In Wall vs Book Shelf, Klipsch vs Bowers Wilkins

[michaelcorley]

I am upgrading my home theater.

Key questions:

1. How much degradation occurs when using in wall speakers vs free standing?
2. How outdated are my speakers
3. How does Klipsch compare with Bowers and Wilkins?

My objective is to have a significant improvement in sound quality from new speakers. My wife is presuring me to hide speakers if possible. My listening environment is 15x15 room. Use of equipment is 70% HT, 30% Music.

I am considering Klipsch in-wall speakers. KL 7800-THX, KL 6504-THX or R-5502. Not sure THX is worth the extra cost.

For the book shelf approach I am considering the Bowers and Wilkins CM5 and CM center.

I am also wondering whether sub-woofer technology has changed. Should I be upgrading this as well?

Current speakers include:

Klipsch KG 2.5 LR
Yamaha NS AC 300 Center
Klipsch Seires II SW8 Sub
Yamaha NS e60 Surround LR

I am powered by Onkyo TX-SR 805, PS3 Blu Ray and Panasonic 55 Plasma.

 

[slerch666]

I can't answer pretty much any of your questions except one.

When it comes to B&W vs Klipsch the answer will be... it depends.

Anyone that gives you the definitive answer is either lying or trying to sell you on their favorite brand.

Why do I say this?

Because as with all things sound, it comes down to your personal listening preference and hearing.

That being said, you should definitely figure out your price points (per speaker) then head over to a local hi-fi shop (or BB's Magnolia center) and compare side by side any model you are debating the purchase of. Don't limit yourself to just Klipsch and B&W as there are a ton of manufacturers out there that offer all sorts of speakers to meet all sorts of needs.


I do, however, say that I personally own B&W speakers. I compared Klipsch/Energy along with Def Tech, Polk, Martin Logan and a few others that I don't recall now and for me, the B&Ws really drove the point home. But just because I love my B&Ws doesn't mean you will hear the same thing I do.

 

[AVRat]

Is this a dedicated HT or general family room?

You’ll definitely notice an improvement in the HT experience by revamping the front soundstage with matching components. The sub upgrade would also be wise since you’re losing the last octave or so of the frequency range. The Epik Legend or Rythmik F12 would be good options.

In-wall vs. in-room can be very subjective based on one’s expectations. There are good and bad in both camps. The Klipsch THX are probably overkill.

Klipsch vs. B&W are two different sonic experiences. If you can, it’s best to try and audition some options before you buy.

 

[zieglj01]

Klipsch has improved, since the KG 2.5 speaker. On a side note, I have not heard an in-wall
speaker, that matches an in room speaker yet. Good Luck with the journey, and there will be
other speaker options out there - to explore besides the 2 listed.

 

[lsiberian]

The Klipsch Reference series is gold. The upper B&W stuff is gold. Don't be afraid to give Aperion a try. If you don't like them they will let you ship them back on them.

If I were building a purely home theater experience in a large room Klipsch Reference would be on the list as would B&W. I will suggest a serious sub upgrade if you like bass.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Most people here know I have no respect for B&W speakers based on my auditions, the Stereophile measurements of the B&W 802D, & the Home Theater Magazine measurements of the B&W 803D.

But when it comes to in-wall speakers, I would choose B&W over Klipsch and most speakers for one reason only - RESALE value.

However, I think Revel in-wall speakers will be even better for both sound quality and resale value.

 

[michaelcorley]

The feedback was about what I expected. Thank you all.

I went to a one-off a/v shop in LA and had a listened to the Bowers & Wilkins equipment. I was very impressed with CM5s. That was until I listened to the in wall CWM LCR7. The three way system of CWM LCR7 had much more full sound that the two-way of CM5. Unfortunately, the price doubles between the two jumping from $1500 a pair to $3000.

I have not been able to see the in-wall Klipsch speakers. I had identified the KL-7800-THX. These run between $1,600-2000 for the pair. I was also looking at the KL-6504-THX (1500 pair).

If I can swing the price, are the B&W in walls worth it? Are there other brands I should be considering.

By the way, the wife confirmed that equipment needs to be hidden. I would have opted for the B&W floorstanding 3 way speakers at $2200 a pair and been done with it.

 

[zieglj01]

If I can swing the price, are the B&W in walls worth it? Are there other brands I should be considering.

By the way, the wife confirmed that equipment needs to be hidden. I would have opted for the B&W floorstanding 3 way speakers at $2200 a pair and been done with it.

I am a fan of Atlantic Technology - however, they are mainly online.

 

[AVRat]

I also concur with the ATs.

 

[lsiberian]

The feedback was about what I expected. Thank you all.

