Is it worth keeping my Klipsch Sub-12/Quintet SL?
Sorry for the long post for a simple request-just want to have the background out there.
In early january, I bought a Klipsch Quintet SL set which includes 3 LCR and 2 satellites speakers- I bought it from BB on sale with a free Klipsch SUB-12 as part of the deal. From all the reviews it appears to be a rocking sub. I didn't try it out in the store-as I am not sure I would know how to compare it anyway...
The Quintet SL set is $799 list (on sale now for $719), I was able to get it for $639 with the free sub (which is separately sold for $469). I though a killer deal-(BB price separately about $1200, getting for about $640).
I was able to pick the speakers up at the BB in DE (no tax), but the Sub was on backorder-I was told 1-2 weeks, but it ended up being nearly two months.
Well, now for my dilemma (and what indirectly led to my becoming a Polkie)--The sub was on eternal backorder-(I won't go into any detaimyabout my disatisfied experience with the whole order process at BB). So I used my older, yet somewhat capable 120w Sony sub in the meantime.
While I was impressed with the improvement in sound over my previous speakers ( I was hooked-I could now 'enjoy' music on my system-something I never really did before--My preference for music was the Bose Sounddock, the Bose headphones, or my car-but never my Home Theater-that was just for movies and TV). I still didn't have the new sub and still felt something lacking (its a large open family room with cath ceilings, not your ideal room for audio). The speakers were certainly an improvement-by far-but still not enough. Didn't know what it was, but I didn't think it was the sub-Maybe its my room acoustics? I manualy set each speaker distance and levels meticulously with an SPL--improved but still lacking. Lacking what? Well I can't speak the wine connioseur speak of the audio world yet, but I would say lacking volume, clarity, depth, wow factor. So I searched on...at some point I picked up the bigger better audio enthusiast bug. Now I am into it deep.
. Oh the sleepless nights on the forums, ebay, etc, etc.
Another driving factor in my decisioon to upgrade was an experience at a friends cocktail party-He had some 80's music playing fairly loud, a song style I don't particluarly care for (and I like and listen to a lot of styles-but certain 80s music just irks me-perhaps because i was a teen in that decade and had a closed mind to music that wasn't in my click-I don't know butto this day...)-Anyway this song (although it really wasn't the song-but the system-what it did to the song, just took me to a zone-I felt like the music was everywhere- When the song was over I was just like 'wow'. I don't recall the setup he had, I only recall that it involved a set of floor standers, and I didn't take this guy as an audio enthusiast, but that he certainly didn't skimp on his stuff.
Since then I've acquired a pair of RTi12s, FXi3s, a CSi5 and some TC615i's. I've become polkified. Of course something is still missing-the complete WOW effect-and the wife doesn't notice anything different. But I learned via this and other good forums, that it was my receiver/amp that was likely the weak link now. Anyway the reciever/amp issue is in the process of being resolved (still working on mounting for the new rears / surrounds).
OK back to the jist of it--7 weeks later- Still no sub-and no ETA of ever getting one-As a matter of fact BB wanted to cancel my order and refund my money-What? refund me $0 and no sub? I think not. So I asked them to extend the backorder. Anyway I finally decided to wrap up the Klipsch set to return it knowing it was over 30 days, but also knowing I had the uppper hand with the fact that the sub still hadn't arrived. I can't say anything negative about the set, except that it definately requires a sub, and the grills rattled off when I cranked it up-(which invoked a devlish sense of satisfaction
). Before I was able to get to the store, I had to go on business travel. Of course, as Madden's Law goes, the sub shows up while I am away-I knew now that I would have a more difficult time with my return-so far I am right-I am getting the run around from BB and BB online as to who I should be dealing with-but this whole process has been a major pain thus far-sorry I said I was going into any detail....Anyway it seems that if I am able to return them at all (The sub is still NIB unopened), I would only get a store credit-so this will prevent me from looking into other subs available elsewhere (such as the Polk DSWPro 500 or something).
So for the meat of this request:
Maybe its a no brainer, but I keep going back and forth and can't make a decision. Keeping in mind the price I paid for the Klipsch setup:
Is the Sub-12 worth keeping? And having the SLs to use in another smaller room? Would I be happy with the Sub-12?
Or am I better off returning them for a BB store credit and getting something else they carry?
Would selling them on ebay or something be the better route?
