Polk Audio Vs. Klipsch speakers, which is better?

tdogroeder · August 2005

I have a Yamaha RX-V757 7.1 reciever, and I was thinking about going with Polk Audio RTi6 for fronts, CSi5 for center and FXi5 for surround backs. And Klipsch speakers in the same price range. What would be better?

Also, What speaker would be good for the surround speakers since I can have surround back and surround speakers?

audiobliss · August 2005

No one can tell you which speakers are 'best'. You'd have to look at the spec sheet and compare their power handling, construction materials, frequency response, impedance levels, efficiency, etc. to determine which are 'best'. However, audio is a subjective thing, and it doesn't really matter how a speaker looks on paper but how it sounds to you. The only way to get an accurate answer to your question is to find a store that sells Polk and Klipsch (or two stores, each carrying one), and audition them.

Having said that, Polk and Klipsch, I would say, are two very very different speakers. Polk typically, I believe, has silk dome tweeters that are 'smoother', 'softer', and 'mellower'. Klipsch uses aluminum (or titanium...I forgot which) compression dome tweeters with horns that make for 'hard', 'detailed', 'crisp', and some would say 'harsh' sound. It really depends on what strikes your fancy.

As you can tell from looking at my signature, I'm a fan of Klipsch speakers. I don't find them harsh at all with my Yamaha receiver, and I'm in love with their sound. However, you may think they're the brightest things you've ever heard. I haven't critcally listened to (well, anything, lol) Polk speakers, so I can't say much about them, but again, it comes down to what you and your ears like.

Go out and listen and decide for yourself.

screxer · August 2005

Only you can say which is better to your ears. For me personally, I much prefer the more laid back, warmer sound of a Polk Audio speaker to a Klipsch. I have auditioned everything from Klipsch Reference to their THX Ultra 2 systems and in every case, the brightness gives me a headache if listened to long enough...I never have this fatiguing sound out of a Polk speaker...especially when combined with a Harman/Kardon receiver.

TroyD · August 2005

Well, this being a Polk forum and all....I'm willing to bet the concensus here would be Polk. Go to the Klipsch forum and they will probably say Klipsch.

Go listen to them both and pick the ones YOU like.

BDT

Eman · August 2005

In seperate listening tests the Klipsch speakers always sounded brighter than all others being compared to. It is a very different sound than Polk but even some Polk speakers labeled as bright like the RTi8, are still warmer when compared to any of the Klipsch offerings. For this very same reason I decided to go with Polk as the Harman Kardon receiver I own is already brighter than the Sony I used to have. Im on my way to pick up a pair of M70s for $630@CC which I prefered them over the bright RTi8 and even brighter Klipsch speakers. I hope the HK + Monitor 70 combo works out as I am tired of looking for speakers.

The point here is that even speakers from the same manufacturer can sound different and it is best for you to sample them with your own music. Even a receiver can make speakers sound different so try them out at home with your gear.

ND13 · August 2005

That has to be the first time I've ever heard anyone say that their HK was brighter than a Sony.

audiobliss · August 2005

^ Sorta what I thought.

danger boy · August 2005

tdogroeder wrote:

I have a Yamaha RX-V757 7.1 reciever, and I was thinking about going with Polk Audio RTi6 for fronts, CSi5 for center and FXi5 for surround backs. And Klipsch speakers in the same price range. What would be better?

Also, What speaker would be good for the surround speakers since I can have surround back and surround speakers?

Bose are better than Polk and Klipsch.. you knucklehead. :rolleyes:

audiobliss · August 2005

Rofl

reeltrouble1 · August 2005

Why Polk is better of course.

RT1

markmarc · August 2005

Also keep in mind how your room is decorated. Wood floors, minimalist furniture and window coverings will only exaggerate Klipsch's bright sound. On the other hand, if you have lost a little bit of high frequency hearing or heavy capeting and furniture you may find the Klipsch's meet your tastes ideally. If at all possible, home demo both sets.
Last, but not least, enjoy the process.

Eman · August 2005

ND13 wrote:

That has to be the first time I've ever heard anyone say that their HK was brighter than a Sony.

Its true the new 698 598 and 998 also 997 are warmer even the cnet.com reviewer of the 698 thought the receiver was laid back and recommended the klipsch speakers for it. I kind of liked the low end output but you cant beat that crystal clear Harman Sound.

audiobliss · August 2005

reeltrouble1 wrote:

Why Polk is better of course.

RT1

Well, if we're going to do that.....KLIPSCH!!

MacLeod · August 2005

I really like the Klipsch sound, I just hate the name!

Polk all the way baby! The RTi6 is an outstanding speaker! One of my favorites to listen to when I go on my monthly trip to Tweeter to "play".

aaharvel · August 2005

polk vs. klipsch?

you gotta me **** kidding me.

