I've seen such long threads on Klipsch that another is in order. Review all those threads, and you'll have to admit, they're very controversial. You love 'em - you hate 'em, and if you try to write in the middle, they think you hate 'em.
Why do these speakers drive such forceful reviews? There can't be any other reason, but that they are fantastic speakers! Of course, I am focusing on the Heritage line (being Klipschorn, LaScala, Belle and Cornwall). This needs to be clear.
So, why the disagreement when you focus on Klipsch's top models? Here's what I think. You have alot of folks who do not have proper amps to drive these speakers. A "good" Marantz, Pioneer, Kenwood is not at all suitable for these speakers - that is, if you want to crank them for what they're worth. For those of you who've been there, you missed out, but don't blame your misfortune on the speakers. It was your amp.
Then, there are others who live in confined areas like dorms and apartments, or for whatever reason, just don't get to crank the Klipsch the way they were designed. If you're in that class, you would probably have a greater appreciation for the infinitessimally crisp high end you get out of those ridiculously expensive paper cone tweeters and mid-ranges that just can't blurt it out loud like the Klipsch. You might think your speakers are loud because you can hear them 6 rooms down in the dorm, but with the Klipsch, you hear them down to the end of the street. There's no comparison.
The Klipsch Heritage line was built to crank. When you crank them, they are still extremely clear, and they handle high loads very, very well. The definition is fantastic when you consider the rush they can deliver when driven at high volumes through a serious amp. If you're a rocker, try Rush's YYZ through the Klipsch, and be sure to push them real good. The production of the album was fantastic, the musicians are masters, and the speakers will give you a complete appreciation of both.
With Klipsch, though the definition is great, "great" is relative to what the overall purpose is. It is still not the same definition you can get through those $10,000 used McIntosh speakers that run about 25 tiny paper cones. But then, again, used Heritage series Klipsch cost nowhere near that, and those tiny paper cones in the high-def lines will NEVER deliver the physical "thump" and "crash" excitement that Klipsch can deliver.
If you think those paper cones DO deliver the "thump," then, we need to be clear. I am accustomed to my Klipsch, so the "thump" to me would probably be to you more like whacking you upside the head with an axe.... with a real sharp blade, though. The Klipsch are not painful. They just cleanly rock the hell out of the place.
So, IMHO, if definition at the high end is extremely, extremely crucial, buy the $10,000 set of 25 little paper cones, and play them at 20 watts per channel. You'll love the clarity. And with the medium volumes they can deliver, they'll sound pretty sophisticated at a jazz bar where people can talk.
But if you think $1,000-2,000 in used speakers ought to come with the ability to make you feel like you are actually AT the concert and in front row seats, Klipsch Heritage series definitely delivers. But, there's one major difference. The production that goes into market CD's by far tops what can be delivered in a live performance. So, with the Klipsch, you get production quality sound while you're at the concert and in the front row.
Anybody disagree?