Klipsch...cheap speakers?

audiobliss

I'm beginning to see that Klipsch really isn't that high-end of a speaker. At least not their new stuff. Here is a complete Klipsch Reference series HT setup for $1000! Two RF-3, an RC-3, and two RS-3!

okiepolkie

Do they still make any of their models in Arkansas? I haven't kept up with their line, like I have with Polk, but I seem to remember that their entry stuff is made in China, and some of the higher end models are still made here.

audiobliss

So you're saying if I can manage to twist Sid's arm enough to make him rebuild my RF-35, I'd really have something going?

That actually would be pretty neat...I could finally get that cherry finish I love...

Shizelbs

They make one hell of a computer speaker. I know that much.

organ

Bliss,
wtf are you talking about??????;)

You have a kick **** Reference model from Klipsch with a sensitivity approaching 100db/w/m.

Just like Sean said, only the eye(or should I say ear) of the beholder can determine whether they're high end or not. We all know the Klipsch sound is not for everyone.

Let's put it this way. I've gone through a lot of speakers from Polk. RT5, RT800i, RT15i, LSi9 and I love my Klipsch more than any of them.

You have super sensitive speakers that will reveal any weakness in the audio chain. Just wait until you get a dedicated cd player and a tubed pre.

Are you not happy with your 35's? One thing you can do which yields a subtle improvement is buy a **** load of caulk and pack all those empty spaces on the plastic molding with it. Of course, you'll have to take them off because the empty spaces is in the inside. But it did improve imaging and bass seemed to improve as well. After this tweak, the weight of each speaker will increase by about 10 pounds.

Don't give up on them unless you know it's not your type of sound. Don't forget to leave the grills on. I believe Klipsch voiced the speakers with the grills in mind. They sound much more balanced with the grills on and the bass is much stronger. I lived with them naked for about 2 years. One day I decided to try on the grills and couldn't believe the sound. The grills are not coming off again.

Maurice

fireshoes

audiobliss wrote:

I'm beginning to see that Klipsch really isn't that high-end of a speaker. At least not their new stuff. Here is a complete Klipsch Reference series HT setup for $1000! Two RF-3, an RC-3, and two RS-3!

Those models are about 4 years old or so. The RF3's would have retailed new for around $600/pr if I remember right (maybe $800?). Then they went to the RF5's at $1200, and the RF7's at $2000/pr.

A lot of people like them, but I just can't get over the tunnel sound they have. Like have someone cup their hands around their mouth and talk to you. Also their cabinets aren't very solid.

dorokusai

Vintage K = Cool.

organ

Doro,
Which vintage model did you hear? How would you say the dynamics compare to the Reference line if you've heard them? I know the La Scala, Khorn, Heresy and a few got a facelift for the 2006 model.

I hope to own a pair of La Scala one day but they're too damn big and expensive.

BlueMDPicker

organ wrote:

You have super sensitive speakers that will reveal any weakness in the audio chain.

Exactly. There's nothing wrong with the Reference series, past or present, from Klipsch. Horn loaded tweeters take some toe-in experimentation for music play.

mhardy6647

I think that the Heritage line (Heresy, new Cornwall, LaScala, and K-Horn) are still made in Hope. I think the other stuff is probably all made... offshore.

If you don't know, there are a lively set of forums at www.klipsch.com

Toxis

they're made in Indianapolis now. Still based out of Hope though.

They reason that's so cheap is because they're older models. about 4-6 years old actually.

audiobliss

Haha, no, I'm not dissatisfied with my speakers. I just noticed these selling for so cheap on audiogon, and I guess am kinda sad that the build/finish quality on the Klipsch aren't any better. However, I'm still pleased with the sound, and I don't see me changing speakers for quite a while, unless it's to get bookshelves for a dorm room or something. And, I do listen with the grills on...99% of the time.

Interesting 'tweak' with the caulk. I would like to open them up one day just to see what they look like inside, since I haven't seen any pictures before.

I guess the main reason the ones I linked to on audiogon are so cheap is because they're two generations old.

organ

Mike made a very good point. You should experiment with toe-in. I find that to get the best possible sound out of them is to have the tweeters point directly at your head. Once you get that super stable center image, you're almost there. You just have to experiment with distance between speakers after that. You'd want to get the widest soundstage possible but still be able to keep a solid center image.

You should definitely try the caulk tweak. The extra weight provides better damping for the cabs. You should also caulk the horn section. I got about 0.24 to 0.5" of caulk there to prevent resonance. I think I spent about $25 on caulk. Remember, that's Canadian Dollars which is like a quarter for you Americans;).

You're absolutely right about the build quality. My LSi9 makes the RF's look like butt nuggets:D. But it's also cool in a way because they look more rough and manly that way:).

Any update on your tube pre amp adventure yet? I thought you were buying one off a member on this board?

Maurice

dorokusai

organ wrote:

Doro,
Which vintage model did you hear? How would you say the dynamics compare to the Reference line if you've heard them? I know the La Scala, Khorn, Heresy and a few got a facelift for the 2006 model.

I hope to own a pair of La Scala one day but they're too damn big and expensive.

I've picked up most of the KG line at one time or another...Klipschorn...Heresy...I think that's about it. I haven't heard the Reference line but from the couple folks here that own them, positive things have been said.