Speaker System for iPod

Other products by Klipsch

Product Details

• Item Weight: 43 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 44 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0007XOHTU
• Item model number: IFI
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 2, 2006

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
Designed to maximize the Apple iPod and iPod Mini listening experience, the Klipsch iFi speaker system delivers up to 200 watts of peak system power and the ability to control both the iFi and the iPod remotely through walls and floors. Its 2.1 speaker configuration includes two unobtrusive Klipsch Reference Series RSX-3 two-way satellite speakers designed to fit into almost any type of environment and a dedicated subwoofer. It also features a docking station that not only connects but will also charge your iPod or iPod Mini for uninterrupted listening. The iFi comes in a silver finish that complements Apple hardware and is designed for easy "plug-and-play" setup.

Each RSX-3 satellite encompasses a two-way, magnetically shielded bass-reflex speaker in a rear-firing port and employs a 3.5-inch aluminum woofer and a 0.75-inch titanium dome compression driver coupled to an exclusive round 90-degree MicroTractrix horn, which creates the Klipsch dynamic signature sound. The woofer is a long-throw unit driven by powerful ceramic magnetic motor structures. The Cerametallic cone is lightweight with excellent rigidity, which dramatically reduces any resonance. Each RSX-3 has an integrated pedestal stand with a ball joint that allows it to be adjusted in almost any direction by using the provided Allen wrench. A keyhole is featured on the underside of the stand base for no-hassle wall mounting. The speaker grille magnetically snaps into place over the front baffle, while a sturdy five-way binding post ensures connection to the speaker cable.

The subwoofer, designed specifically for the iFi system, has a built-in Class D amplifier that distributes 200 watts of peak system power to successfully drive all the channels. It also features a slot port and line level input. It employs unique tuning approach to achieve a sound character typically found in much larger subwoofers.

The RF remote control can be used to control the iFi and the docked iPod from virtually anywhere in the home -- it can send signals through walls and floors, and can work with up to six remotes.

What's in the Box
2 RSX-3 satellite speakers, powered subwoofer, iPod/iPod Mini docking-charging station, RF remote control, owner's manual.

Product Description
In tune with the way people enjoy their favorite music today, Klipsch designed the iFi system to make the popular Apple iPod experience sound better than ever. This "plug and play" setup, made exclusively for iPod fans, works with all dockable iPods, including the iPod Mini and iPod photo. Whether it's used in a bedroom or as the primary home audio system, listeners will experience their digital music library in audiophile-quality Klipsch sound.This 2.1 configuration comes with two unobtrusive Klipsch Reference Series RSX-3 satellites, a dedicated subwoofer, docking station and radio frequency remote. Each self-standing or wall-mountable RSX-3 is a two-way, magnetically shielded speaker that employs a 3.5-inch aluminum woofer and a 0.75-inch titanium dome compression driver coupled to an exclusive round MicroTractrix Horn. The 8-inch subwoofer, designed specifically for this system, has a built-in Class D amplifier that distributes 200 watts of peak system power to successfully drive all the channels. It also features a slot port and line level input. A unique tuning approach is used to achieve a sound character typically found in much larger subwoofer boxes.The radio frequency remote can send signals through walls and floors and up to six remotes can be used to control the iFi and a docked iPod from virtually anywhere in the home.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true 400 dollar contender , August 8, 2005

By	Mark Twain (CA) - See all my reviews

The Klipsch iFi is everything an audiophile could ask for in a self-powered 2.1 $400 dollar system. Compatibility with the iPod is a merely a bonus!

I would like to respond to the previous user's review as it is honorable, but innocently false.

I also own the Klipsch Promedia 2.1's and the Klipsch iFi's, but I'm not sure why the previous user had such a difficult time getting his iFi to sound/image better than his Promedias, so let met male this clear: In no way shape or form is the Promedia 2.1 speaker system even remotely close to the quality, finesse and craftsmanship of the Klipsch iFi. The iFi achieves a far higher level of sound clarity and precision, while being more efficient, effective and exquisite. Klipsch tested the iFi to be almost three times louder at the respective maximum SPL while even maintaining a higher discipline of distortion than the Promedias 2.1's. Yes, three times louder with better sound quality. This does not even put them in the same category. That fact alone can whole heartily explain the price difference between them, but allow me to elaborate even further. The iFi's own RSX-3 satellite speakres provide much more impact and fuller and deeper midrange from a stronger, bigger and more capable aluminum driver. The 2.1's sats use a paper cone driver which is smaller and weaker and is held to the baffle with a cheap foam surround. The iFi employs a better, more elaborate titanium horn loaded tweeter that delivers far more sound with greater accuracy than the cheap plastic ones on the 2.1's. The RSX's are far more sophisticated speakers and deliver a sound that is sonically superior and louder than the proimedia satellites. I'm sorry to undermine the previous reviewer, but he is simply wrong.

