Need an Opinion....or two. 3.1

[lovinthehd]

I think that key so far with the various very competent speakers and subs being propsed is to simply try some; more than one combination if you can in your own room.....but all these would likely yield smiles.

 

[KEW]

Now that I know you are heavily biased towards HT, I should bring up another option.

That is Klipsch. They are closing out some old inventory (or maybe they decided to do another production run and sell them cheap, who knows?) from their Reference series. You can get a pair of RB-61ii's for $330 via Amazon. Amazon gives you 30days to return and it is very easy and quicker than returning to the store assuming you have a UPS store nearby (just keep the packaging).

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-RB-61-Reference-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers/dp/B0040LRI96/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1486099761&sr=1-2&keywords=klipsch+rb-61+ii

If you look around, you will see the RF-82ii for $360 ea. that is a great deal, but be aware that the standard Amazon return policy will not apply as these are 75 lbs each and the seller doesn't pay return freight.

The Klipsch don't get a lot of love around here, they have the reputation of being harsh and I experienced that on earlier models I heard in the 80's. I do not hear any harshness on the current RF series and higher (I have not listened to lower). The horn does have a unique effect. AH member, ATLAudio has spent the time adjusting the toe-in and spacing of his so as to eliminate the unrealistic aspect of that effect (I have heard this), but out of the box, you will likely experience the effect I am talking about. I don't recommend Klipsch without suggesting you listen in a $ risk free situation.

Between the high efficiency and the horn, they are fun and dynamic speakers for HT! Also, they are hard to beat for rock (for the same reasons) and maybe not ideal for mellowing out.

The best thing is to order a pair of the RB-61ii's and see what you think. These will play loud enough to follow you into a future scenario (assuming nothing extravagant in the way of large rooms). Don't be tempted to buy the RB-81ii. In theory, crossing from a 6" vs 8" woofer to the same tweeter is easier for the 6" because it can more readily play higher frequencies up to the tweeter crossover without beaming (or the tweeter doesn't have to attempt to play as low). I think the 8" buys another 5Hz on the bottom...it is not that much and with a sub that is wasted money.

Review and discussion of the RF-62ii and RF-82ii here (the RB-61ii relates to the RF-62ii similar to how the 170 relates to the 340) :
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/klipsch-rf62-ii.95251/#post-1088658

PS: The newer versions are not necessarily better than the old. I think they have numbers like FR-28 and FR-280 (instead of RF-82). I know one of these is a cheaper variant custom to Best Buy. The other may be essentially the same or have some minor tweak, but don't be quick to assume you should spend more money.

 

[YogiBizz]

Now that I know you are heavily biased towards HT, I should bring up another option.

That is Klipsch. They are closing out some old inventory (or maybe they decided to do another production run and sell them cheap, who knows?) from their Reference series. You can get a pair of RB-61ii's for $330 via Amazon. Amazon gives you 30days to return and it is very easy and quicker than returning to the store assuming you have a UPS store nearby (just keep the packaging).

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-RB-61-Reference-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers/dp/B0040LRI96/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1486099761&sr=1-2&keywords=klipsch+rb-61+ii

If you look around, you will see the RF-82ii for $360 ea. that is a great deal, but be aware that the standard Amazon return policy will not apply as these are 75 lbs each and the seller doesn't pay return freight.

The Klipsch don't get a lot of love around here, they have the reputation of being harsh and I experienced that on earlier models I heard in the 80's. I do not hear any harshness on the current RF series and higher (I have not listened to lower). The horn does have a unique effect. AH member, ATLAudio has spent the time adjusting the toe-in and spacing of his so as to eliminate the unrealistic aspect of that effect (I have heard this), but out of the box, you will likely experience the effect I am talking about. I don't recommend Klipsch without suggesting you listen in a $ risk free situation.

Between the high efficiency and the horn, they are fun and dynamic speakers for HT! Also, they are hard to beat for rock (for the same reasons) and maybe not ideal for mellowing out.

The best thing is to order a pair of the RB-61ii's and see what you think. These will play loud enough to follow you into a future scenario (assuming nothing extravagant in the way of large rooms). Don't be tempted to buy the RB-81ii. In theory, crossing from a 6" vs 8" woofer to the same tweeter is easier for the 6" because it can more readily play higher frequencies up to the tweeter crossover without beaming (or the tweeter doesn't have to attempt to play as low). I think the 8" buys another 5Hz on the bottom...it is not that much and with a sub that is wasted money.

