KLIPSCH RC62 II
CENTER CHANNEL










The RC42, RC52 and RC62 center speakers appeared as part of the Klipsch Reference Series in 2005. Interestingly these models came with two different crossovers: a tapered array (pre-2010) and a non-tapered array (post 2010).

"Klipsch Tapered Array™ technology operates both woofers at the lowest frequencies – maintaining the high output capability necessary for good center channel performance – but only one operates all the way through the midrange to where the tweeter takes over. This eliminates acoustic interference between the woofer outputs, a flaw in conventional speaker designs that can severely impair sound quality at the sides of the listening area."

   

EXPLANATION: At off-axis (side) listening positions both midwoofers are in phase (time-aligned). But the sound from each midwoofer reaches the listener at different times. If you're sitting directly in front the of the speaker this isn't an issue. But Klipsch apparently felt any potential blurring required giving each woofer a different crossover point. Yet In 2010 Klipsch upgraded the speakers to Reference II series and made some changes. Per Klipsch: "Reference II speakers boast enhanced features, including re-engineered drivers and a new crossover system".

Abandoning the old crossover was unexpected since Klipsch had spent time and effort building and promoting the sonic benefits of a tapered-array in the first generation. They even went as far as claiming that using a non-tapered array as center would "severely impair sound quality. So its puzzling that for the second generation in 2010 they quietly retired the feature. Was the concept too confusing for consumers? Was the sound improvement actually not audible? Or was it was effective but simply too difficult for sales people to demo?

I decided to compare my new RC62 II crossover to my old tapered-array RC52 to see exactly what Klipsch had done inside. Both versions of the RC62 specs are below for comparison.

     

BELOW: My RC52 tapered array crossover was a two-tiered design and was surprisingly complex for three drivers. It held a total of 5 resistors, 2 iron core coils, one air coil and 4 film capacitors. The wire is heavy gauge "Klipsch custom high frequency wire". The caps are mentioned as polyester in Klipsch Reference literature.

- The film caps on the top are 20uf, 6.8uf and 2uf, all 100V.
- air core on the top is .68mh
- on the hidden level is a 30uf 100V and two iron cores: 2.5mh and 1.0mh

   

BELOW: The RC-62II non-tapered array crossover is a different design and loses one cap and resistor compared to the tapered array. The tweeter has one air core, an 8.2uf 100V Klipsch (polyester) and a JRD 365J 100V which calculates to a 3.6uf 5% likely a metallized polyester.

The woofers are parallelled and have an air & iron core coil and large Spirit 396J 100V cap (39uf 5% mylar). I can't find much about the Spirit capacitor brand but they appear to be marketed for crossovers.

   


   

CONCLUSION
I push my RC62 with a mono Hafler XL280 using a Musical Concepts PA-6 board. The rest of the 5.1 system uses a pair of Forte IIs and RS35 surrounds.

Y'know, I liked my old RC52 quite a bit. But my RC62 II really left me speechless. It has a crystal-clear timbre with a broad soundstage, very precise imaging, and an involving dynamic sound. I found it matched my Forte IIs seamlessly and really upgraded the quality of my system. Being that the sound is so pure and likelike I don't feel a need to change out the caps or mod it at all.

ONE NOTE: on the bottom of the cabinet are two small 1/4" threaded holes that open into the cabinet intended for the screw in legs. The manual says to cover the holes with the supplied stick-on feet if the legs are not used. But I worried that at high volumes air might escape out of them even if covered. So I used a pair of button head screws to seal the holes. I feel better now.




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