Klipsch or JBL speakers for home theater in large space

[luiz gutierrez]

I am assembling a home theater system for my wife's grandfather. The house is huge and open, a hand-built log home about 40x60ft with the peak about 45ft, with the second floor essentially an open balcony. The floor is carpeted, but there are a lot of sharp surfaces to bounce off.

Efficient speakers are a must in this space. After some research, I have narrowed the choices to either Klipsch or JBL (the WW II generation likes to buy American, even if it comes from China these days). I live in the Sierra, with no dealers in sight, so all I have to work with is theory so far.

I'm down to four questions:

1. People seem to love or hate the sound of Klipsch (Synergy line). The haters say they're painfully sharp. Gramps doesn't hear as well as he used to, so I'm thinking this is not a bad thing. On the other hand, when he shows the system off to the rest of his (younger) family, will it make their ears bleed?

2. Some years ago I heard the JBL Northridge line, and was quite impressed by it, and the front speakers are almost as efficient as the Klipsch, BUT the surrounds I've seen are down there around 86-87dbl. This seems too low to me, for such a large space, and seems mismatched with the efficiency of the fronts. (Receiver will be the YAMAHA HTR-5890, total budget for the sound part of the system, $2000.) Am I missing something here?

3. Between the Klipsch and the JBL center channels, which is the more intelligible for dialogue?

4. Between the Klipsch 12 inch sub and the equivalent JBL 12 sub, there seems to be little difference, although from the users' reviews, the JBL seems like the bigger, more powerful monster. Which one is better?

Understanding that hearing is highly subjective, I would still appreciate any opinions on the specific questions above.
Thank you,
Luiz

 

[Tomorrow]

This was a well considered request for information, Luiz. I'll give you my 2 cents worth, although you can see from my signature what my bias may be.

I too live in a rural area, so not much auditioning went on before my choice of speakers. I joined this fine forum after I purchased my JBL's...but am still undecided as to whether I bought prematurely. I have subsequently been to a Megalopolis (Portland, Oregon), visited high-end a/v stores and discovered new-found appreciation for my system. There is much wisdom you will find here regarding speakers, but as you say, it's all in what sounds good...in this case, to gramps.

My father too had hearing difficulties. Old age primarily robs the upper end of the frequencies from us. So the Klipsch are likely to not affect him. That said, I'd recommend the JBL's because they are relatively, uh, passionless (for lack of a better word) as speakers go. Not to bright, not too dull. They're pretty clear across the audio spectrum. And they are most definitely efficient. Concerning the Northridge line, you may hear some negatives here. I think they are a fine speaker for what they are and how much they cost. But they are definitely built for the Best Buy market. As such, they are not the very best to have come out of JBL.

If you can, I suggest you watch JBL's eBay merchandiser, HarmanAudio. You can sometimes find an older or better line being sold by them...such as the Studio Series. Prices are remarkably affordable.

As for a subwoofer....my strong suggestion is to stay clear of both manufacturers. They are not known for their premier subs. My experience with a JBL S120PII was very poor. Go with an Hsu or SVS. Or for cheaper, many here approve of the Cadence XSub.

Happy hunting. Get it right for your wife's grandfather. After all, you may be in the will.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Is the budget inclusive of the receiver? If so, I don't think you'll have enough to outfit a full surround sound with a sub. Did I miss something?

For a huge room, I would think the Klipsch would be a better choice. They are super high sensitive speakers - probably 2x as efficient as the JBL's. If budget is an issue, try this American company with the included 12" sub:

http://www.audaud.com/audaud/MAR04/component/comp1.html

http://www.acoustechspeakers.com/

 

[brian32672]

I bought my Acoustech's from AcousticSoundDesign, also bought some extras from UBID. Thats funny that uBid is an authorized dealer....

So you can check UBid evey once in awhile they have superb prices on this stuff.

As far as dialouge from a center, I have heard no better than the HT-65, it is super clear and has plenty of bass for a center. Very efficient (at 96db) and plenty of dispersion.

