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The recently launched Klipsch Reference R6 and Klipsch Reference R6i will be replacing the much loved and popular Klipsch Image S4 II and Klipsch Image S4i II respectively.

Prices will still remain the same which means the Klipsch Reference R6 will be retailing for S$129 and the Klipsch Reference R6i will be retailing for S$169.

Both will come with a one-year warranty by Tat Chuan Acoustic. In case you are not aware, Tat Chuan Acoustic, which is located at The Adelphi (1 Coleman St #01-17 Singapore 179803), is the official distributor for Klipsch and Sonos products in Singapore.

The Klipsch Reference Series earphones are built upon the Reference sound design which can be found in Klipsch floor speakers which are also Klipsch flagship products.

The only difference between R6 and R6i is that the latter comes with a three-button remote and mic that allows for control of music and phone calls on iOS devices. The earphone you see in this post is the R6i.

Specifications

• Style: In-Ear Monitor
• Frequency Response: 10Hz – 19kHz
• Sensitivity: 110dB
• Impedance: 18 ohms
• Driver Design: Dual Magnet, Dynamic Moving Coil Micro Speaker
• Noise Isolation: -22
• Input Connections: 3.5 mm
• Driver Diameter: 6.5 mm
• Weight: 15.2 g
• Colors: Black, White

With regards to specifications, the R6i is pretty similar to the S4i II except for the noise isolation level (-22 on the R6i vs -16 on the S4i II) and the weight (15.2g on the R6i vs 11.9g on the S4i II).

I also notice that the R6i cable length is about 10cm shorter than the S4i II. Personally, I find it better because I prefer a shorter cable.

I like how the way the extra accessories like the spare clip and the different-sized ear tips are stuck on a plastic card on the R6i rather than being put into a small zip-lock bag like what they did in the S4i II.

I like the design of the R6i earphone. The weight of the earphone seems to be more evenly distributed because when you place it in your ear canal, it felt lighter and more comfortable than the S4i II.

When it comes to sound quality. I can’t really tell any difference between the R6i and S4i II maybe because I am not really an audiophile.

The only thing I dislike about the R6i is the remote. The build quality of it seems questionable and it looks like some cheap plastic when you compare it side-by-side with the S4i II.

The placement of the remote/microphone has also been changed in the R6i, instead of it being placed in the middle of the cable, it is now being placed on the cable for the right earphone. This brings the microphone closer to your mouth to ensure that it can hear your voice clearer when you speak.

This design is pretty much the standard for earphones right now, the remote/microphone in the Bose MIE2i Mobile Headset is also designed that way.

This June, Klipsch SE Asia is doing a survey on consumer habits. They will be giving away 20 pairs of Klipsch R6/R6i earphones to 20 lucky survey participants. All you have to do is LIKE their Facebook page and participate in the survey on consumer habits.