Klipsch has come up with two of its products under the name – 'Reference'. The two pairs of in-ear monitors – the Klipsch R6 and the Klipsch R6i.
How are they different? How are they similar? Questions like this won't cloud your mind any longer as we're here to clear the air for you!
So which is it going to be? The Klipsch R6 or the Klipsch R6i? Let's start digging!
Let's look at the specifications of these earphones in the below table.
Klipsch R6 vs R6i: Let's settle this now!
In the box
When you buy any earphone, everyday practicality and usability are very essential. Moreover, the more accessories that come with an-earphone, the happier is the user.
Inside the box, being from the same series, both the Klipsch R6 and the Klipsch R6i come in a carrying case with a nylon zipper which is really useful for storing the earphones when not in use.
Other than that, you'll find a little card with three pairs of silicone tips of different sizes and a security clip attached to it.
The reason behind including the card is to ensure that the eartips stay at one place and also that it fits perfectly in the carrying case with ample space left for the earphones.
You also get one pair of double-flanged eartips which is best suited for those who have narrow ear canals.
Design and features
Two brothers of the same 'Reference' series, the Klipsch R6 and the Klipsch R6i have a similar build with only one major difference.
What is it? You'll find out soon, but first, let's have a look at the identical physical characteristics shared by the Klipsch R6 and the Klipsch R6i.
Both the Klipsch R6 and Klipsch R6i feature oval-shaped
Both the Klipsch R6 and Klipsch R6i have a slightly forward angle for a longer driver enclosure so that the buds don't stick too much out of the ear.
The exterior part of the eartips is made of a rubbery silicone material which gives it a soft and secure feel in the ears.
The 6.5 mm drivers of the earphones consist of a dynamic moving coil with dual magnets housed inside a durable and lightweight shell made of aluminum and elastomer.
However, one common aspect in which both the Klipsch R6 and the Klipsch R6i fail is the cable.
The flat and long tangle-free cable isn't easy to handle. Adding to the problem is its extreme noisiness.
Suppose you are working out or going for a jog with the Klipsch R6 or the Klipsch R6i tucked into your ears, the music will get interrupted by the thumping sounds caused when the cable scrapes against your clothes.
It feels more like a stethoscope and it can be really irritating, especially when you are listening to your favorite song!
Now, as promised earlier, coming to the main dissecting difference between the Klipsch R6 and the Klipsch R6i is that you get a 3-button remote cum mic with the Klipsch R6i which offers full control of your iPod, iPad or iPhone.
You can answer and end calls, turn the volume up or down and control the music playback, such as play, pause, previous track and next track, with the help of the three-button remote.
The remote cum mic is closer to the left ear-tip so it is closer to your mouth and provides better voice quality
Also check: 7 Best Dual Driver Earbuds for Budget-Heads in 2019
Sound quality and performance
Apart from that, there is nothing elsewhere we can separate them. Not even the audio output.
The level of detail provided by the Klipsch R6 and Klipsch R6i is strongly similar to the high-end rival earphones and manages to get everything right.
The bass is tight and deep and is controlled in such a way that it doesn't get out of hand.
There is a subtle tweak to the lower frequencies so as to attain the fullness without meddling with the mid-range and stopping the bass from resonating.
As for the higher frequencies, it sounds sparkling with an ample amount of detail, especially the overtones which become prominent with wind instruments.
It is open and contained at the same from not allowing it to become aggressive sounding. It handles the sibilant sounds very well and doesn't make them sound harsh or hissy.
The mid-range of the Klipsch R6 and the Klipsch R6i is where things get a little tricky, mainly for vocals and guitars, and it sounds a bit dull compared to the lows and the highs.
In other earphones, the mid-range is minutely boosted to achieve more clarity in vocals or snare beats. In case of the Klipsch R6 and the Klipsch R6i, it seems laid back.
It doesn't alter the overall balanced sound and isn't anything concerning. So you can have your smile back.
The drivers of the Klipsch R6 and have some tricks up their sleeves. For example, they have the tendency to add a bit of warmth to those sounds that may otherwise sound raw.
The meatiness of the sound and the detailed treble constitute a well-balanced audio quality.
Pros and cons
Klipsch R6
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Provides good bass
Cons
- It is not having noise cancellation
- Not suitable for outdoor activities
Klipsch R6i
Pros
- The design is
light weight , durable, and comfortable - Provides excellent noise isolation
- Comes with mic/remote
Cons
- Feels as
ittle uncomfortable
Also read: 18 Best Cheap Earbuds Under $50 in 2019 That Are Overlooked
Bottomline
To sum it up,
The Klipsch R6 and Klipsch R6i blend style, comfort, and performance that is dependable in every way.
With fairly similar qualities, the Klipsch R6i has an added advantage as it features a remote/mic that enables media control and hands-free calling, which makes it more convenient than the Klipsch R6
By the way,
it's not at all a bad decision to invest a little more and avail the extra features.
So for us, the Klipsch R6i is a preferable choice!