Advice on Upgrading Speakers

[Chitown2477]

I have a Yamaha 5740 home theater receiver that is rated 85watts x 6 channels (6.1 high power amp), 8ohms. I was part of a HTIB that cost $500. I have upgraded my sub to a Definitive Technology Pro Sub 60. All other 6 six speakers came with the HTIB.

My goal is to upgrade all front L/R, center, and surrounds to have more clarity and overall better performance. I use the system for 75% movies and 25% music.

I am thinking about Klipsch speakers (RF-62 Floorstanding Loudspeaker for
front L/R, RC-52 Center Channel for center, and RB-61 Bookshelf Loudspeaker for surrounds). I think that the overall quality of speakers, increased sensitivity (from 89 to about 96), and improved RMS (from about 70 to 125) will give me what I am looking for.

Any thoughts or feedback to let me know I am on the right track? I most want to know if my amp will be over-taxed by the speakers.

Thanks!

 

[markw]

Sounds like they would work, but let me clear up a misconception.

I think that the overall quality of speakers, increased sensitivity (from 89 to about 96),

Yes, these are quite efficient speakers and will make the most out of every watt the a,plifier provides them with.

and improved RMS (from about 70 to 125) will give me what I am looking for.

Now, here's your misconception. Speakers don't MAKE watts. Amplifiers make them. Speakers simply absorb them and convert them into sound. In this case, that watt rating simply means that you can use a more powerful amplifier with these speakers.

That's like saying that putting tires rated at 200 mph on a Yugo will increase the power of the car.

 

[Kai]

What sounds great to me may not sound the same to you.
My suggestion is to grab a couple of your favorite music cd's and movie dvd's then head to a couple of stereo shops and start listening.
Let your ears and budget be the judge.

I have the usual BB offerings as well as Paradigm, Jamo and another similar brand or two in my area and went with Paradigm as my speakers of choice. I use them 75% for movie and tv viewing, the rest for radio, music dvd's and cd's.
I paid $350, plus tax, for my Monitor 3's and $200 for the Atoms, which make great surrounds due to their small size and good sound reproduction for the cost. I also have their Titans, replaced by the 3's, which cost $220 and are also quite good but not in the league of the 3's.

My Yamaha RX-V659 receiver provides plenty of power and the sound of the Paradigms is quite nice and well matched to the Yamaha.

I suggest you give a budget for your speaker purchase. That makes a huge difference.

Good luck and keep us informed.

 

[Chitown2477]

Thanks for the quick feedback and clarification. My Budget is can be as high as $1,500. I have a Definitive Technology Pro Sub 60 so I am fine with the subwoofer. My budget is for the FR/C/FL and surrounds. I am also looking at the Infinity Primus 360 Towers for fronts, Infinity Primus 160 Bookshelves for surround (L/C/R), and Infinity Primus C25 center.

The difference between the Infinity and Klipsch sets is price. I can get the Infinity for less than $900 and the Klipsch for about $1,500. Going with the Infinity allows to also by a power conditioner that is an upgrade over the Monster power bar I have now. (I live in a very old 2-flat and am concerned with surge, etc).

I heard the Klipsch and they sound amazing. I have not heard the Infinity set but have been told by everyone at Circuit City that they sound great (however, they REALY push the Infinity line so I am not sure how biased they feedback is). Nonetheless, Klipsch I think is better than Infinity but understand that the offset is price. My goal is a speaker set that will last for the next 10-15 years.

Any more advice would be great!

 

[Jack Hammer]

I heard the Klipsch and they sound amazing. I have not heard the Infinity set but have been told by everyone at Circuit City that they sound great (however, they REALY push the Infinity line so I am not sure how biased they feedback is). Nonetheless, Klipsch I think is better than Infinity but understand that the offset is price. My goal is a speaker set that will last for the next 10-15 years.

Any more advice would be great!

I wouldn't give to much creed to what they tell you, you never know what their motivation is or experience level is. Bottom line is buy what YOU think sounds best, you are the one who will be listening to them, not the guys at CC. Also, you may want to look around at other audio stores and see (listen) to what they have, you may find a good deal on a floor model that you like more.

I'm assuming you are in Chicago, based on your screen name. Check out the Saturday Audio Exchange on Belmont and sheffield. They have many good deals on used equipment. Like mentioned, bring something you are familiar with to listen to. Their hours are very limited, so check their website for when they are open.

 

[markw]

I'll second that Saturday Audio Exchange suggestion.

I wish I lived close to them. I've purchased several items, both used and demo, from them over the years and have received nothing but stellar service, first from Randy and more lately from Charles, I believe.

I always check out ther used page. some good stuff shows up there. Naturally, it'a more than ebay or a garage sale, but they do guarantee their stuff, know how to pack it, and you know who you're dealing with.

I would love to have access to their physical store.

Oh, chi, remember that sound is a personal preference. Don't let anyone tell you what sounds good to you, particularly a salesman. It's no big trick for speakers to last at least 15 years. The trick is finding one you can live with for that long.

 

[Jack Hammer]

I would love to have access to their physical store.

Yeah, they have some nice toys. I was in there looking around last weekend. There is a lot more stuff in the store than they list on their website, including a wall of used amps, recievers, tape decks,etc. Overall, pretty cool stuff.

Plus they have a Denon rep who always seems to be there when I stop in. He's pretty honest about how his product compares to other stuff, it really makes me like the brand much more. That and the people their genuinely care about audio in general, they don't try to sell you things you don't need.

Jack

 

[dentman67]

Klipsch speakers have that either " love it " or "hate it " sound. There is nothing wrong with the sound of (lower end) Klipsch speakers if it's the sound you like . I would tell you to go and listen to a more netural sounding speaker so you have a good understanding of what flatter sounding speaker sounds like .

As for the Infinity's I have yet to hear a pair of speakers made by them in the last 20 years I like . Again how much you like the sound of a speaker is up to the person buying them.

I was running Boston Acoustic speakers for years (VR-950'S) and loved them but the upper freq boost that they had did always bother me a bit. I not long ago bought a pair , + 1 for the center ch of Madisound DIY 5" Vifa MTM's and have been blown away by just how much better a good flat freq responce (within reason) speaker sounds.

I had the chance to demo some Paradigm Mini Monitor's and Studio 20's in my room and was also impressed with them very much. If I were you I would skip buying all new speakers and just use that money to buy 3 of the best speakers you can and then add the back ch's when the funds are there. The front soundstage is very important .

 

[corey]

Dentman's comment on upgrading your front 3 is a good one. I have Klipsch RB-61's and an RC-52 up front & 4 Infinity US-1's in the rear. I guess I'll upgrade the rears sometime, but am in no big hurry.

Keep in mind that some people who talk about the way Klipsch speakers sound have not listened to the Reference IV line.

 

[Chitown2477]

Thanks for the feedback. I will buy the Klipsch speakers mentioned in the next day or two.