Klipsch Reference V

organ

Hey everyone,
Been listening to some new Klipsch and thought I'd share my first impressions.

I've been a long time Klipsch fan. My first pair was the RF-35 (third generation Reference line) that I purchased back when they first came out. They're wonderful speakers. Later, I purchased a pair of Klipsch Cornwall and La Scala which are very big speakers from the Heritage line. I like both lines, but only prefer the larger models from the Reference line. I think each one have their unique sound.

When Klipsch released the 5th generation Reference line, I took a look. There are some big changes along with a trickled down technology from their flagship Palladium line. I was very excited to try them out.

So 3 weeks ago, I brought in my RF-35 to my dealer and with a little extra, I exchanged them for a brand new pair of RF-82II. The RF-82II is the 5th gen. version of the RF-35.

I've been listening non stop for the past 3 weeks and I must say, compared to the 3rd and 4th gen. models, this new one eats them for breakfast. I wasn't expecting them to sound this good. The biggest change which is immediately noticable is the 2600Hz xover point of the RF-35 and 1400Hz xover point for the RF-82II. These speakers are dynamic and very powerful.

I'm powering them with a single ended EL34 amp connected in triode. It's 5w/ch and it's more than I need. It powers the speakers effortlessly. Bass is very potent and there is no need for a sub for 2ch listening.

I will write a review on these speakers in a few months. I still want to listen some more and try out different amps.

So for the Klipsch fans out there, just want to give a heads up. The new Reference V line is fantastic and IMHO a big improvement over the previous Reference models.

cubdog

I have Cornwalls and KG 4s that I use in a HT set up. Before, I was using the Cornwalls with my tube amp. Fine sounding speakers. I'd love to hear the Reference line as well.

cubdog

nguyendot

I have Forte II's and KG4 center, with KG1.5 rears... love it!

indyhawg

I have a set of Forte IIs that sound great.

organ

Cool to see some Forte and Cornwall owners. I've never owned Fortes but did own a pair of Cornwall for 5 years and La Scala for 4 years. I miss both pairs. I've done the whole 360 and came back to horns. I like Klipsch the most. I just don't know if I should upgrade to the RF-7II or buy another pair of La Scala in the future.

Beta

I have a pair of Heresy III. Initially, they were painfully bright. However, after a year of tweaking and swapping gear/cables in and out, I finally have synergy and the sound I was hoping for.

Due to space constraints, I chose the Heresy III's over the Cornwall III and La Scala II. I am sure tempted to acquire a pair of Cornwall III's or La Scala II. Unfortunately, I just don't have the room for such large speakers.

IMHO Klipsch Heritage speakers sound fantastic when paired with the right gear.

organ

Absolutely! When everything comes together, WHAM! The Heritage speakers are so sensitive, they reveal so much from your upstream components. I remember the first time I heard a pair of La Scala. I was terrified but equally excited at the same time. Horns rule.

Are you running tubes on your HIII?

btw, the Cornies don't take up much space at all if you place them up against the wall. They sound fine there. As the name suggest Corn (corner) wall (up against the wall). I prefer the larger mid-horn of the LS. You will lose bass extension, but the horn loaded bass from the LS is insanely fast and powerful.

Beta

organ wrote: »

Are you running tubes on your HIII?

Right now I am using all quality SS. However, I had a tube buffer custom made and have it placed between my DAC and preamp. This buffer really softened up the mid section and has made a huge positive impact.

I ordered a Jolida 502P tube amp back in early January. It is currently being modded and should arrive shortly. Ironically, I only found the synergy I was looking for in the last two weeks. As I sit here right now listening to my system, I can honestly say I have dialed in extremely well. I have learned that synergy is so important when it comes to this hobby.

I am looking forward to seeing how these Heresy sound when my 502P arrives and I get it incorporated into my gear.

By the way, I am running a microPRO 2000 to augment the low end of the HIIIs. With some tweaking, I now have this sub blended in virtually seamlessly (at least as it sounds to my ears).

organ

It's so nice when you get perfect synergy. I'm sure you'll enjoy the Jolida.
Awesome sub, btw. I considered getting a pair a few years back to use with the LS but things didn't go as planned.

Let us know how the Jolida works out.