Premium Audio Company is using CEDIA Expo 2026 to spotlight a broad refresh across two of its best-known audio brands, with Klipsch previewing new loudspeakers and powered monitors, and Onkyo expanding its Creator Series into all-in-one wireless music systems.
Together, the announcements point to a clear strategy: bring higher-performance audio into more living spaces, with products that balance enthusiast-grade engineering, modern connectivity, and design flexibility for today’s connected home.
Klipsch Previews New Reference Signature Series
As Klipsch continues celebrating its 80th anniversary, the company is giving CEDIA attendees an exclusive first listen to its all-new Reference Signature Series ahead of a global launch planned for this winter.
The new loudspeaker range builds on the brand’s horn-loaded heritage while introducing a three-way design, upgraded materials, and a more refined industrial look. First teased during Klipsch’s “Backstage Access” presentation at CES 2026, Reference Signature is now being demonstrated by invitation at CEDIA Expo in Denver.
The lineup includes six models: the RS-8301F and RS-6301F floorstanding speakers, RS-8301M and RS-6301M monitor speakers, RS-6301C center-channel speaker, and RS-6101SA Dolby Atmos surround/height module.
Three-Way Horn-Loaded Performance
For integrators and home theater enthusiasts, one of the biggest updates is the use of dedicated high-frequency, midrange, and low-frequency drivers across the floorstanding, monitor, and center-channel models.
In simpler terms, a three-way speaker separates sound into three ranges: treble, midrange, and bass. Each range is handled by a driver designed specifically for that job. Klipsch says this approach helps voices, instruments, and effects sound clearer and more natural.
The series also introduces a phase-aligned horn design that places the midrange driver directly within the tweeter horn. The goal is a wider listening area with more consistent sound whether listeners are seated or standing.
Every model uses Klipsch’s titanium-diaphragm Linear Travel Suspension tweeter, a high-frequency driver designed to reduce distortion, along with the brand’s signature spun-copper Cerametallic woofers for low-distortion, high-efficiency performance.
Design Details for Modern Home Theaters
Reference Signature also brings a more elevated cabinet design. A one-piece BMC front baffle is intended to reduce unwanted resonance. BMC, or bulk molding compound, is a dense composite material that can help make the front of the speaker cabinet more rigid. That rigidity matters because unwanted vibration can color the sound. This sturdy material is designed to remove that.
Further Klipsch designed the cabinets with curved edges that are equal parts function and fashion. While they look slick, the curved edges help to reduce diffraction, which is what happens when sound waves interact with hard cabinet edges and scatter. Reducing diffraction will help create a wider, more stable soundstage.
Ebony and Walnut finishes feature horizontal grain patterns that follow the cabinet’s curved form, while leather top panels, metal carpet spikes, and rubber feet add a more furniture-grade touch. Select models also include adjustable tweeter levels, with +1 dB, 0 dB, and -1 dB settings, allowing listeners to slightly tailor high-frequency output to a room or personal preference.
Pricing is expected to range from $1,600 to $3,000 per pair, with final pricing and specifications to be announced at launch.
Klipsch Adds Reference Premiere Powered Monitor
Klipsch also introduced the RP-500PM Powered Monitor, the first powered monitor in the Reference Premiere Series. Designed as a compact all-in-one stereo system, the RP-500PM eliminates the need for an external receiver while supporting music, TV audio, gaming, and desktop entertainment.
The powered monitor includes a high-density axial Tractrix horn tweeter using upgraded BMC material to reduce resonance. A 5.25-inch Cerametallic woofer handles low-frequency performance, while built-in amplifiers are matched to each driver.
Connectivity is broad, with HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, optical, RCA line-level, phono, and 3.5mm auxiliary inputs. HDMI ARC allows compatible TVs to send audio directly to the speakers through an HDMI cable, while the phono input supports turntables without requiring a separate phono preamp. A dedicated subwoofer output allows users to add a Klipsch subwoofer for more bass.
The RP-500PM keeps the classic Reference Premiere black-and-copper design, including a floating cloth grille, textured wood-grain cabinet, and copper woofer. It will be available in North America in December for $799.99.
Onkyo Expands Creator Series with GX-AiO
Onkyo, also marking 80 years of audio innovation, is extending its Creator Series beyond the desktop with the new Creator GX-AiO All-in-One Wireless Music Systems.
The lineup includes three models: GX-AiO 50, GX-AiO 100, and GX-AiO 150. Each is designed as a compact entertainment hub for music, movies, gaming, podcasts, vinyl, and everyday listening.
The systems feature true 2.1-channel architecture in a single enclosure, combining two main speaker channels with a dedicated built-in subwoofer for bass. Onkyo integrates the subwoofer enclosure into the cabinet, with a bass-reflex duct built into an illuminated rear slit. A bass-reflex duct helps move air more efficiently, which can support stronger low-frequency output from a compact system. Full-digital Class D amplification and DSP are used to reduce noise and distortion.
The GX-AiO systems can be placed vertically or horizontally, and they are available in black or white finishes with magnetic fabric grilles. Integrated LED lighting around the front control ring and subwoofer slit adds ambient visual detail, while the Onkyo Controller app allows users to manage power modes, inputs, and lighting through Bluetooth Low Energy.
Three selectable power modes tailor performance to the room and use case. Eco Mode is intended for smaller spaces and lower-volume listening, Standard Mode is designed for daily entertainment, and Max Mode provides higher output for gatherings or parties.
For wider stereo performance, two GX-AiO systems can be paired wirelessly using True Wireless Stereo. Once paired, the two units operate as dedicated left and right channels, creating a larger and more immersive soundstage.
The GX-AiO Series will be available in Fall 2026, with suggested U.S. pricing of $399 for the 50, $499 for the 100, and $599 for the 150.
A Broader Push Into Connected Audio
Across Klipsch and Onkyo, Premium Audio Company’s CEDIA 2026 announcements reflect a continued push toward flexible, design-conscious audio products that meet consumers wherever they listen.
For connected-home professionals, the new products offer a mix of traditional performance categories and modern simplicity: passive home theater loudspeakers, powered stereo monitors, and compact wireless systems with TV, turntable, computer, and mobile-device connectivity.
