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Klipsch Reference RF-7 III Review
Klipsch Reference RF-7 III

Main Features

  • 1.75" dome Tweeter
  • 2 x 10" Cerametallic Woofer
  • 32-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 100 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: up to 250watts
  • Weight:97.02 lbs / 44.10 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 49-1/16"x13-15/16"x17-15/16" / 1247.0 x 355.0 x 456.0mm
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Klipsch RF-7 III Review

Klipsch Reference RF-7 III is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Floor-standing speaker by Klipsch. It features a 1.75" dome Tweeter and 2 x 10" Cerametallic Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 32-25k Hz and a sensitivity of 100 dB. Klipsch RF-7 III has an MSRP of 4398$ per pair.

What size of room is the Klipsch RF-7 III speaker good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use the Klipsch RF-7 III is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various sizes of environments considering its size and max power parameters:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldBad
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomAverage

(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2. Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)

Klipsch RF-7 III Speaker Structure
Klipsch RF-7 III Speaker Structure

What are the speakers in Klipsch's Reference (R) Series?

RF-7 III is a member of Klipsch's Reference (R) series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Klipsch Reference (R) Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Klipsch R-51M
Compare
62-21k Hz 93 dB8Ω 1 x 5.25"
Klipsch R-620F
Compare
38-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Klipsch R-820F
Compare
35-21k Hz 97 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
Klipsch R-625FA
Compare
38-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Klipsch R-41M
Compare
68-21k Hz 90 dB8Ω 1 x 4"
Klipsch R-610F
Compare
45-21k Hz 94 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Klipsch R-34C
Compare
82-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 4 x 3.5"
Klipsch RF-7 III
32-25k Hz 100 dB8Ω 2 x 10"
Klipsch R-52C
Compare
89-21k Hz 95 dB8Ω 2 x 5.25"
Klipsch R-30C
Compare
78-21k Hz 96 dB8Ω 4 x 3.5"


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What is the Frequency Response of the Klipsch RF-7 III speaker?

Klipsch RF-7 III has a Frequency response range of 32-25k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of up to 250 watts. At a minimum frequency of 32 Hz, RF-7 III will provide a deep bass that will probably satisfy majority of listeners, especially for music. Movie lovers and music listeners who like to experience a full range response will still benefit from the use of a subwooofer though.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Klipsch RF-7 III, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $5000. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how RF-7 III's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Klipsch RF-7 III
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
Klipsch RF-7 III
Min
Average
Max

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 5000$ (Pair), these are the 5 Passive Floor-standing speakers that have the deeper bass levels than the Klipsch RF-7 III's 32Hz:

  • KLH Kendall with Low Frequency of 25 Hz (Compare w/ RF-7 III)
  • GoldenEar Triton Five with Low Frequency of 26 Hz (Compare w/ RF-7 III)
  • Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G with Low Frequency of 27 Hz (Compare w/ RF-7 III)
  • KLH Concord with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ RF-7 III)
  • SVS Ultra Tower with Low Frequency of 28 Hz (Compare w/ RF-7 III)


What is the Crossover frequency of Klipsch RF-7 III?

The Crossover frequency of the RF-7 III is set to 1300Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

What are the Impedance and Sensitivity of the Klipsch RF-7 III? Is it an easy-to-drive speaker?

Klipsch RF-7 III's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 100 dB.

Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Klipsch RF-7 III
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Klipsch Reference RF-7 III is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

100dB of Klipsch Reference RF-7 III is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes RF-7 III an easy to drive from Sensitivity perspective. If you are planning to power your speaker with a Tube amp which are generally very low power, the Klipsch RF-7 III will be a good choice.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Klipsch RF-7 III:

  • Integrated Amps under 3000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 5000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 10000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

RF-7 III has Binding post type connectors and lets bi-amping/bi-wiring. Bi-wiring can provide improvements in the overall transparency of your loudspeakers by running separate speaker wires to the low & high frequency drivers from a single amplifier. Bi-amping allows the use of separate amplifiers for the high & low frequency drivers of your loudspeaker which may result in greater dynamic range & lower distortion.

