Klipsch

sk1939
sk1939 Posts: 295
edited August 2011 in Speakers
Simple question asked by a friend, Kiplisch RF-42 II's or Kiplisch VF-36's ? I know nothing about Kiplisch speakers other than the fact that they tend to be horn loaded rather than tweeters, and can be rather "bright" sounding. I've also heard that the RF series sounds better? Anyone care to weigh in?
Home:
Onkyo TX-6500MKII/Polk LSI 9's (A)Polk TSi 100(B)/Polk PSW 10/Onkyo C-S5VL/Technics SL-QD33
Home 2 (Playback):
Dynaudio BM5A MKII/Dynaudio SUB 250MC/Audigy 2 ZS
College:
JBL LSR 2325P/JBL 2310SP/MOTU UltraLite MKIII
Post edited by sk1939 on
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Comments

  • HTguru1982
    HTguru1982 Posts: 1,066
    edited August 2011
    Stay away from the Klipsch VF series. While they can play loud, they're also very bright. http://hometheaterreview.com/klipsch-vf-36-floorstanding-loudspeaker-reviewed/

    The RF series is much better. While they can still be a bit bright with the wrong receiver, the overall sound is much improved over the VF series. http://starredreviews.com/klipsch-rf-42-reference-ii-home-theater-system-black-review/3068/
    Display: Sony 42" LCD
    Sources: Harman Kardon DVD-27,
    Panasonic DMP-BDT110 blu ray player
    AVR: Sony STR-DA2400ES
    Amps: Sonance Sonamp 260(fronts),
    Kenwood KM-894(surrounds)
    Fronts: NHT 2.5
    Center: NHT VS-1.2A
    Surrounds: NHT Super One
    Subwoofer: SVS PB10-ISD
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  • sk1939
    sk1939 Posts: 295
    edited August 2011
    Well it sounds like I'll tell him to cross off the VF-36 then because screechy highs is definately not what he's looking for. Now he just has to narrow it down between the RF-42 and Polk's TSI-400's...
    Home:
    Onkyo TX-6500MKII/Polk LSI 9's (A)Polk TSi 100(B)/Polk PSW 10/Onkyo C-S5VL/Technics SL-QD33
    Home 2 (Playback):
    Dynaudio BM5A MKII/Dynaudio SUB 250MC/Audigy 2 ZS
    College:
    JBL LSR 2325P/JBL 2310SP/MOTU UltraLite MKIII
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited August 2011
    sk1939 wrote: »
    Simple question asked by a friend, Kiplisch RF-42 II's or Kiplisch VF-36's ? I know nothing about Kiplisch speakers other than the fact that they tend to be horn loaded rather than tweeters, and can be rather "bright" sounding. I've also heard that the RF series sounds better? Anyone care to weigh in?

    Kiplisch... I'd stay away from them for sure! Probably came right out of a white van... :wink:
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  • sk1939
    sk1939 Posts: 295
    edited August 2011
    Not a fan of Kiplisch I take it? What else would you suggest for a guy with a budget of ~$550?
    Home:
    Onkyo TX-6500MKII/Polk LSI 9's (A)Polk TSi 100(B)/Polk PSW 10/Onkyo C-S5VL/Technics SL-QD33
    Home 2 (Playback):
    Dynaudio BM5A MKII/Dynaudio SUB 250MC/Audigy 2 ZS
    College:
    JBL LSR 2325P/JBL 2310SP/MOTU UltraLite MKIII
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited August 2011
    sk1939 wrote: »
    Not a fan of Kiplisch I take it? What else would you suggest for a guy with a budget of ~$550?
    Not a fan of Kiplisch... How about Klipsch?? :tongue:

    I auditioned the RFs when I bought my Polks, and I guess you can tell what won my ears over.
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  • sk1939
    sk1939 Posts: 295
    edited August 2011
    You liked the Polks better? It's too bad the only Polks in the price range are the RTi A5's or the TSi 400's, and the 400's are the only one's you can buy in store.
    Home:
    Onkyo TX-6500MKII/Polk LSI 9's (A)Polk TSi 100(B)/Polk PSW 10/Onkyo C-S5VL/Technics SL-QD33
    Home 2 (Playback):
    Dynaudio BM5A MKII/Dynaudio SUB 250MC/Audigy 2 ZS
    College:
    JBL LSR 2325P/JBL 2310SP/MOTU UltraLite MKIII
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  • 20hz
    20hz Posts: 636
    edited August 2011
    A friend of mine has the tall klipsch RF series w/2x8" he complained they were to bright , he now runs them through the Audessy on his AVR (that fixed it)
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  • sk1939
    sk1939 Posts: 295
    edited August 2011
    So I'll tell him to look at the following:

