Klipsch....buy or avoid?

[UFObuster]

I was just reviewing a couple of threads comparing Klipsch to several other well-known (and quality) brands by shoppers looking for "good speakers". Saw a few very negative comments and thought I would mention this to help potential buyers: It is hard to generalize about this brand because the models vary so much...that being said....in general, it is a sound that some listeners will not want. But that's the same with ANY brand.
The "regular" models sold in "big-box" stores are as good in their price range as any around....may not be "audiophile"....but OK. You have to get into the Reference line to get the better, best stuff...and there is the rub. You have to be careful to match components well. If you read these threads widely, you'll learn that many dissapointments have been had by not adequately powering them or otherwise using less than "audiophile" components with them.....they are "truth tellers". So be wise if you're buying...audition well....make sure that matching components are used....and then, if you like this type of speaker subjectively, you'll have some of the cleanest, clearest sound presentation you'll hear.

ps...not a dealer....an owner of RF-7 which took a few false starts to get it right.

 

[MDS]

I agree with your description completely. IMO, buying speakers is hard for a few reasons:
1. They will sound different in your room as compared to the place they were auditioned.
2. They can sound different with different receivers/amplifiers. Not so much because each receiver/amplifier has a different sound but because they may not be a good match for reasons like impedance swings. I have heard, but of course cannot verify, that Klipsch 8 ohm 'nominal' speakers actually may dip well below 3 Ohms and that can present a problem for a receiver as compared to 8 Ohm nominal speakers that never dip below say 5 Ohms.
3. Regardless of what speakers you buy your ears will adapt to them. Unless they are absolutely horrible, in time you will like them or at least not be so totally opposed to them.

I am the type that does not care at all for 'in your face' high frequencies which I suppose is why I am not a fan of Jazz music. Klipsch tends to have a reputation for being 'bright' and that would make me shy away from them.

The only experience I have with Klispsch is computer speakers (admittedly a different ballgame than home speakers) and I was at first hesitant to buy them based on the perception that the horn tweeters would be too bright. Well I have to admit that I have adapted to them and I think they sound great - except for the fact that these speakers have some kind of problem with the amplifier cutting in and out I think the sound quality is good. So I think my ears could adapt to and enjoy Klipsch home speakers as well.

 

[UFObuster]

2. They can sound different with different receivers/amplifiers. Not so much because each receiver/amplifier has a different sound but because they may not be a good match for reasons like impedance swings. I have heard, but of course cannot verify, that Klipsch 8 ohm 'nominal' speakers actually may dip well below 3 Ohms and that can present a problem for a receiver as compared to 8 Ohm nominal speakers that never dip below say 5 Ohms.

Perzactly! No 2 above refers directly to the RF-7, an 8-Ohm 'nominal' speaker with a swing as low as 2.8 Ohm under certain situations. This belied the ability of many 'adequately' powered quality receivers to sound well with RF-7. The average listener would fault the Klipsh for sounding thin and/or harsh. Matched with adequate amp and current, this is corrected. You could argue that this is a speaker flaw....or you could argue that you need to own better components. You trade speakers or you upgrade the whole shebang.
If you choose the latter ($$ in consideration), then you hear how the speaker was designed to be heard in the first place.

Thanks for mentioning it, MDS. That was the point of the thread.

 

[Seth=L]

You are right about the impedance swings. As we know, nominal impedance ratings aren't very reliable. Since the impedance dips low you can expect the Klipsch to sound rather compressed when powered by entry level receivers.

I find it rather funny that you are powering the RF-7s with Rotel power. I recal someone saying that Rotel and Klipsch don't sound good together, because Rotel's transistor amplifiers are so much different from other transistor amplifiers.

 

[billy p]

I've never auditioned the higher end Klipsch speakers. That said, I personally shy away from bright or forward sounding speakers. IMO all speakers would benefit from better quality components to drive them. The one thing I've read about Klipsch, due to their distinct sound, room treatments are a must! Then again, all speakers would benefit from that, as well.

 

[Tomorrow]

I've never auditioned the higher end Klipsch speakers. That said, I personally shy away from bright or forward sounding speakers. IMO all speakers would benefit from better quality components to drive them. The one thing I've read about Klipsch, due to their distinct sound, room treatments are a must! Then again, all speakers would benefit from that, as well.

BP....give the RF-63's a listen. Maybe a Klipsch fan can educate me, but I believe the RF-63's replaced the RF-7's. Anyway Billy, you may change your mind. At least they changed my opinion about ALL Klipsch grating on your ears with treble darts. Great new drivers in the 63's. There are still cabinet resonance issues with these, but IMHO they are worthy value speakers. (Sorry I cannot say that about any other Klipsch.) But bottom line...it's about individual preferences and tastes.

 

[wire]

I was just reviewing a couple of threads comparing Klipsch to several other well-known (and quality) brands by shoppers looking for "good speakers". Saw a few very negative comments and thought I would mention this to help potential buyers: It is hard to generalize about this brand because the models vary so much...that being said....in general, it is a sound that some listeners will not want. But that's the same with ANY brand.
The "regular" models sold in "big-box" stores are as good in their price range as any around....may not be "audiophile"....but OK. You have to get into the Reference line to get the better, best stuff...and there is the rub. You have to be careful to match components well. If you read these threads widely, you'll learn that many dissapointments have been had by not adequately powering them or otherwise using less than "audiophile" components with them.....they are "truth tellers". So be wise if you're buying...audition well....make sure that matching components are used....and then, if you like this type of speaker subjectively, you'll have some of the cleanest, clearest sound presentation you'll hear.

ps...not a dealer....an owner of RF-7 which took a few false starts to get it right.