If BB carried Onkyo, I might have opted to just get my Onkyo SR805, but they don't, and they don't carry Polk. They do carry Definitive tech, Klipsch, etc.. I hate to pay retail for anything-I strive to get the best abng for my buck when possible. Sometimes I realize its not, but I fell very limited with a store credit.
If I get the credit, can anybody make suggestions as to what would benefit me most with the $639 credit? I don't mind adding some $$ to that if its worth it, I just want to do the best thing. While I am most concerned about getting a good sub, I am not object to getting something else of audio value and buying my sub elsewhere if that ends up being the better choice.
I started out with a really low WAF score from the very beginning. My original goal was to simply upgrade the Center channel, with the thought process that that would improve dialog in movies without having to have the system cranked. The wife simply has no 'ear' and simply can't stand even the slightest volume. She would probably be happy with the built in speakers on the TV itself :eek:. Somewhere along the line I deciced to upgradfe lal the speakers-hence the Klipsch set. Even then I though I was stretching the amount I was spending. I had to fudge or even avoid revealing the actual amount I spent on the Klipsch alone. The fact that I have since spent much much more (and I am sure it won't stop too soon-WHAT? now I have to buy ICs?), I just don't see the WAF score going up when she finds out I can't return the Klipsch set when that was the deal I made to get the Polks. Uhg. Damn this is an expensive hobby (passion?). The only way I can save face is to make the end result incredible for my wife (while maintaining a pos. bank balance). The main person to get full enjoyment out of this system is me. The only WAF improvement is that as long as I am happy, she'll be-of course only if I finish the endless hours of research on the forums soon and play with the kids.
.
Ohh Oooh OOOooh-I think I know-maybe I can use the credit and buy a nice HD LCD for the bedroom--hmmm. Or maybe a BluRay--- Something I didn't think of before-with my mind on the audio stuff-Might be better for WAF than some speaker ssitting aournd waiting to be used--of course then I'll need a good set of speakers for the bedroom or actual BluRay movies now wouldn't I?? Oh it never ends!!! :eek:
How about this comparison:Klipsch RF-10 (Reference series 10" front firing) vs. Klipsch Sub-12 (12" downfiring)? Would the Klipsch 10" ref be better than the 12" They list for the same...
Do I have to worry about timbre matching a sub to my Polks?
Thanks all.
In early january, I bought a Klipsch Quintet SL set which includes 3 LCR and 2 satellites speakers- I bought it from BB on sale with a free Klipsch SUB-12 as part of the deal. From all the reviews it appears to be a rocking sub. I didn't try it out in the store-as I am not sure I would know how to compare it anyway...
The Quintet SL set is $799 list (on sale now for $719), I was able to get it for $639 with the free sub (which is separately sold for $469). I though a killer deal-(BB price separately about $1200, getting for about $640).
I was able to pick the speakers up at the BB in DE (no tax), but the Sub was on backorder-I was told 1-2 weeks, but it ended up being nearly two months.
Well, now for my dilemma (and what indirectly led to my becoming a Polkie)--The sub was on eternal backorder-(I won't go into any detaimyabout my disatisfied experience with the whole order process at BB). So I used my older, yet somewhat capable 120w Sony sub in the meantime.
While I was impressed with the improvement in sound over my previous speakers ( I was hooked-I could now 'enjoy' music on my system-something I never really did before--My preference for music was the Bose Sounddock, the Bose headphones, or my car-but never my Home Theater-that was just for movies and TV). I still didn't have the new sub and still felt something lacking (its a large open family room with cath ceilings, not your ideal room for audio). The speakers were certainly an improvement-by far-but still not enough. Didn't know what it was, but I didn't think it was the sub-Maybe its my room acoustics? I manualy set each speaker distance and levels meticulously with an SPL--improved but still lacking. Lacking what? Well I can't speak the wine connioseur speak of the audio world yet, but I would say lacking volume, clarity, depth, wow factor. So I searched on...at some point I picked up the bigger better audio enthusiast bug. Now I am into it deep.
. Oh the sleepless nights on the forums, ebay, etc, etc.Another driving factor in my decisioon to upgrade was an experience at a friends cocktail party-He had some 80's music playing fairly loud, a song style I don't particluarly care for (and I like and listen to a lot of styles-but certain 80s music just irks me-perhaps because i was a teen in that decade and had a closed mind to music that wasn't in my click-I don't know butto this day...)-Anyway this song (although it really wasn't the song-but the system-what it did to the song, just took me to a zone-I felt like the music was everywhere- When the song was over I was just like 'wow'. I don't recall the setup he had, I only recall that it involved a set of floor standers, and I didn't take this guy as an audio enthusiast, but that he certainly didn't skimp on his stuff.