    Klipsch RF-42 II's
    Polk TSI 400's
    Boston Acoustics CS226B

    Anything else anyone can suggest for $~550/pair?
    Home:
    Onkyo TX-6500MKII/Polk LSI 9's (A)Polk TSi 100(B)/Polk PSW 10/Onkyo C-S5VL/Technics SL-QD33
    Home 2 (Playback):
    Dynaudio BM5A MKII/Dynaudio SUB 250MC/Audigy 2 ZS
    College:
    JBL LSR 2325P/JBL 2310SP/MOTU UltraLite MKIII
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited August 2011
    -sprayman- wrote: »
    Hi, i am new to this club dont know how all this works yet?
    I have a complete polk audio speaker system from rt20p,cs1000p rt1000,
    fx1000, and a svs PB-13 ULTRA sub.
    epson 1080ub projector, 1018 pioner reciever, oppo blue-ray

    my rt20p have a blown mid. trying to find one? Need Help
    Yes, you are new!:wink:
    First, welcome!
    Second, start your own NEW thread! You'll get plenty of help! :smile:
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,014
    edited August 2011
    sk1939 wrote: »
    You liked the Polks better? It's too bad the only Polks in the price range are the RTi A5's or the TSi 400's, and the 400's are the only one's you can buy in store.

    If your sticking to a brick and mortar store for your hifi needs, your options will be limited. Alot of internet companies offer cheap shipping and sometimes even free shipping. The RTI 5's are a good step up from the TSI's and would be an excellant place to start.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • BeefJerky
    BeefJerky Posts: 1,320
    edited August 2011
    sk1939 wrote: »
    You liked the Polks better? It's too bad the only Polks in the price range are the RTi A5's or the TSi 400's, and the 400's are the only one's you can buy in store.
    I don't know what area you live in, but Fry's Electronics carries a much larger selection of Polk speakers than other B&M's. They carry the R, TSI, RTiA and LSi series.
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  • sk1939
    sk1939 Posts: 295
    edited August 2011
    Well my friend is married so you know how that goes (one of the perks of being single), so his budget is limited to $550 +- 20. I haven't been able to locate anything other than what I listed, even online, and still be in his budget :/

    Are the A5's much better than the TSi's? I'm assuming yes?

    Here's an updated list of what I could find for his budget, including shipping:

    Klipsch RF-42 II's
    Polk TSi 400's
    Polk TSi 500's
    Polk RTi A5's
    Boston Acoustics CS226B
    Klipsch WF-34
    Energy CF-70

    Edit: SF, CA
    The nearest Fry's is about 34 miles away. I'll check them out, but the prices are a little high compared to Newegg.
    Home:
    Onkyo TX-6500MKII/Polk LSI 9's (A)Polk TSi 100(B)/Polk PSW 10/Onkyo C-S5VL/Technics SL-QD33
    Home 2 (Playback):
    Dynaudio BM5A MKII/Dynaudio SUB 250MC/Audigy 2 ZS
    College:
    JBL LSR 2325P/JBL 2310SP/MOTU UltraLite MKIII
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  • iskandam
    iskandam Posts: 704
    edited August 2011
    I have the WF-34's and I can tell you they sound a lot better than the RTi8's that I used to own a couple of years ago. Klipsch's Icon W series don't sound as bright as the Reference line. They're more neutral but the highs are still very open, airy, clear, and detailed.
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  • decal
    decal Posts: 3,205
    edited August 2011
    What's a Kiplisch ?
    If you can't hear a difference, don't waste your money.
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  • sk1939
    sk1939 Posts: 295
    edited August 2011
    Dyslexia at it's finest.
    Home:
    Onkyo TX-6500MKII/Polk LSI 9's (A)Polk TSi 100(B)/Polk PSW 10/Onkyo C-S5VL/Technics SL-QD33
    Home 2 (Playback):
    Dynaudio BM5A MKII/Dynaudio SUB 250MC/Audigy 2 ZS
    College:
    JBL LSR 2325P/JBL 2310SP/MOTU UltraLite MKIII
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  • decal
    decal Posts: 3,205
    edited August 2011
    sk1939 wrote: »
    Dyslexia at it's finest.

    I thought it might be a new Yiddish speaker!!!!
    If you can't hear a difference, don't waste your money.
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  • Joe08867
    Joe08867 Posts: 3,919
    edited August 2011
    Oy Vey, that was a bad joke decal.
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  • decal
    decal Posts: 3,205
    edited August 2011
    I was tsetummelt when I saw the OP. (hope I used the word correctly!!!!)
    If you can't hear a difference, don't waste your money.
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  • sk1939
    sk1939 Posts: 295
    edited August 2011
    No idea.

