New speaker help please

[Klipschholic]

Ok I’m at a dilemma (a good dilemma though). So after switching to Separate Amps (currently using a Pioneer elite SC-55 paired with an Anthem A5 Also have a Parasound 5250 v2.) I’m at ends about speakers. I have been a long time klipsch Fan but im not a person to shove off other speakers and have listened to Paradigm and B&W recently. I since upgrading to a Separate amp have sold my Klipsch Speakers (some not all) I sold the two main RF-83s and RC-64 Center and have a bigger budget now to get new speakers. I’m in debate on the following and could use some extreme opinions I want all ups and downs form owners of any of the brands please.

Looking at getting either

Klipsch RF-7ii’s with RC-64ii center

Klipsch PF-37s with

B&W 803d with HTM1 or HTM2

Not sure on Paradigms yet probably going to choose between the Klipsch and B&Ws to be honest. Also looked at Thiel but have never listened to them.

Please let me know of your experiences. If I do switch to B&W then I will replace my 4 surrounds and my 2 Height Channels with matching sets but I will be buying them later so I can have a larger budget for the main speakers first.

As for my subs sorry but after owning dual SVS Ultra13 and my subs now they aren’t going anywhere. I love the beyond comprehension ferocity of the 4 Klipsch THX KW-120s paired with 2 KA-1000 Amps

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Since you've already been there and done it with Klipsch (which I also like), I think it's time to move on and diversify.

I got my $15K shiny brand new piano black B&W 802D2 from an authorized dealer for $12K delivered and setup inside my HT room. So I also like B&W.

But others to consider would be KEF & Revel.

What kind of prices are you seeing?

What is your budget? The 803D2 are $10K/pr MSRP, say 15% discount = $8500.

Perhaps B&W 805D2 x 5 = $12500 MSRP, but perhaps a 20% discount for entire package = $10,000.

I believe you are set with the SVS subs as they are great subs.

 

[cpp]

Ok I’m at a dilemma (a good dilemma though). So after switching to Separate Amps (currently using a Pioneer elite SC-55 paired with an Anthem A5 Also have a Parasound 5250 v2.) I’m at ends about speakers. I have been a long time klipsch Fan but im not a person to shove off other speakers and have listened to Paradigm and B&W recently. I since upgrading to a Separate amp have sold my Klipsch Speakers (some not all) I sold the two main RF-83s and RC-64 Center and have a bigger budget now to get new speakers. I’m in debate on the following and could use some extreme opinions I want all ups and downs form owners of any of the brands please.

Looking at getting either

Klipsch RF-7ii’s with RC-64ii center

Klipsch PF-37s with

B&W 803d with HTM1 or HTM2

Not sure on Paradigms yet probably going to choose between the Klipsch and B&Ws to be honest. Also looked at Thiel but have never listened to them.

Please let me know of your experiences. If I do switch to B&W then I will replace my 4 surrounds and my 2 Height Channels with matching sets but I will be buying them later so I can have a larger budget for the main speakers first.

As for my subs sorry but after owning dual SVS Ultra13 and my subs now they aren’t going anywhere. I love the beyond comprehension ferocity of the 4 Klipsch THX KW-120s paired with 2 KA-1000 Amps

Well some on here will have you spending $10,000 for speakers, so what's your budget and will you be replacing your fronts, centers, etc...

 

[Klipschholic]

. I have sold my Fronts and Center. (I used to have SVS subs but switched to 4 KW-120 THX ultra 2 subs from Klipsch which I love and won’t be parting with. For now I just want to replace the Fronts and Center. I have Klipsch RS-62 surrounds which are great for now and can swap latter. Just spent a lot of money on the 4 THX subs 2 KA-1000 Sub amps, an Anthem A5 and Elite Pro70 Led tv. Budget wise for the Fronts and Center total I would like to keep it around 6k for the 3 speakers maybe 6500 -7k depending on the deal I can find if u know what I mean.

 

[Klipschholic]

There is a pair of Mint B&W 803 s in beautiful cherry wood for about 2500 on ebay I could bid on. Any suggestions? What would be the best center to match with these if I were to get them?

 

[ski2xblack]

Since you've already been there and done it with Klipsch (which I also like), I think it's time to move on and diversify.

Even though I have a soft spot for Klipsch, I kind of agree. RF-7 and Palladium are a lateral move from RF-83. An image flashed through my mind of a trio of 'Scalas across the front stage, which would be a lot of fun. He's got the subwoofage to keep up with them. Hmmm.

 

[Klipschholic]

Yes I also share a soft spot with klipsch have had these for years and loved them. Just stepped into a different realm with separates now and started reading/researching deep into the new RF-7iis. To be honest I have always wanted RF-7s and when I got my 83 I loved them. I understand them being a lateral move but Im not sure they sound the same. I have read great things about the new RF-7iis that they are more detailed and in your face but still have the smoothness of the 83s. that is what im looking for. I could swap and start with different speakers as well such as lower DB 3 ways etc but id have to sell my height and 4 surrounds as well which I could do. Just wondering if id be better suited to set up new RF-7iis with a new RC-64ii and that Anthem A5? I don’t have room for 3 La scalls the mains sure but not my center lol. I’ll post a pic of my theater room to show you what I mean heh.

 

[Klipschholic]

The room in construction mode

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

There is a pair of Mint B&W 803 s in beautiful cherry wood for about 2500 on ebay I could bid on. Any suggestions? What would be the best center to match with these if I were to get them?

I think the MSRP for the 803S was $3K/pr brand new, so $2500 isn't a great price.

One time I almost (should have) bought a pair of 802 Nautilus for $3500.

Anyway, the 803S has 1" aluminum tweeter & 6" Kevlar midrange, so get another speaker (bookshelf or horizontal) w/ the same size & type tweeter & midrange.

 

[ski2xblack]

Yeah, I saw this room in your other thread.

The distance from your fronts to your listening position is far too short for speakers like RF-83 (or any big Klipsch for that matter). I would scale things back a bit if I were you, and look specifically for speakers that do well in your essentially near-field setup. The B&Ws you're considering would be better than the Klipsch, but you can probably do even better for such intimate listening distances. KEF? Check 'em out. They would work rather well in your small room.

Since you're coming from Klipsch, you will most likely be sacrificing dynamic prowess for better performance in other areas. Be ready.

 

[Klipschholic]

Hmm always loved the way the sounded in this listening area. I sit about 13 feet from the front of the Old 83s your saying a much smaller speaker would be optimal? The room is 15’ wide and 23’deep 9’ ceilings. This was an older pic I have since put up acoustic panels on the sides and rear wall as well.

 

[ski2xblack]

Your old Klipsch are a rather large array of drivers. It takes a minimum amount of distance for the output of the array to blend into a cohesive front. Your room's dimensions have you fighting against this. As far as Klipsch and your room go, I think the KL-650 THX would have been a more sensible choice for your mains originally. (If you decide to stick with Klipsch and are willing to go away from a tower, those are really rather good speakers worth considering.)

If you really want to do this right, get Floyd Toole's book on acoustics, study it, and get ears on an assortment of different speakers to put Toole's info into context. While speakers may be gorgeous furniture and nifty toys, they are fundamentally tools for music reproduction and should be chosen accordingly, as determined by the room and the user's particular demands.