Klipsch vs Athena.... [Archive] - Audioholics Home Theater Forums

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bert99

12-26-2002, 09:40 PM

Hi everyone, i new to this board and to home theater in general.
I'm about to buy a basic system with the following.:

Denon AVR-1803 or AVR-3802 (not decided yet)
with either
Klipsch SF-2 line
or
Athena ASF2 line.
A friend owns Klipsch and i was sold, but then i listened to the Athena and found them to be very good as well...

Is there really a clear winner between the 2<img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'>

song

12-31-2002, 06:27 AM

I have the ASF2 speakers, and compared them to the Klipsch RF3-II speakers. First of all, i prefered the ASF2 due to the front ported design over the rear ported RF3s. I have to place the speakers close to back walls and the rear ports sounded too boomy. Secondly, i found the ASF2 to be very clear sounding, tight bass, and has liked the "smoother" highs on it than the "brighter" highs off the RF3s. The ASF2 had a more "natural" sound to me, which i preferred. I returned the RF3 and bought the Athenas for $729 Canadian compared to the $999 CAD on the RF3, and very happy with my choice. BTW, i bought them two months ago. If you're in Canada, Futureshop has the ASF2 on sale for $529 CAD right now!

The ASF2 is very well built and heavy at 51 pounds. Great clear natural sound, and can't beat it for the price. I also listened to comparable Polks.

LongBinh6

01-02-2003, 01:37 AM

bert 99,

Just for your info, the 3802 is also sold under the AVR-1082. They are the same identical unit.  This may help you if you shop online for prices.  I've seen the 1082 for about $650 US.

As for the speakers, the Klipsch RF-3II and the SF-2 are different speakers.  The RF-3II are more expensive.  From looking at the audio bible several differences seem to be that the Athena AS-F2 weigh about 51lbs and the Klipsch SF-2 about 39lbs.  The Athena has a sensitivity rating of 93 dB and the Klipsch 96dB.  Thus the Klipsch require half the power output (as the Athena's) from your amp for the same sound level.  This would only be important if you really play your sound very loud!  I haven't listened to these exact models but I do own a Klipsch theater system.  From general impressions you might find the Klipsch to be more dynamic and the Athena's perhaps more accurate.  The July/August Sound and Vision Magazine had a very complimentary review on a different Athena system, The Athena Point 5.

LB6         <img src="http://www.audioholics.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

LongBinh6

01-13-2003, 06:20 AM

Just in case you come back to this forum:

FYI:  

See a review of the Athena AS-F2 speakers online at www.stereophile.com (stereophile Magazine).  Search their archives section and then budget components for a very favorable reiveiw on these speakers.