Polk R50/R30 vs. Klipsch rb-35/25

shimman

i don't have much of space or money, but i got a good offer from the local store.

i can order a pair of
r50-->280usd
r30-->170usd
rb-25-->200usd
rb-35--->280usd

which speaker would make more detailed & smoother sounds? the store manager recommended me rb-35, but i don't know whether rb-35 would be able to out perform r50 in terms of sound clearity.

the pure output power is not an issue for me since i cannot play music really loud without getting complains.

what would you recommend me from above 4 speakers? any other pair of speakers (preferably bookshelf) that would outperform above 4 with 350usd?

thanks

audiobliss

Really you're the only one who can decide which speaker to go with. Polk's sound and Klipsch's sound are too totally different animals. You should sit down and spend some quality time with all the speakers you're considering and listen to some music you know really well. Only your ear can make the decision.

Having said that, I can pretty confidently say that the RB-35 is going to have a lot more 'detail'. The horn loaded tweeter is very revealing and clear, so much so it is often referred to as being 'harsh' and 'bright'. But again, only your ear can determine which sound you like the best.

EricT43

Before you buy anything, see this thread:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39608

You can get a pair of LSi7 used for around $350, that would outperform all of the above.

audiobliss

But be aware that the LSi7 will require a lot more money put into upstream components (source, preamp, amplification, etc.). They are 4ohm speakers, and as such, are very demanding of amplifiers.

But I will say that if you can find a pair for $350 and can afford the equipment to power them, you'd have a rocking setup.

Zen Dragon

shimman wrote:

i don't have much of space or money, but i got a good offer from the local store.
i can order a pair of
r50-->280usd
r30-->170usd
rb-25-->200usd
rb-35--->280usd
which speaker would make more detailed & smoother sounds? the store manager recommended me rb-35, but i don't know whether rb-35 would be able to out perform r50 in terms of sound clearity.

thanks

Depends a lot on your listening preferences. Klipsch are a very forward loudspeaker. they project straight out at you from a frontal soundstage. The horn tweeter does have good detail, but can sound harsh or bright over extended listening periods. It is a great in your face rock and roll speaker.
Polks by comparison create a deeper soundstage with a lot more depth and imaging. The midrange and treble is detailed and subtle, not always sounding like it is coming straight at you. A better sound for jazz, classical, or more produced rock and roll.
You should listen for yourself and decide what you like. If you are open to the used market, there are many fine older series Polk speakers that can be had in your price range. You mentioned bookshelf. The RTI-55 bookshelf kicked some pretty serious sound. They pop up from time to time used in about that price range.
Good luck.

shimman

thanks for your insights

because i am a newbie, your insights opened up more questions

are polk r50 & klipsch rb-35 in same class, or rb-35 is the better speaker? i am asking because rb-35 is much more expensive than r50 in general.

i was going to drive the speaker through either klipsch ifi/promedia ultra subwoofer or a pioneer receiver which my friend is selling, but the ifi has 8 ohm speakers & promdeia has 6 ohm speakers.

if i buy lsi7 speakers, will they be fried or fry the sub/reciever? since lsi7 have low impedence, would it make loud even at low volume?

i looked few receivers, and most requires at least 8ohm impedence, if i used low impedence speakers than required, would it be damaged or damge speakers? what would i need to use 4 ohm speakers? any recommended inexpensive receiver/amp?

outpost.com still has a pair of r30 for 120usd shipped; does this speaker need a subwoofer?

your comments, thoughts, and 2cs are appreciated.

ps: any good place to buy used speakers other than ebay (us locations)? any recommended speakers? does floorstanding speakers are better than bookshelf?

mrbigbluelight

if you're using them for home theater.

For listening to music, it depends on what your music choices are.

If we're talking "Pantera", definitely yes.

Zen Dragon

shimman wrote:

thanks for your insights

are polk r50 & klipsch rb-35 in same class, or rb-35 is the better speaker? i am asking because rb-35 is much more expensive than r50 in general.

Generally speaking the Klipsch RB-35 is a higher end speaker than the Polk R50. A more fair comparison is the RB-35 VS the Polk LSI series. Audio is subjective, and I always though the Polk R series did not sound as good as many of their other lines

shimman wrote:

if i buy lsi7 speakers, will they be fried or fry the sub/reciever? since lsi7 have low impedence, would it make loud even at low volume?

The LSI7's having a lower impedance will place a higher current load on your receiver. You did not mention the model number of your receiver. Some of the older Pioneer products had some balls. Generally the LSI's will do better with a separate amp capable of driving a high current into a low impedance load. You can fry any speakers with any amp if you are pushing them to the point where you can hear distortion during play. The receiver will likely get a little warm a higher volume. Check the manual/specs to see if the receiver is rated into a 4 ohm load. Again though, you are better off driving the LSI's with a separate high quality amp.

shimman wrote:

i looked few receivers, and most requires at least 8ohm impedence, if i used low impedence speakers than required, would it be damaged or damge speakers? what would i need to use 4 ohm speakers? any recommended inexpensive receiver/amp?

Lots or threads on this forumn talking about amps. Use the search function.

shimman wrote:

outpost.com still has a pair of r30 for 120usd shipped; does this speaker need a subwoofer?

Personal preference. For home theater I'd say you want a sub.

shimman wrote:

ps: any good place to buy used speakers other than ebay (us locations)? any recommended speakers? does floorstanding speakers are better than bookshelf?

Used speakers..Ebay, Craigs list, Audiogon, Here, Classified adds. Generally floorstanding speakers will give you a little more bass. This is comparing apples to apples though. Many high end bookshelf speakers will equal, or out bass a cheap pair of floor standing speakers.

Toxis

Personally, if it was me I'd go with the RB35's. I own a set for the basement and absolutely love them. They are very detailed and clean but people like to call them harsh because they're very delicate and will show off the flaws of your system. Cheap equipment and wires will make them a very ugly speaker. Quality equipment will definitely make them sing. I'd even take them over a set of RTi6's personally. The R50/30's are far from a good sounding speaker IMO. I think polk missed the mark when they released them.

ohskigod

I fell the comparison isnt important. you need to listen to a speaker like a lipsch and make sure you like it. I respect the klipsch line, but are a little to forward for my tastes. I'd give em a shot on low powerred tubes down the road, jsut for their efficiency, but other than that, just too sharp and forward for me, but again, THATS ME

organ

RB-35:). Yeah, I'm biased. I own a pair of RF-35. I also own a pair of RT and LSi speakers but I prefer the RF.

Don't take my biased opinion seriously. Only your ears can decide. But remember, the R line is Polk's lowest while the RB/RF line is Klipsch's higher end line just like Polk's LSi.

Maestro

If the room acoustics, speaker placement, and correct amplification are not properly executed, regardless of the price or model level of the speakers, you will never get the optimal audio experience of your home theater or stereo. It is all subjective. A/B the two sets of speakers in the same room under the same conditions and "listen" to them. Let your ears decide for you. don't believe the hype.

The R50s are MORE than just good: for the price that I got for them, they are the envy of my peers' "pricey" systems ("You paid how much?"). They are OUTSTANDING!