Review and discussion of the RF-62ii and RF-82ii here (the RB-61ii relates to the RF-62ii similar to how the 170 relates to the 340) :
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/klipsch-rf62-ii.95251/#post-1088658

PS: The newer versions are not necessarily better than the old. I think they have numbers like FR-28 and FR-280 (instead of RF-82). I know one of these is a cheaper variant custom to Best Buy. The other may be essentially the same or have some minor tweak, but don't be quick to assume you should spend more money.

Thanks Kurt. I'm from the Cincinnati area.

Are the Klipsch Rf-62ii anything like the r-15m from the RF28 system. The 28's are the only klipsch ive heard and I really wasnt to impressed? Also, would my Denon be able to push those Rf 82ii's well enough?

 

[KEW]

Thanks Kurt. I'm from the Cincinnati area.

Are the Klipsch Rf-62ii anything like the r-15m from the RF28 system. The 28's are the only klipsch ive heard and I really wasnt to impressed? Also, would my Denon be able to push those Rf 82ii's well enough?

They would be an easy load for the Denon. The sensitivity is probably around 92 which makes them pretty easy to drive.

Edit: see next post. The above is for the RB-61 ii, not the RF-82 ii! -KEW

As far as how they compare to the r-15m, I don't know. If you heard and disliked the RP-160m or the RP-150m, I would say forget Klipsch. The current model that actually replaced the RB-62ii is the RP-160m which appear to have a street (Amazon) price of $550/pr. vs the R-15m at $200/pair, so their must be some significant differences. To stick with 5" woofers, the RP-150m costs $420/pr. So it looks like for bookshelf speakers, the new dummied-down Reference series is about half the price of the new Reference Premere series (which equates to the old reference series). Unfortunate to see this "build a reputation then milk it with a cheaper product" tactic being used with the Klipsch Reference Series. Maybe you can find an RP-150 or 160 to listen to. If you like it, that would make testing a pair of RB-62 ii's wortwhile.
https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-RP-160M-Bookshelf-Speaker-Ebony/dp/B00RNZ6COS/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1486134639&sr=1-1&keywords=klipsch+rp-160m
https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-R-15M-Bookshelf-Speaker-Pair/dp/B00LMF41IY/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1486135077&sr=1-1&keywords=klipsch+r-15m
https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-RP-150M-Bookshelf-Speaker-Ebony/dp/B00RXHEIHE/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1486135185&sr=1-2&keywords=klipsch+rp-150m

Also found a good thread here. If you are in a rush, posts #6, #7, #13, and #14 offer the most specific info relative to your question; however there is plenty of other good info in the thread. It seems the R-15m is not a good indication of whether the RB-61 ii would be to your liking.

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/89-speakers/2532049-so-klipsch-r-15m-best-buy-not-actually-reference-speakers.html

 

[KEW]

Also, would my Denon be able to push those Rf 82ii's well enough?

Whoops!
I had the RB-61 ii's in mind and answered above for them.
The RF-82 ii is rated as 98dB, but I remember reading they fudge these numbers by 3-4dB where exact measurements were taken, so figure on 94-95 dB. Despite the fudged numbers, 94dB is excellent efficiency and easier load than the RB-61 ii's (I discounted the efficiency of the RB-61 ii's when I responded earlier, just didn't provide the explanation).

I know it is counter-intuitive that the smaller speaker requires more power than the larger speaker, but consider:
That is more power to get the same volume - a single 6" driver has to work much much harder than two 8" drivers to be as loud (move the same amount of air). If you look at the efficiency of the 340 vs 170, you will see the gains realized from two woofers vs one of the same size.
Intuitively, we think bigger~more power, that generally applies if we are talking how much power can the speaker handle.

 

[YogiBizz]

Whoops!
I had the RB-61 ii's in mind and answered above for them.
The RF-82 ii is rated as 98dB, but I remember reading they fudge these numbers by 3-4dB where exact measurements were taken, so figure on 94-95 dB. Despite the fudged numbers, 94dB is excellent efficiency and easier load than the RB-61 ii's (I discounted the efficiency of the RB-61 ii's when I responded earlier, just didn't provide the explanation).