Joey_V · August 2005

Drunk eh? ^^^

aaharvel · August 2005

Joey_V wrote:

Drunk eh? ^^^

boondangoed.

gregure · August 2005

One thing I can tell you for sure. I work with a lot of guys that have sold lots of different kinds of speakers, but they've all sold Klipsch at one point or another. And their absolute and consistent consensus is that Klipsch sucks. Fatiguing as all hell, which is probably why they all hate them, as they had to spend a good deal of time around them. Imagine your music coming out of a bullhorn, and you have a general idea of how Klipsch sounds. Polk is a much better speaker in my opinion, and will better display the benefits of better gear (better amp, cables, recordings) than Klipsch. Klipsch bass also tends to be boomy and messy, not articulate. As everyone said, I suggest you audition yourself, but you asked for our opinions, so there it is.

jrausch · August 2005

When I sell Klipsch speakers to my clients, I never sell a Yamaha receiver along with speakers. It sounds fine if you run it at low volume, but when you crank it up your ears start to bleed. I always push Denon to match the characteristics of the Klipsch speakers. You get a much warmer sound when you crank them harder and the Denon seems to handle the lower impedances with more authority and punch. Polk's would be the best match in my opinion for your current setup.

-Jer
:cool:

dorokusai · August 2005

Oh, NM.

audiobliss · August 2005

gregure wrote:

Imagine your music coming out of a bullhorn, and you have a general idea of how Klipsch sounds.

No, don't do that. Go listen to them; then you'd have a pretty good idea of what they sound like.

jrausch wrote:

When I sell Klipsch speakers to my clients, I never sell a Yamaha receiver along with speakers. It sounds fine if you run it at low volume, but when you crank it up your ears start to bleed.

I've never regretted pairing my Klipsch RF-35 with my Yamaha receiver.

All this does is to stress even more how subjective all of this is. Go out and listen to this stuff. Then come tell us what you found out.

dorokusai wrote:

Oh, NM.

Aww, I wanted to see what you said.

Willow · August 2005

Eman wrote:

It is a very different sound than Polk but even some Polk speakers labeled as bright like the RTi8, .

Funny how the same line up RTi :4, 6,8,10,12 have the same tweets yet some say the one is brighter than the others. Wouldn't that be like saying the Pontiac Vibe goes faster then the Matrix?

tdogroeder · August 2005

I did go out and listen to them, and I was surprised at how much of a difference there is. The Klipsch were much higher with there highs and Polk were a softer smoother sounding. I think I will be going with Polk.
Thanks guys for all your opions and help.

billbillw · August 2005

Klipsch speakers give me a headache. To harsh :eek:

Mazeroth · August 2005

Molly McButter!

Joey_V · August 2005

I dont share the same anti-Klipsch sentiment some have. I think they are fine speakers and are excellent for HT due to their high efficiency and the transient dynamics that the horns give them.

That said, I feel that for music and critical listening, they are a bit too forward and they certainly arent something you want to listen to when you're trying to relax or if you have a slight headache you want to get rid of.

Klipsch has a WOW factor that usually impresses the newbie listener within the first 2 minutes of hearing them. The clarity, the emphasis on the vocals, etc. However, fatigue sets in and Klipsch is bashed.

Toxis · August 2005

Willow wrote:

Funny how the same line up RTi :4, 6,8,10,12 have the same tweets yet some say the one is brighter than the others. Wouldn't that be like saying the Pontiac Vibe goes faster then the Matrix?

depends on the power to weight ratio. Also depends on the transmission gearing. To many factors here for that point to be right.

Now I hear a difference between the speakers even though they have the same tweeters. Did you even put into consideration the x-over and how it's effecting the tweeter/sound? What about the enclosure dynamics? I'm sure those would change the sound as well...

Willow · August 2005

Toxis, you have a point

Eman · August 2005

Willow wrote:

Funny how the same line up RTi :4, 6,8,10,12 have the same tweets yet some say the one is brighter than the others. Wouldn't that be like saying the Pontiac Vibe goes faster then the Matrix?

Well, if a speaker has less output in the mid or lower frequencies then the highs will stand out more so I would describe them as being brighter - how else to describe this I dont think there is another way.

The RTis dont all have the same response so therefore they sound different.

PolknPepsi · August 2005

Polk and Klipsch......the two most opposite sopunding speakers I ever heard. Oh wait a minute, they are the only two brands I have ever owned.

VR3 · August 2005

Willow wrote:

Funny how the same line up RTi :4, 6,8,10,12 have the same tweets yet some say the one is brighter than the others. Wouldn't that be like saying the Pontiac Vibe goes faster then the Matrix?

The RTi70 had a similar "problem" for me... and I have heard alot of the other speakers in that line, and they were not that bright.

I narrowed it down to three things...

1) The midbasses right next to each other crossed over at the same exact frequency. They were very forward on their approach.

2) The crossover or crossover point.

3) Design goals, perhaps due to where the price range sits with these speakers, they make the speaker brighter/design it brighter to make it stand out from all the other speakers in the room. Very old trick that is still alive today. The RT800, RT800i, RTi70, RTi8 may be designed around getting your attention... and thus have a slightly brighter top end with a bit more forward midrange section.

Just because speakers all use the same drivers will not make them THE SAME. Crossover points, tuning, tweeter height - its all different and it all effects the sound.

Polk Audio Vs. Klipsch speakers, which is better?

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