Klipsch vs. Polk

[Noahd]

Hi all,

I am new to audioholics and also new to the speaker world. I am looking to purchase my first pair of speakers along with an amplifier. Right now I am currently in the middle of Klipsch R-15M and Polk T15. As far as amps go I mostly have only looked at pyle but am open to other suggestions. I am looking to spend around 200-400 for everything (amp and speakers), but keeping cost down is preffered. I've done some research already and it seems as though the Klipsch speakers have a slightly different sound due to their horn tweeters, that being said, what I really want to know is which speaker can get that bass boomin the best

Thanks,
Noah

 

[afterlife2]

Ok, so this I guess is just for music? Receiver, CD player and speaker setup right?

 

[afterlife2]

These are on sale right now, so right in your budget:
Speakers:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882269009&Tpk=N82E16882269009&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-BensBargains.com (Internet Brands)-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=404255&SID=488726_desktop
or
Speaker Option 2:
http://philharmonicaudio.com/aa.html

Receiver:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00V5VJ3TM
You will want to add a subwoofer as well, most bookshelf's speakers need one:
http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1200-12-120-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-629

 

[j_garcia]

Definitely not the Polks. The AAs mentioned are probably as good as you'll find at the price point, but are half the total budget. With a $400 budget though, I'd say you WANT to spend about half on speakers alone. I might consider a refurb unit from AC4L.com to bring the cost down so you can put that much toward speakers.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs500bt/denon-avr-s500bt-5.2-ch-x-70-watts-bluetooth-a/v-receiver/1.html

 

[ski2xblack]

If you're still in the Klipsch zone, get ears on the RP-160. They come as both standard style passive speakers, and also a version with amplification (although not a fully active design) and all sorts of connectivity, even an on board phono pre. They're quite decent sounding.

 

[Noahd]

Ok, so this I guess is just for music? Receiver, CD player and speaker setup right?

Yes mostly for music, Occasionally I would want to hook it up to my TV via the Aux cord for movies. really no interest in CD player, preferably Aux or Bluetooth

 

[afterlife2]

Yes mostly for music, Occasionally I would want to hook it up to my TV via the Aux cord for movies. really no interest in CD player, preferably Aux or Bluetooth

OK THEN WHAT I Suggested then should be good.

 

[shadyJ]

For the sake of simplicity and high sound quality, I would be looking at active monitors. One new one that looks interesting is the Behringer Nekkst series. Look at the K8. Heavy duty 8" woofer, 150 watts bi-amplified. Depending on the response measurements, Behringer could have another winner in that one. I'd love to measure one. Or you could stick with the classic proven performer the B2031A. Both of these should have solid to below 60 Hz. Pioneer has an interesting new product with the DJ Bulit series, here is the 6. Could be interesting, but I would want to see some measurements for it. You could also play it safe and get a JBL LSR. If you are interested in good bass performance, save up a bit more and get the LSR308. That will hit hard and should remain very clean in doing so. Nicely accurate speaker.

 

[Cosmic Char]

Spend the $200 on the philharmonic AA speakers. It will be the best starting and inexpensive investment you can make when breaking into the hifi world.

 

[Noahd]

Definitely not the Polks. The AAs mentioned are probably as good as you'll find at the price point, but are half the total budget. With a $400 budget though, I'd say you WANT to spend about half on speakers alone. I might consider a refurb unit from AC4L.com to bring the cost down so you can put that much toward speakers.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs500bt/denon-avr-s500bt-5.2-ch-x-70-watts-bluetooth-a/v-receiver/1.html

Out of curiosity, why not the polks. I read that Polk tsi100 has rather good bass production

 

[j_garcia]

The lower Polks are not good. That's my opinion, though it is shared by many. As always, YMMV, so you'd have to listen to them.

 

[afterlife2]

Another sub to consider since it just went on sale: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Klipsch-Sub-12HG-Synergy-Series-12-Inch-300-Watt-Subwoofer-with-High-Gloss-Trim-/291677927075?customid=c5585b600d5911e69add82b003bfdcdb0INT&pub=5574652453&campid=5335869999&afepn=5335869999&afepn=5335869999&rmvSB=true

 

[zieglj01]

Look at the AA speakers as mentioned - they will have good strong bass to hold you.

I am a member of the same group that do not prefer the lower Polk.

Your call

 

[Noahd]

Well I have narrowed down the search to the AAs and the Klipsch R-15Ms. My biggest concern is I haven't really heard much about the AAs, and yet I have heard quite a bit about Klipsch, and the Philharmonic Audio website looks kind of sketchy. On top of that, I also managed to find the R-15Ms for $125. If the AAs are really that much better I would be willing to get them. Also does anyone know where I could test out the AAs

 

[KenM10759]

My only comment about the Klipsch is that generation is a bit bright. As long as you know that and are OK with it, they're good for the money. I prefer a tweeter to be a little more laid back while still offering detail, and that's why I would take the AA's in a New York minute.

 

[Cosmic Char]

If you have any questions or concerns, email Phil at Philharmonic's. He is very approachable and responded to my questions within 24-48 hours.

 

[afterlife2]

Do a search on Dennis Murphy and you'll see how highly regarded his work is. I think most of this forum has purchased his speaker line.

 

[j_garcia]

Dennis Murphy is an incredible speaker designer. The site looks basic because it is an independent company. My take on this: Klipsch makes speakers to sell speakers. Dennis makes speakers because he loves music/audio reproduction and tinkering

I don't like bright speakers either, so Klipsch pretty much would be off my list. Not that they are bad, but not to my taste.

 

[Noahd]

Thanks everyone