    So how is the Icon W series different from the Icon series, other than price. Apparently the Icon W looks better and is not as harsh, but are there any other differences?
    Home:
    Onkyo TX-6500MKII/Polk LSI 9's (A)Polk TSi 100(B)/Polk PSW 10/Onkyo C-S5VL/Technics SL-QD33
    Home 2 (Playback):
    Dynaudio BM5A MKII/Dynaudio SUB 250MC/Audigy 2 ZS
    College:
    JBL LSR 2325P/JBL 2310SP/MOTU UltraLite MKIII
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited August 2011
    I thought the V series was a Best Buy exclusive and the W was a more expensive nicer version? Don't hold me to it though
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  • cubdog
    cubdog Posts: 835
    edited August 2011
    I'd certainly look at used. For $500 you can buy alot of speaker. Especially given todays economy.

    cubdog
    Shuguang Classic S8MK
    Emotiva XDA-2
    Bel Canto M300 mono blocks
    Bel Canto DAC 1.5
    Squeezebox Touch
    Sony SS-M7
    A/D/S L710
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  • iskandam
    iskandam Posts: 704
    edited August 2011
    I haven't heard the V series but the W series look a lot better. I'm powering mine with SC-25 and the sound is stellar! Seriously I wasn't expecting them to sound anywhere near half as good, but this combo is truly stunning. Even the center channel is incredible. It's the smallest center I've ever owned, but the sound is big, smooth, and detailed at the same time.

    I stumbled on them on craigslist by accident. Haven't even heard of the Icon W line until then, decided to take a chance, and hit pay dirt big time!
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  • sk1939
    sk1939 Posts: 295
    edited August 2011
    He's only looking at the TSi's because it's what fit into his budget. I heard that the Monitor line sounds different? Besides the Monitor tops out at the M70, and since he's only buying speakers the only thing he will save is some green, although the wife will appreciate it. He's looking to make a single purchase, and not have to upgrade in 5-10 years at least (not a hobbyist).

    I'll tell him to poke around Craigslist.

    Good to know.

    The problem is with used equipment you never know how it was treated, especially on the lower end of the spectrum. It's sort of like buying a $6000 Mercedes-Benz, always a gamble.
    Home:
    Onkyo TX-6500MKII/Polk LSI 9's (A)Polk TSi 100(B)/Polk PSW 10/Onkyo C-S5VL/Technics SL-QD33
    Home 2 (Playback):
    Dynaudio BM5A MKII/Dynaudio SUB 250MC/Audigy 2 ZS
    College:
    JBL LSR 2325P/JBL 2310SP/MOTU UltraLite MKIII
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  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited August 2011
    sk1939 wrote: »
    He's only looking at the TSi's because it's what fit into his budget. I heard that the Monitor line sounds different? Besides the Monitor tops out at the M70, and since he's only buying speakers the only thing he will save is some green, although the wife will appreciate it.

    Monitors will either save him money or allow him to put it somewhere else in his budget. He wouldn't be able to tell the difference between them and the Tsi's, besides the Tsi's look a little better.
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  • sk1939
    sk1939 Posts: 295
    edited August 2011
    True. Saving money is never over-rated in this kind of economy. I don't really know what he would upgrade. He as a HK 3490, a Sony CDP-CA80ES, and I sold him my REL T3 a while back.
    Home:
    Onkyo TX-6500MKII/Polk LSI 9's (A)Polk TSi 100(B)/Polk PSW 10/Onkyo C-S5VL/Technics SL-QD33
    Home 2 (Playback):
    Dynaudio BM5A MKII/Dynaudio SUB 250MC/Audigy 2 ZS
    College:
    JBL LSR 2325P/JBL 2310SP/MOTU UltraLite MKIII
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  • jbooker82
    jbooker82 Posts: 1,627
    edited August 2011
    Sneek an extra $200 and get a Pair of RTI A7's
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/PAIR-RTi-A7-RTiA7-BLACK-Tower-Speakers-Polk-Audio-/230661637495?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item35b4814577
    AVR: Onkyo Tx-NR808
    Amplifier: Carver A-753x 250 watts x 3
    Fronts: Polk RTI A7 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Center: CSI A4 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Rear: FXI A4
    Sub: Polk DSW Pro 660wi
    TV: LG Infinia 50PX950 3D
    Speaker Cable: AudioQuest Type 8
    IC: AudioQuest Black Mamba II
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  • sk1939
    sk1939 Posts: 295
    edited August 2011
    I'll ask him about it, he may go for it. How are the refurbs? Are they scratch N dent or are they actually like out of the box, showroom condition?
    Home:
    Onkyo TX-6500MKII/Polk LSI 9's (A)Polk TSi 100(B)/Polk PSW 10/Onkyo C-S5VL/Technics SL-QD33
    Home 2 (Playback):
    Dynaudio BM5A MKII/Dynaudio SUB 250MC/Audigy 2 ZS
    College:
    JBL LSR 2325P/JBL 2310SP/MOTU UltraLite MKIII
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  • jbooker82
    jbooker82 Posts: 1,627
    edited August 2011
    I have only personal experiance from my CSI A4. It was like bran new. Others have said the same thing about referbs that they have gotten as well. Polk's ebay store is a good place to get some awesome deals. I dont belive polk would send out garbage but they do have a disclaimer that they are not bran new.
    AVR: Onkyo Tx-NR808
    Amplifier: Carver A-753x 250 watts x 3
    Fronts: Polk RTI A7 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Center: CSI A4 (modded by Trey VR3)
    Rear: FXI A4
    Sub: Polk DSW Pro 660wi
    TV: LG Infinia 50PX950 3D
    Speaker Cable: AudioQuest Type 8
    IC: AudioQuest Black Mamba II
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