Since then I've acquired a pair of RTi12s, FXi3s, a CSi5 and some TC615i's. I've become polkified. Of course something is still missing-the complete WOW effect-and the wife doesn't notice anything different. But I learned via this and other good forums, that it was my receiver/amp that was likely the weak link now. Anyway the reciever/amp issue is in the process of being resolved (still working on mounting for the new rears / surrounds).
OK back to the jist of it--7 weeks later- Still no sub-and no ETA of ever getting one-As a matter of fact BB wanted to cancel my order and refund my money-What? refund me $0 and no sub? I think not. So I asked them to extend the backorder. Anyway I finally decided to wrap up the Klipsch set to return it knowing it was over 30 days, but also knowing I had the uppper hand with the fact that the sub still hadn't arrived. I can't say anything negative about the set, except that it definately requires a sub, and the grills rattled off when I cranked it up-(which invoked a devlish sense of satisfaction
). Before I was able to get to the store, I had to go on business travel. Of course, as Madden's Law goes, the sub shows up while I am away-I knew now that I would have a more difficult time with my return-so far I am right-I am getting the run around from BB and BB online as to who I should be dealing with-but this whole process has been a major pain thus far-sorry I said I was going into any detail....Anyway it seems that if I am able to return them at all (The sub is still NIB unopened), I would only get a store credit-so this will prevent me from looking into other subs available elsewhere (such as the Polk DSWPro 500 or something).So for the meat of this request:
Maybe its a no brainer, but I keep going back and forth and can't make a decision. Keeping in mind the price I paid for the Klipsch setup:
Is the Sub-12 worth keeping? And having the SLs to use in another smaller room? Would I be happy with the Sub-12?
Or am I better off returning them for a BB store credit and getting something else they carry?
Would selling them on ebay or something be the better route?
If BB carried Onkyo, I might have opted to just get my Onkyo SR805, but they don't, and they don't carry Polk. They do carry Definitive tech, Klipsch, etc.. I hate to pay retail for anything-I strive to get the best abng for my buck when possible. Sometimes I realize its not, but I fell very limited with a store credit.
If I get the credit, can anybody make suggestions as to what would benefit me most with the $639 credit? I don't mind adding some $$ to that if its worth it, I just want to do the best thing. While I am most concerned about getting a good sub, I am not object to getting something else of audio value and buying my sub elsewhere if that ends up being the better choice.
I started out with a really low WAF score from the very beginning. My original goal was to simply upgrade the Center channel, with the thought process that that would improve dialog in movies without having to have the system cranked. The wife simply has no 'ear' and simply can't stand even the slightest volume. She would probably be happy with the built in speakers on the TV itself :eek:. Somewhere along the line I deciced to upgradfe lal the speakers-hence the Klipsch set. Even then I though I was stretching the amount I was spending. I had to fudge or even avoid revealing the actual amount I spent on the Klipsch alone. The fact that I have since spent much much more (and I am sure it won't stop too soon-WHAT? now I have to buy ICs?), I just don't see the WAF score going up when she finds out I can't return the Klipsch set when that was the deal I made to get the Polks. Uhg. Damn this is an expensive hobby (passion?). The only way I can save face is to make the end result incredible for my wife (while maintaining a pos. bank balance). The main person to get full enjoyment out of this system is me. The only WAF improvement is that as long as I am happy, she'll be-of course only if I finish the endless hours of research on the forums soon and play with the kids.
.Ohh Oooh OOOooh-I think I know-maybe I can use the credit and buy a nice HD LCD for the bedroom--hmmm. Or maybe a BluRay--- Something I didn't think of before-with my mind on the audio stuff-Might be better for WAF than some speaker ssitting aournd waiting to be used--of course then I'll need a good set of speakers for the bedroom or actual BluRay movies now wouldn't I?? Oh it never ends!!! :eek:
How about this comparison:Klipsch RF-10 (Reference series 10" front firing) vs. Klipsch Sub-12 (12" downfiring)? Would the Klipsch 10" ref be better than the 12" They list for the same...
Do I have to worry about timbre matching a sub to my Polks?
Thanks all.