I know it is counter-intuitive that the smaller speaker requires more power than the larger speaker, but consider:
That is more power to get the same volume - a single 6" driver has to work much much harder than two 8" drivers to be as loud (move the same amount of air). If you look at the efficiency of the 340 vs 170, you will see the gains realized from two woofers vs one of the same size.
Intuitively, we think bigger~more power, that generally applies if we are talking how much power can the speaker handle.

Okay! After all this advice and researching all the recommendations. I've decided to try out the Ascend 170's and 340, Phil. AA's and the Klipsch RP-150m.

 

[KEW]

Sorry you'll have to eat shipping on AA's, and ascends, but if you really want to know what you are doing, an in-home test for several days is better than any other option!!!
A question though. Why not trial the RB-61 ii from Amazon (or Crutchfield) instead of the RP-150m?

 

[YogiBizz]

Sorry you'll have to eat shipping on AA's, and ascends, but if you really want to know what you are doing, an in-home test for several days is better than any other option!!!
A question though. Why not trial the RB-61 ii from Amazon (or Crutchfield) instead of the RP-150m?

Did you find the RB-61ii's to have a better sound than the RP-150m? I just figured for the extra $90 would be justified in 150m's. Also, another member mentioned the KEF Q300's, do you have an opinion on those compared to the Klipsch, B&W's, and AA's?

 

[KEW]

Did you find the RB-61ii's to have a better sound than the RP-150m? I just figured for the extra $90 would be justified in 150m's. Also, another member mentioned the KEF Q300's, do you have an opinion on those compared to the Klipsch, B&W's, and AA's?

I have not heard the RP-150M's so cannot comment. Based on an earlier post, I was thinking your were considering the RF-82 ii's and the RB-61 ii would be the best speaker to evaluate the RF-82 ii's.

Sorry, the only KEF speaker I have spent time comparing is the ls50. While I can understand why many people like them, I did not. My comments are here (post 12 - also note post 13):
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/jbl-studio-530-or-kev-q300-bookshelf-speakers.105351/#post-1155951

 

[YogiBizz]

I have not heard the RP-150M's so cannot comment. Based on an earlier post, I was thinking your were considering the RF-82 ii's and the RB-61 ii would be the best speaker to evaluate the RF-82 ii's.

Sorry, the only KEF speaker I have spent time comparing is the ls50. While I can understand why many people like them, I did not. My comments are here (post 12 - also note post 13):
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/jbl-studio-530-or-kev-q300-bookshelf-speakers.105351/#post-1155951

To my understanding the Klipsch RP series is just a revamping of the RFii. I noticed a lot of reviews referring to the RF series as "too bright." and that the RP tweeked the Tweeter and changed the dimensions and make of the horn which supposedly resolving this issue. If this is the case, I feel like the extra dollas would be justified.

 

[KEW]

To my understanding the Klipsch RP series is just a revamping of the RFii. I noticed a lot of reviews referring to the RF series as "too bright." and that the RP tweeked the Tweeter and changed the dimensions and make of the horn which supposedly resolving this issue. If this is the case, I feel like the extra dollas would be justified.

Sounds good. I am happy with the sound of the 82ii, but there is (of course) room for improvement.
The RP-150M certainly should not be worse than the RB-61ii (aside from bigger woofer = deeper bass which doesn't matter with the sub in play).
Kudos to you for deciding to actually listen in your room and see what YOU like best!!!
At the end of the day it is time well spent to determine that you have speakers you like better than the others (and none of them are bad)!

 

[YogiBizz]

Sounds good. I am happy with the sound of the 82ii, but there is (of course) room for improvement.
The RP-150M certainly should not be worse than the RB-61ii (aside from bigger woofer = deeper bass which doesn't matter with the sub in play).
Kudos to you for deciding to actually listen in your room and see what YOU like best!!!
At the end of the day it is time well spent to determine that you have speakers you like better than the others (and none of them are bad)!

Thanks for your help. Itll probably be a month or two until I am able to trial and make a selection. Ill be sure to post on the thread my thoughts and my findings as I sample test each.