Is there a difference between sound systems meant for music and home theatre systems?

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I've listened to the Klipsch RF-82s and I liked them.

Even the $22,000 Klipsch towers don't have a flat on-axis and off-axis frequency response as measured by Stereophile.

So I'm thinking that Klipsch are kind of like DefTech where the number one priority isn't about achieving flat on-axis and off-axis frequency responses. I've listened to Klipsch speakers before and I've owned some DefTech speakers in the past, and they kind of sound similar to me - very energetic and lively sound, not to say that they sound forward, but just exciting sound.

Just like other speakers out there, not everyone will like the sound, even if the speakers are $22,000.

 

[ski2xblack]

I've listened to the Klipsch RF-82s and I liked them.

...I'm thinking that Klipsch are kind of like DefTech where the number one priority isn't about achieving flat on-axis and off-axis frequency responses. I've listened to Klipsch speakers before and I've owned some DefTech speakers in the past, and they kind of sound similar to me - very energetic and lively sound, not to say that they sound forward, but just exciting sound.

Not sure if Sandy Gross and PWK had quite the same priorities. Klipsch designs are vestiges of a time when power was at a premium, where increased sensitivity in lieu of perfectly flat response was a worthy trade-off. Even their new product has kept the pursuit of high sensitivity, which probably helps in the HT, shock-and-awe, boom and sizzle realm. But I personally would choose the more midrange-centric Heritage for music reproduction.

The Def Techs are also on the sensitive side, which may account for their somewhat 'lively' personality. I've always liked how more sensitive speakers seem to have more life and pizzazz.

To get back on topic, I don't really think the OP should think of it in terms of 'best for HT' vs. 'best for music', but rather 'best speaker within my budget' and 'what will work in my particular room'. Truly good speakers do not occupy narrow niches, and are simply meant to accurately reproduce the signal, regardless of implementation. It's mostly the room you should pay attention to anyway. A huge, acoustically dead room would probably be a good place for horns. A small, nearfield setup a la the typical domestic arrangement will require a completely different approach.

 

[Whitey80]

For the OP's budget, and seeming lack of AVR or pre/pro...
I use a pair of Swans M200mkIII powered monitors in my studio and will, based on my experience, recommend them highly. Exceptional sound and build quality in price range.

EDIT - by studio, I mean art studio. Not music or production.