The subwoofer even divides these two systems further. The 2.1's use a smaller 6.5" woofer with less power in a small enclosure that lacks both depth and proper porting as it emits gobs of port flutter when being pushed hard. The ifi `s subwoofer is a true beast with a full 10Hz lower frequency range, higher SPL, and far less distortion. Please don't get me wrong, the Klispch 2.1's are great speakers and that's exactly why the iFi is also a great system. Because it simply doest just offer the same experience with the addition of an iPod dock for three times the money. It offers you three times the sound quality and, conveniently has an iPod dock. I should also indicate that the remote, while slightly clumsy and small, is the best iPod speaker remote available do to its range.

I would not trade four promedia 2.1 sets for my iFi's

Here are pictures so you can clearly see I have both systems. You can also see the size difference of the subwoofer and the quality difference of the speakers.

Make no mistake, the iFi's trounce the Promeida 2.1's.

(...)

Thanks

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FANTASTIC, November 10, 2005

By	R. Penola (NYC, NY United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I already owned the Bose Sound Dock, which certainly provides power to bring the music on your iPod to life...well, this system is truly room - even house-filling. And it's got the dynamic range to reach more longer distances. The amp provides a really intense depth and reach to the overall sound. Ever since I bought the iPod, I dreamt of finding a way to make it my main music system...well, that's what the iFi does! I do not use anything but this system in my home anymore! And for what you get...the price is great. Yes, the remote is tiny, very basic and difficult to handle, but a minor quibble overall.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blows Away Apple HiFi, March 12, 2006

By	Crispee (Westminster, CO United States) - See all my reviews

I went to the Apple Store to pick up the cute little HiFi that just came out after reading several positive reviews online (and okay, some negative ones.) I went to the store just to give it a little listen and pick one up.

After a few minutes of listening I went "this is it?"

Yes, it is adorable and the iPod sticks right in the top but frankly - the Apple speaker system is not really great sounding.

I looked over to the back and sitting on the floor were two large Klipsch iFi speaker systems looking unwanted and ignored. I had previously been locked on getting those and the marketing machine at Apple almost made me forget them.

I peeked at the boxes and the prices were slashed from SRP. Asked a sales rep and he said they were being discontinued but it was too bad since he had a pair and he LOVED them. I asked him what he would buy and he said hands down - "The iFi."

So... with alot of hesitation I took the chance. And then almost broke my back trying to pick up the iFi box. (Yes, they are solid solid speakers.) Luckily the Apple Store is awesome and they wheeled them down to the dock so I could put them in my car (in a mall no doubt!)

Anyway -- I got them home and started hooking them up.

Okay -- so these things look like computer speakers. Don't let that fool you. Feel the weight of one of the satellites and you realize this is a nicely made speaker. I have Logitech 5500 Digitals hooked to my PC so I have pretty much the best computer speakers out there.

I think the iFi's are better. Truly big sound from 3 speakers. Great resonance. Crisp at every level. A subwoofer that is musical and not overly boomy or made to make up for the lacking of the other speakers (Bose.... yeah you know it.)

I put them through the paces of everything on my iPod and everything sounds awesome. The only thing not awesome is that i now feel like re-ripping all my music in Apple Lossless codec as I can now hear artifacts in some (not all) tracks.

They are wall mountable and everything is well made. The room I have them in has 20 foot ceilings and it fills it with large spacious sound. I had the satellites 4 feet apart and moving them to 12 feet made a big difference.

Downsides: the remote is tiny and you can't tell what the buttons are very well, NO balance control, the volume wheel seems backwards and is very hard to turn, and lastly - it is real speaker wire so you have to screw the wires on the back. No fancy plugs here.

Another gripe is with Apple -- you don't get the cool new features on your iPod that you get with their own speaker (surprise surprise). You also can't navigate the iPod menu with the remote only jump tracks.

All in all though -- this is the best iPod speaker system out there. Unless you have to have portability which was not an issue for me. This is now my stereo system.

And now I know why Apple wants to get the iFi's out of their store - next to these babies, the Apple HiFi sounds weak indeed. Smart move, really.