Klipsch Reference Series vs. Polk new RTi series?

bigsexy1

Any honest, unbiased opinions here? I heard the RF7s, and really liked them a lot. They are IMHO much better than my friend's pair of KLF 30s, much smoother. I wish I could A/B compare and audition the RF7 against the RTi12 with the levels matched up to compensate for the huge difference in efficiency between the two.

organ

I can't anwer your questions but from what I hear and the specs, the RF-7 should have a lot more dynamics, micro dynamics and slam. I guess it depends if you want a raw or more refined sound.

I'm planning to get a pair of Klipsch Reference by mid Dec. I'm trying to get the RF-15 but if I can't get enough cash, I'll be getting the RB-25.

So how did those RF-7 sound? What source, pre and amp were they connected to?

Maurice

fireshoes

I hate the RF7's for music. The voice is extremely unnatural and of course they have their trademark ear bleeding highs.

bigsexy1

Organ, I'd say definitely try to get the 15s if you can, even if you have to save a little longer. I heard them on a Denon 2900 and a B&K 507. They were a lot smoother to my ears than the KLF30s, while at the same time, as you said, still had dynamics and slam to spare. I hate to say it, but I think I would probably like them even better than the 12s. I'll say this, the 12s would have their hands full to trump the RF7s. Plus, it would be nice to not have any amp power concerns with the RF7 like in the RTi12. They are almost 12 db more efficient than the 12s, so that would in effect be the equivalent to quadrupling the amp power rating.

FS, what you said is pretty much exactly how I feel about the KLF30s. They may be great on movies, but I can't take them on music, but the RF7s are nothing like the 30s.

RVJII

bigsexy1...

Update on my 12's. They've got about 30 hours on them now and have really opened up. I started to notice changes around 8 or 9 hours. The base has actually improved and the mids/highs seem to have really smoothed out.

As I said, I was happy with how they sounded out of the box and they just keep getting better. I'd say that they are good for both music and HT.

Ever here of Spies? I had that cranked up this weekend and it sounded amazing. Great disc for testing out speakers in my opinion. Also, watched the Italian Job this weekend...again very impressive.

What can I say, I love these speakers. Just like anything else, you can always find something better but for the money these are excellent.

BTW: If the new LSi cabinets are anything like these they ought to be beautiful. One of the things that I didn't like about the LSi's was that I thought that the construction looked rather cheap.

bigsexy1

RVJII, again, congrats, and I'm glad that you are enjoying them. It is an awesome rock/movie speaker for the money.

organ

bigsexy,
I really want the RF-15 but I'll have to see. I plan to get the Klipsch when I finish school for the winter break so I can have some fun with horns and tubes before school starts again. If I end up getting the RB-25 and feel I need the RF-15, I'll sell the RB or move them to the rear and get the 15's in the summer.

Maurice