I went to a one-off a/v shop in LA and had a listened to the Bowers & Wilkins equipment. I was very impressed with CM5s. That was until I listened to the in wall CWM LCR7. The three way system of CWM LCR7 had much more full sound that the two-way of CM5. Unfortunately, the price doubles between the two jumping from $1500 a pair to $3000.

I have not been able to see the in-wall Klipsch speakers. I had identified the KL-7800-THX. These run between $1,600-2000 for the pair. I was also looking at the KL-6504-THX (1500 pair).

If I can swing the price, are the B&W in walls worth it? Are there other brands I should be considering.

By the way, the wife confirmed that equipment needs to be hidden. I would have opted for the B&W floorstanding 3 way speakers at $2200 a pair and been done with it.

I thought speaker craft was the in-wall king, but I could be wrong. As long as you are doing in walls you might consider an infinite baffle sub. In-walls properly designed and placed could match box speakers, but I'm would recommend a good eq system. Auddysey is supposed to be very good for correcting the types of issues in-walls can bring. It won't be perfect, but no system is.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Are there other brands I should be considering.

Revel and KEF in-wall speakers.

http://www.revelspeakers.com/Products.aspx?sysid=6

http://www.kef.com/us/wall

 

[ack_bak]

I highly recommend buying a speaker with an enclosure and not an open baffle:
http://www.cepro.com/article/how_to_prevent_audio_loss_with_in_wall_speaker_systems

As for in-walls you should really consider Triad. Like you I auditioned many in-walls (ended up buying Deftech RLS II's) but the Traid's were my favorite (they were just out of reach of my budget). I actually preferred them to the same B&W speakers you liked.

Also look into the RBH Signature in-wall speakers. I like both the Triad and RBH in the upper tier of in-walls.

But the B&W were very nice as well.

 

[Rippyman]

Definitely have a look at www.jamesloudspeaker.com if you are considering in-wall.

By far the best sounding in-wall I have ever experienced. Their in-wall's are fully sealed.

 

[timoteo]

Where are you located? What state? Because i can get killer deals on AtlanticTechnology speakers. I have access to a wholesaler. If your close enough i may be able to save you some cash.

Example: At1 H-Pass towers retail for $249pr
My price is $713ea ($1426pr)

Just an idea!
BTW those towers sound incredible though i understand you want in-walls.

 

[GranteedEV]

Hi.

I second whatever Acudeftechguy said about the Revels and I also second siberian's Aperion suggestion. I also recommend a second thought on "visible" speakers.

A good speaker is like furniture...you want it to be seen

Like, who wouldn't love to have a pair of these sitting in their living room?

The answer? Crazy people!!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I don't think in-wall/ceiling speakers are really for the Sound and Quality like "visible" speakers such as tower and bookshelf speakers.

I think in-wall speakers are primarily for 2 things: Convenience & Resale. I mean they sound pretty good. Don't get me wrong. I'm sure the Revel and KEF in-ceiling speakers sound pretty good. But they won't beat their tower and bookshelf counterparts.

My little brother Tommy in Dallas is building his second custom house. He only wants in-ceiling speakers. I'm going to recommend Revel speakers to him.

 

[GranteedEV]

I don't think in-wall/ceiling speakers are really for the Sound and Quality like "visible" speakers such as tower and bookshelf speakers.

I think in-wall speakers are primarily for 2 things: Convenience & Resale. I mean they sound pretty good. Don't get me wrong. I'm sure the Revel and KEF in-ceiling speakers sound pretty good. But they won't beat their tower and bookshelf counterparts.

My little brother Tommy in Dallas is building his second custom house. He only wants in-ceiling speakers. I'm going to recommend Revel speakers to him.

another option might be these

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

another option might be these

You think those Pioneers sound better than Revel & KEF?

 

[GranteedEV]

You think those Pioneers sound better than Revel & KEF?

Dunno without a direct A/B comparision, but I do think their CST coaxial drivers in general kick *** and their crossover design is top notch.

So expensive though.

The 5" Magnesium CST driver used in the S-1EX costs something like 1500 each, as a replacement part for owners . - I do want an S-1EX though.. but I wish it had some bigger manlier woofers

The 6.5" Beryllium CST driver used in the TAD Reference One costs something like 2200 each, for owners. Still a heck of a lot cheaper than getting the $75,000 speaker it goes in LOL.

A part of me wants to buy those 6.5" in-ceilings because it's like my only chance of sourcing a Pioneer CST coax of any sort - It would not however go into a ceiling

 

[ack_bak]

When I was shopping for in-walls, I did listen to Revel and liked them...

Then I heard the Triad Gold LCR's...

I preferred them to anything else. Also liked the B&W's, but OP, you have to demo Triad.