As the audio industry moves toward object-based 3D surround-sound formats like Dolby Atmos as the standard, people will want to outfit their existing home theaters accordingly. Klipsch recently added two new units to its premier Reference line of speakers, the Klipsch R-26FA and R-14SA, which have been specifically designed for Dolby Atmos, whether you’re retrofitting an existing setup, or building a shiny new one.
The bigger of the two, the R-26FA is a tower speaker. The speaker is equipped with an integrated height channel featuring a 1-inch tweeter and a 5.25 inch driver. Like other designs in the burgeoning space, the top-mounted speaker fires sound off the ceiling above it, creating Atmos’ over-head channels. In keeping with other members of the Reference Line, the R-26FA features a removable grille, so you can ogle the R-26FA’s attractive, front-firing 6.5-inch drivers and horn-loaded tweeter. The back of the speaker sports dual five-way binding posts for connection.
While the R-26FA is an ideal choice for those looking to build a new Atmos speaker setup, Klipsch has also created the R-14SA for those who wish to outfit their existing setup with a height channel. The R-14SA is an elevation speaker that can rest on top of any standard bookshelf or tower speaker. In addition, the speaker can also be mounted to the ceiling for even more accurate overhead sound. The R-14SA includes a 0.75-inch tweeter and a four-inch spun-copper driver, and binding post terminals which Klipsch has designed to sit at an angle for easier access when mounted on a ceiling.
We’ve covered Klipsch’s Reference line in the past, and have been consistently impressed with the sound and power the speakers can reproduce. We’re eager to hear how well these two new speakers can deliver Dolby Atmos sound. If you’re curious about just how Dolby Atmos works and why everyone seems so excited about it, be sure to check out our guide on the various surround-sound formats.
The R-26FA and R-14SA are available now for $600 and $400, respectively. Both speakers can be purchased at select retailers, or directly from Klipsch’s online store. You can also check out more information covering the entire Reference line on Klipsch’s web page.
Instagram is making its way to yet another screen, and this time, Apple TV is getting a taste of the Reels rabbit hole. The company has launched a dedicated Instagram app for Apple TV, bringing Reels, longer videos, and live shows to the big screen. So, if watching one quick clip on a phone somehow turns into an hour of scrolling, there's now a much larger screen for that.
Instagram brings Reels and more to Apple TV
Audio-Technica, a brand well known for making some of the best studio and professional headphones on the market, has just come out with the ATH-AWX7000, which the company itself claims to be its "finest headphones ever." The new flagship closed-back headphone has debuted at an eye-watering price of $3,799. It combines hand-finished Japanese woodwork with a newly developed 58mm driver.
The earcups are made from Kiso cypress, a prized wood historically used for Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Each housing is finished by hand with traditional Echizen lacquer, which brings out the grain and is expected to darken over time. The frame and sliders are finished in a deep navy kachi-iro shade traditionally associated with samurai.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
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