Klipsch RF-7 III Back View
Klipsch RF-7 III Back View

Klipsch RF-7 III External Dimensions and Weight

Klipsch RF-7 III has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 49-1/16 x 13-15/16 x 17-15/16inch (1247.0 x 355.0 x 456.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Klipsch RF-7 III is approximately 1618.8cm2 / 250.9inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of Klipsch RF-7 III, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

Klipsch RF-7 III Real Life Body Size Comparison
Klipsch RF-7 III Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the Klipsch RF-7 III virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a media center to get a better idea about the size.

Klipsch RF-7 III placed next to a Media Stand
Klipsch RF-7 III Floor-standing Speaker next to a Media Stand

Weight

The Klipsch RF-7 III weighs 44.10kg / 97lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how RF-7 III's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
Klipsch RF-7 III
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Floor-standing Speakers under $5000
Klipsch RF-7 III
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Klipsch RF-7 III has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Wood veneer finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Speaker Feet

Klipsch RF-7 III comes with the parts below which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on:
  • Plinth
  • 4 Spike feet
  • 4 Rubber feet
  • It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.

    Port Position

    Klipsch RF-7 III is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

    Available colors

    Klipsch RF-7 III is available in Black ash, Cherry and Walnut.

    Does the Klipsch RF-7 III come with a Grille?

    RF-7 III comes with magnetic grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the RF-7 III is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

    Klipsch RF-7 III  with Grille
    Klipsch RF-7 III with Grille

    What's in the Box of Klipsch RF-7 III?

    Here are the items that are included inside the box of RF-7 III:
  • Floorstanding loudspeaker
  • Plinth
  • Grille
  • 4 Spike feet
  • 4 Rubber feet
  • 2 Jumpers (pre-installed)
  • 4 Machine screws
  • Owners Manual
  • Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Klipsch Reference RF-7 III speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for Klipsch RF-7 III

    Warranty

    5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    Klipsch Reference RF-7 III Alternatives in Passive Floor-standing Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Polk R700
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 38-38k Hz
    B&W 702 S3
    Compare
    3-way 90 dB 8 ohms 46-28k Hz
    Wharfedale EVO4.4
    Compare
    3-way 89 dB 8 ohms 44-22k Hz
    B&W 703 S2
    Compare
    3-way 89 dB 8 ohms 46-28k Hz
    B&W 704 S3
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 46-28k Hz
    DALI Opticon 8 II
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 4 ohms 38-30k Hz
    Wharfedale Elysian 4
    Compare
    3-way 92 dB 4 ohms 30-22k Hz
    B&W 703 S3
    Compare
    3-way 90 dB 8 ohms 46-28k Hz
    Klipsch RP-8060FA II
    Compare
    2-way 98 dB 8 ohms 35-25k Hz
    B&W 704 S2
    Compare
    3-way 88 dB 8 ohms 48-28k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Klipsch Reference RF-7 III
    What is the External Dimensions of Klipsch Reference RF-7 III
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Klipsch Reference RF-7 III
    is the Klipsch Reference RF-7 III an easy to drive speaker?



    Klipsch RF-7 III Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandKlipsch
    Full Model NameKlipsch Reference RF-7 III
    Speaker Type2-way Floor-standing
    Power Rangeup to 250 watts
    Sensitivity100 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response32-25k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size10-inch
    Woofer CompositionCerametallic
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1.75-inch
    Tweeter Typedome
    Crossover freq1300Hz
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeBinding post
    Biamp InputsYes
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height1247.0mm ( 49-1/16-inch)
    Width355.0mm ( 13-15/16-inch)
    Depth456.0mm ( 17-15/16-inch)
    Height1247.0mm ( 49-1/16-inch)
    Weight44.10kg ( 97.02 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF/Wood veneer
    Available ColorsBlack ash, Cherry, Walnut
    Mounting BracketNo
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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