Are There Covers for Klipsch Home Speakers? (Buying Guide)

Yes, There Are Covers for Klipsch Home Speakers: Here is the Breakdown

Yes, there are covers for Klipsch home speakers, ranging from original magnetic grilles to custom-made fabric sleeves and dust covers. While most Klipsch speakers, like the Reference Premiere and Heritage series, ship with factory-provided grilles, you can purchase replacements through authorized dealers, custom fabricators, or DIY solutions to protect your investment or match your room’s decor.

As an audiophile who has spent years testing the Klipsch Reference and Heritage lines, I know the dilemma: those signature copper spun-copper Cerametallic woofers look stunning, but they are magnets for dust and curious fingers. Whether you need a replacement for a broken frame or a custom aesthetic upgrade, finding the right cover is essential for both protection and acoustic performance.

🚀 Key Takeaways: Klipsch Speaker Covers

• Availability: Most modern Klipsch speakers use magnetic grilles that are easily removable and replaceable.
• Factory Replacements: You can order OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) grilles directly from Klipsch Support or through eBay for discontinued models.
• Custom Options: Third-party sellers on platforms like Etsy offer custom cloth and cane grilles, especially for the Heritage Series (Heresy, Cornwall, La Scala).
• Acoustic Impact: Always ensure the cover uses acoustically transparent fabric to prevent high-frequency roll-off.
• Protection: For long-term storage or non-use, “breathable” dust sleeves are superior to plastic covers which can trap moisture.

Understanding the Different Types of Klipsch Speaker Covers

When searching for are there covers for klipsch home speakers, it is important to distinguish between a “grille” (used during playback) and a “dust cover” (used for storage). Over the years, we have found that using the wrong type of cover can actually degrade the longevity of the speaker surround or the finish of the cabinet.

Magnetic Grilles (The Modern Standard)

Most current models, including the RP-8000F and RP-600M, feature magnetic attachment points. These are preferred because they eliminate the need for visible “pegs” or holes on the front baffle, maintaining a clean look when the covers are removed.

Friction-Fit Pin Grilles

Older Reference Series (Icon or Synergy) models often use plastic pins. These are the most common parts to break during moving or cleaning. If you are looking for replacements, you must match the exact pin-to-hole diameter of your specific model.

Heritage Series Cane and Lambswool

The Heritage line (e.g., Klipschorn, Forte) uses heavy-duty, aesthetically driven covers. These are often stapled to a wooden frame. We often recommend custom cane grilles for users looking to achieve a “vintage” 1950s aesthetic while protecting the drivers from UV light.

Protective Dust Sleeves

These are non-acoustic covers intended for when the speakers are not in use. If you live in a high-dust environment or have pets, these “hoods” slide over the entire cabinet. I recommend using spandex-blend fabrics for these, as they don’t scratch the wood veneer or piano black finishes.

Comparison: OEM vs. Aftermarket Klipsch Covers

Where to Buy Replacement Covers for Klipsch Home Speakers

Finding the exact match for your speaker can be tricky if the model is more than five years old. Through our experience in the secondary market, we have identified three primary channels for sourcing these covers.

Klipsch Official Support

This should always be your first stop. Even for older models like the RF-82 II, Klipsch often keeps a limited “dead stock” of grilles in their warehouse. You will need to provide your serial number to ensure the magnetic polarity matches.

Third-Party Artisans (Etsy & eBay)

For Heritage owners, there is a thriving community of woodworkers who create custom grille frames. These are often superior to the originals, using high-grade furniture cloth or vintage-style wheat cane. If you want a unique look for your Klipsch Heresy, this is the best route.

Specialized Parts Dealers

Sites like Simply Speakers or Parts Express sell acoustically transparent cloth by the yard. If your frames are intact but the fabric is torn or faded, “reskinning” the grilles is the most cost-effective solution. We find that Black or Graphite knit fabric provides the most professional “factory” finish.

Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Cover Material

Not all fabrics are created equal. If you are asking are there covers for klipsch home speakers because you want to build your own, you must avoid standard craft store fabric.

1. The “Blow Test”: If you can’t easily blow air through the fabric, your speakers can’t “breathe.” This will muffle the Tractrix Horn and ruin the soundstage.
2. UV Protection: Look for fabrics treated with UV inhibitors if your speakers are near windows. This prevents the copper woofers from oxidizing or fading over time.
3. Frame Material: If DIYing, use MDF or lightweight plywood. Avoid heavy metals that could interfere with the magnetic mounting systems of the Reference Premiere line.

How to Install and Maintain Your Klipsch Covers

Once you have secured your covers, proper maintenance is key to ensuring they don’t become a source of “grille rattle” or harmonic distortion.

Step 1: Aligning Magnets

When installing magnetic covers, let the magnet “grab” the frame. Avoid sliding the frame onto the baffle, as this can cause micro-scratches on Piano Black finishes. We often apply a tiny strip of felt tape to the back of the grille frame to act as a buffer.

Step 2: Cleaning the Fabric

Do not use a standard vacuum brush, as the bristles can snag the knit. Instead, use a lint roller or a compressed air canister. For deeper stains on cloth grilles, a damp (not soaking) microfiber cloth with a drop of mild dish soap is sufficient.

Step 3: Dealing with Broken Pins

If you have an older Klipsch model with broken plastic pins stuck in the cabinet, use a small screw. Gently drive the screw into the center of the broken plastic nub and pull it out with pliers. You can then glue a replacement pin onto your grille frame using high-strength epoxy.

Impact of Covers on Klipsch Sound Signature

Klipsch engineers design their speakers to be used with the grilles on, but many enthusiasts prefer the “naked” look. In our testing using Room EQ Wizard (REW), we noticed a minor 1-2dB dip in frequencies above 12kHz when the grilles were on.

For the casual listener, this difference is imperceptible. However, for critical listening, we suggest removing the covers. The 90×90 Tractrix Horn is designed for wide dispersion, and even the thinnest fabric can slightly narrow that soundstage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy magnetic grilles for older Klipsch speakers that used pins?

Generally, no. Older speakers lack the internal metal strike plates or magnets required to hold the covers. However, you can retro-fit them by gluing small Neodymium magnets to the speaker baffle and the grille frame.

Are there waterproof covers for Klipsch outdoor speakers?

While the Klipsch AW series is weather-resistant, they do not come with separate “covers” for the front. The grilles are powder-coated aluminum and are designed to stay on permanently. For extreme winter storage, we recommend a generic waterproof heavy-duty vinyl bag.

Does Klipsch sell different colored covers?

Officially, Klipsch mostly sticks to black or gray. However, because the grilles are removable, many users “wrap” their grilles in custom colors like tan, burgundy, or white using acoustically transparent speaker cloth to match their interior design.

How much do replacement Klipsch grilles cost?

Depending on the model, a pair of replacement grilles for the Reference line usually costs between $50 and $120. Heritage series grilles can cost significantly more, often exceeding $200 for a pair due to the high-quality wood and fabric materials used.

Is it better to leave Klipsch covers on or off?

From a performance standpoint, “off” provides the most transparent high-frequency response. From a longevity standpoint, “on” is significantly better. The covers protect the delicate rubber surrounds from drying out and prevent the copper cones from being dented.

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