Polk Rti vs. Klipsch Reference series

crazy

Searched this forum but didn't find any Polk vs. Klipsch comparisions.

A friend of mine was looking for speaking - primarily for music purposes. I recommended the Rti's (Lsi's were a little above his price range). We ended up auditioning a lot of speakers and in the end he ended up liking the Klipsch Reference series over the Polk Rti's.

So any thoughts/ comments on this topic? How does the Klipsch's compare with Polk Audio???

audiobliss

As you'll notice in my sig, I have Klipsch Reference floorstanders in my rig. They're my only speakers. So obviously I like them.

As far as comparing them to Polk, I would say you shouldn't. I've not critically sat down and listened to Polk speakers, but I still think they're pretty much at oppossite ends of the spectrum. I mean, from silk dome tweeters (Polk) to horn loaded titanium compression tweeters (Klipsch) is a big difference.

The only way to decide something conclusively on this matter (or any speaker x vs speaker y comparison, really) is to go and do extensive listening to both. And then, the conclusion is only applicable to you.

danger boy

good for your friend. hope he enjoys his new speakers. really though... it's his speakers.. his ears... nothing against Klipsch speakers from me here... I just choose Polk Audio over many others... why? Because they sound better to me than most others in price compairison.

Both speakers are going to have pluses and minuses.... there isn't a speaker out there at any price range that does EVERYTHING well. there has to be some give and take somewhere. Trade off

Most speakers will do pretty good for home theater.. but those same speakers may not do so well for music.. there again is that trade off.

Just be happy your friend didn't like Bose instead...

crazy

So where would you say the Klipsch Reference series fall say within the Polk line-up. I know that you can't do an apples to apples comparision, but just for argument sake, would they rate along with the Monitor line-up, RTi line-up or the LSi line-up?

audiobliss

As far as build/construction/appearance go, I'd have to say the Klipsch Reference series would be about even with the Rti series. I really don't like the plane jane looking black veneer on my RF-35, but I've seen Klipsch's bookshelf speakers in cherry before (I love it!!!) and boy do they look nice.

crazy

danger boy wrote:

Just be happy your friend didn't like Bose instead...

Just like me, he hates everthing about Bose

limashaynut

You think you hate Bose, try this on for size...We got my wife a new Nissan Maxima with all the bells, buttons and whistles. The only 'premium' audio option that was offered was one by Bose, so I bit the bullet and we got it. Now after owning the car for a bit, I find out something that makes my stomach turn. I thought that Nissan was a Japanese company right...wrong! It turns out that they are now controled by Renault (sic?), damn French. I try my best for NO French owned company to get a penny of my money. I do not care if people/government disagrees with the U.S., but do not stick it to us at every chance you get!

Lest you think I am prejudice, well I am not, my family is of French heritage. :eek:

gregure

Klipsch has a much different sound than Polk. More forward, brighter, sort of a PA system in your living room type of sound. I've never spent a good deal of time w/ Klipsch, but I've always noticed the bass to be a bit muddy. I typically like a more laid back sound from speakers, but my ears are rather sensitive to highs. I agree the Klipsch reference is more on par with RTi in terms of quality. Perhaps the price reflects a comparison with the LSi, but the quality doesn't even compare. LSi are far superior for music, and should be compared against speakers even more expensive.

audiobliss

gregure wrote:

but I've always noticed the bass to be a bit muddy.

I've noticed that when listening to the Klipsch Synergy series, but haven't noticed it with the Reference series.

gregure wrote:

Perhaps the price reflects a comparison with the LSi, but the quality doesn't even compare. LSi are far superior for music, and should be compared against speakers even more expensive.

I'm not sure that the price does really warrant comparison with the LSi series. The LSi15 retails for $1850 whereas the RF35 retailed for $1000.

cmy330go

Stricktly my opinion. But I have yet to hear a pair of Klipsch that I like. When I worked at a Polk and Klipsch retailer I could barely stand to be in the room when someone was auditioning a pair of Klipsch. But also in my own testing I could not hear anywhere near as much detail from Klipsch as I could from Polk. However like I said before.....this is just my experience and opinion.

The real key is exactly what Audiobliss said. "EXTENSIVE LISTENING"

My $0.02 worth.
Dave

fireshoes

Just cup your hands around your mouth when you talk to your friend, since he prefers that sound.

BjornB17

i used to really like the sound of klipsch speakers, mostly because they can play really freakin loud, but my tastes have changed a bit and now prefer a speaker that i can listen to for hours without making my ears hurt or giving me a headache. I really like the Polk Monitors.... bright but never harsh.

Joey_V

I like Klipsch for HT and I wouldnt hesitate to go that route once I build my system. However, I wouldnt really consider Klipsch a bonafide music 2 channel speaker. At the same time, the RTi's weakness is music... so between the two.... I would say - it's a tossup for 2channel with HT going to Klipsch.

BTW, we have a Klipsch HT setup at my parents house (I guess.... my house since I still live at home sort of).... they got the Klipsch because I convinced them from Bose.

Joey

ohskigod

if your gonna go klipsch. listen extensivly. my experience tells me it is a completly different animal from other speakers I heard. very sensitive to what gear you put it on. put it on the wrong stuff, and your going to want to rip your ears off. I hear they sound fantastic on tubes (very efficient, so it makes sence)

I would like to hear audiobliss's on the wave mono's