____________________
This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
Post edited by mmadden28 on
Comments
-
Well I've been back and forth with BB, I am finally getting approval to return the items for store credit. Any last opinions on whether I should keep the setup before I return them?
Summary:
The Quintet SL set is $799 list (currenlty), I was able to get it for $639 with the free sub (which is separately sold for $469).
Is the sub/set worth keeping for the $$ (I know a subjective question), or should I continue and return for the store credit?
Thanks____________________
This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
Pool: Atrium 60's/45's -
I don't see why you would get store credit, the 30 days should start when the order was complete, ie when the sub finally arrived.
Raise hell, get the $ back, all of it.Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service. -
The Sub12 isn't a bad sub, but's not worth $600+ or even $470, IMO. Get your store credit or a refund (preferable). I wouldn't buy any sub from BB, though the ML Grotto is very musical.
Combo rig:
Onkyo NR1007 pre-pro, Carver TFM 45(fronts), Carver TFM 35 (surrounds)
SDA 1C, CS400i, SDA 2B
PB13Ultra RO
BW Silvers
Oppo BDP-83SE -
Thanks!!____________________
This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
Pool: Atrium 60's/45's -
It's all relative. I'm actually using a Sub-12 and I kind of like it. Having said that...I only paid $275 and I don't plan to keep it forever. I've got more pressing upgrades to make.
-
Damn, that was like reading Moby Dick. I am tired now.
-
Damn, that was like reading Moby Dick. I am tired now.
I know-I tend to do that-Took me a lot longer to write it...
Sorry.
But hopefully it will be a memorable story like Moby was-Perhaps a classic in every childs home library? ____________________
This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
Pool: Atrium 60's/45's -
I know-I tend to do that-Took me a lot longer to write it...
Sorry.
But hopefully it will be a memorable story like Moby was-Perhaps a classic in every childs home library?
LOL, yeah we will be taking about your sub for years to come....but hey, you can never ask too many questions. -
I don't see why you would get store credit, the 30 days should start when the order was complete, ie when the sub finally arrived.
Raise hell, get the $ back, all of it.
Well, more peril, based on my last conversation with 1-800-BB, I was confident that I was getting my authorization-I was very detailed in all the misery I experienced-but alas I got denied again. This is what they sent:
Michael,
I am Andrew with Best Buy Customer Care.
I apologize for any inconvenience you have experienced related to your order for speakers on Order number BBY01-232737xxxxxx. I regret to inform you that the speakers cannot be returned as they are past the return timeframe.
I apologize for the inconvenience and trouble this has caused you. We look forward to your next visit to one of our stores or to w w w.B e s t B u y.com.
I get no better support from the local store either-they said i had to get the approval from the online folks first. I sent one last request for them to reconsider. I get the feeling they just don't care about 'customer care' at all.
One would think that since they are still selling the Sub-12, and still apparently have none in stock (still backordered), that they would be happy to take the SEALED UNOPENED NEW IN BOX subwoofer I still have back, so they can fulfill one of their other orders.
Worst case, I'll try to return them with no reciept and request a store credit.
I think I am done with BB for any major purchases.____________________
This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
Pool: Atrium 60's/45's -
I will buy the Klipsch set from you. PM me your contact info.
Luis -
Update:
I was finally able to return the set to BB just before my trip to Disney (4/21). I spoke to the somebody at the store (who relayed my issue to the manager), and I finally got approval to return for store credit only. I immediately brought them back to the store and mentioned I got the managers phone approval to return the set. There was no verification and actually got a full credit back to my card-no store credit. Didn't really matter to me though-I bought a new HD camcorder that they had on sale only at BB, so I would have spent the money anyway. At least now it went toward a more meaningful purchase rather than on a set of speakers that I wouldn't have gotten much use out of. I only regret not being able to at least try the sub out first-I wanted to keep it NIB to help my return possibilities.
Sorry to those that recently offered to buy them from me. I wasn't ignoring you, just not active in the forum or email in preparation for my trip and of course the actual trip to Disney World. Finally back and just catching up...
-Madden____________________
This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
Pool: Atrium 60's/45's -
I bet your wife has already told you 3-4 times to stop filming her since your new purchase.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
-
Ha-No, but the 30 some odd squads of cheerleaders that happend to be competing that week at the Magic Kingdom, were looking at me funny. The thing has a nice 12x optical zoom, and with the HD, even the digital zoom looks real good. By the way I got the Canon Vixia HF10.____________________
This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
Pool: Atrium 60's/45's