Klipcsh has been around along time , thats always a good thing (time + knowledge = Good products ) .
There worth the demo anytime . Powering them , I still think the more the better for almost all speakers .

 

[mazersteven]

Avoid

Run as fast as you can.

 

[Tomorrow]

Avoid

Run as fast as you can.

LOL, Mazer....have you heard the new line headed by the RF-63? I used to think just as you did, until a set of these broke my (anti)bias. Not the world's best speaker by a longshot...but not bad for value/dollar. (Of course I heard these right after auditioning the entire line of B&W's and was still thinking "What The Hell are people thinking spending that kind of money on these average things?!")

 

[Tomorrow]

Klipcsh has been around along time , thats always a good thing (time + knowledge = Good products ) .
.

So has Bose and Citroen.

 

[UFObuster]

You are right about the impedance swings. As we know, nominal impedance ratings aren't very reliable. Since the impedance dips low you can expect the Klipsch to sound rather compressed when powered by entry level receivers.

I find it rather funny that you are powering the RF-7s with Rotel power. I recal someone saying that Rotel and Klipsch don't sound good together, because Rotel's transistor amplifiers are so much different from other transistor amplifiers.

Actually, Seth...I learned about using Rotel's amps on the Klipsch forum where it is a popular choice for "low-budget" separates . I'm sure you can do better (for more $$) but it's worked well for me. Not to mis-quote anyone, but I think some Klipsch users think Rotel sounds good with the horns.

 

[Seth=L]

Actually, Seth...I learned about using Rotel's amps on the Klipsch forum where it is a popular choice for "low-budget" separates . I'm sure you can do better (for more $$) but it's worked well for me. Not to mis-quote anyone, but I think some Klipsch users think Rotel sounds good with the horns.

I was being sarcastic. Not towards you though, just the folks that have some sort of Bias that says Adcom, Rotel, Outlaw and other low budget seperates don't mate well with Klipsch. I don't exactly know how people get these things in their heads, no offense to those people, but you have to draw the line somewhere.

 

[UFObuster]

I was being sarcastic. Not towards you though, just the folks that have some sort of Bias that says Adcom, Rotel, Outlaw and other low budget seperates don't mate well with Klipsch. I don't exactly know how people get these things in their heads, no offense to those people, but you have to draw the line somewhere.

OK, I get it!....and certainly no offense, I've enjoyed reading your well-informed posts on many other threads...

 

[Seth=L]

OK, I get it!....and certainly no offense, I've enjoyed reading your well-informed posts on many other threads...

Thanks,

I just recalled someone saying something about how Adcom and Rotel don't mate with Klipsch, but Carver and some other brand did, it makes no sense I tell ya'!

 

[mazersteven]

LOL, Mazer....have you heard the new line headed by the RF-63? I used to think just as you did, until a set of these broke my (anti)bias. Not the world's best speaker by a longshot...but not bad for value/dollar. (Of course I heard these right after auditioning the entire line of B&W's and was still thinking "What The Hell are people thinking spending that kind of money on these average things?!")

Catwoman subjected Batman and Robin to "a variation of the legendary Chinese Water Torture." called Klipsch

"You've been encased in an enormous Klipsch chamber weighing two tons. Every sound in there will be magnified ten million times. Even your breathing will sound like thunder.
"When I throw that switch, the Klipsch will become excrutiating . . .
and your eardrums will be shattered.

"Shortly following that, your brains will be turned into YECH!

"Then I shall return . . . and then you can be mine forever . . ."

 

[Seth=L]

Catwoman subjected Batman and Robin to "a variation of the legendary Chinese Water Torture." called Klipsch

"You've been encased in an enormous Klipsch chamber weighing two tons. Every sound in there will be magnified ten million times. Even your breathing will sound like thunder.
"When I throw that switch, the Klipsch will become excrutiating . . .
and your eardrums will be shattered.

"Shortly following that, your brains will be turned into YECH!

"Then I shall return . . . and then you can be mine forever . . ."

Nice, real nice.

 

[WmAx]

Here is my answer to the thread title:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showpost.php?p=237514&postcount=82

-Chris

 

[Seth=L]

Here is my answer to the thread title:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showpost.php?p=237514&postcount=82

-Chris

LOL, what about the Velodyne DD-18?

 

[WmAx]

LOL, what about the Velodyne DD-18?

The DD-18 is a high quality device.

-Chris

 

[Seth=L]

The DD-18 is a high quality device.

-Chris

Yes, but many complained about the cabinet's lacking bracing and unusually thin cabinet. Of course Velodyne responded that due to the design it was just part of the design parameters.

I am not picking at you, I just don't think it is very justified to say a speaker isn't good because the enclosure doesn't appear to be very good to you, even though it may have a very specific purpose. I never noticed any colorations from the cabinet when i listened to the RF-7 speakers, and I would expect the same from the RF-63.