 

[Sheep]

I second the BIC's as your getting klipsch efficiency, but without the premium. As for a sub, I don't think the H100 will suffice in a 40 by 60 and 45 foot ceiling room or area. Look into SVS, as they make some of the loudest subs for the dollar.


The sheep

 

[droeses58]

I like the Klipsch speakers, but if I were you, I would forget about the synergy line and go with the reference speakers they are a much better speakeer than the synergies.

 

[jaxvon]

I'm inclined to agree. From what I've heard of the Synergy line, they sound like crap. Also, I don't know how you're going to afford a subwoofer for that space. I would think you'd need two monster subs, maybe a setup like Mule has. But then, that's also more than your entire budget. Still, I'd get either Klipsch or Acoustech speakers, an inexpensive receiver, and the biggest subwoofer you can afford. Just beware of bass mode problems, as there will be many in that size of a room.

 

[eric0531]

I like the Klipsch speakers, but if I were you, I would forget about the synergy line and go with the reference speakers they are a much better speakeer than the synergies.

Yes, but given his budget I think the Reference line is not an option.

As for a sub, I don't think the H100 will suffice in a 40 by 60 and 45 foot ceiling room or area.

Maybe he could save enough going with the Acoustechs vs. Klipsch that he could do two subs - that is a huge space to fill.

 

[Tomorrow]

You're getting lots of thumbs up on the Klipsch speakers. Many love them. Lemme just balance that out a bit and tell you that they are great for rock, especially (does gramps like rock, heh heh? ), and also HT. But, as I've said before, I'd rather take an ice pick to my ears as soon as listen to another pair of Klipscsxqhethsts. The raging brightness....EEEK!

 

[mulester7]

Maybe he could save enough going with the Acoustechs vs. Klipsch that he could do two subs

.....imo, there's a quality suggestion, that can be applied to even inexpensive subs....two subs, over one, gives the fullness and sound quality of three....

 

[mtrycrafts]

2. Some years ago I heard the JBL Northridge line, and was quite impressed by it, and the front speakers are almost as efficient as the Klipsch, BUT the surrounds I've seen are down there around 86-87dbl. This seems too low to me, for such a large space, and seems mismatched with the efficiency of the fronts. (Receiver will be the YAMAHA HTR-5890, total budget for the sound part of the system, $2000.) Am I missing something here?

Thank you,
Luiz

Since you heard the JBL, it should not be an issue, go for that. Without you comparing both, you may wonder later if you picked the right one.

As to the surround speakers sensitivity, yes, they are not as sensitive as the fronts. But, a consideration: How loud do you listen, how loud is it played when the young ones come to visit?

You could also use a different brand for the surround. While blending may be a small issue, being in the surround setting, it will be even a smaller issue, if sensitivity is a big deal for you back there.

 

[brian32672]

As far as a sub recommendation, yes for that size room you will need 2 subs.
My recommendation is Outlaw has a deal for 159.00 off on the second sub. So 2 Outlaw LFM-1's is my recommendation...
Reviewed here http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/loudspeakers/SVS_subsPB2-ISD_OutlawLFM-1_1.php

 

[mulester7]

I am assembling a home theater system for my wife's grandfather. I live in the Sierra, with no dealers in sight, so all I have to work with is theory so far

....Luiz, the shame here, is that your wife's grandfather can't be taken somewhere for HIM to listen to the different speakers being considered....I'm sure he will appreciate and gladly use whatever you decide on, but what sounds good to you, or anyone here, no matter how many years you or anyone here have been in the hobby, might not necessarily sound the best to him....I can understand though, if there's no practical way to get him to locations for his ears to decide....bless you for wanting to help him in this effort....a quality sound system will mean much to him as his years progress, both from the standpoints of clarity, and something to occupy his time.....

 

[luiz gutierrez]

Thanks for input on JBL vs. Klipsch

Thanks to all of you for your informative opinions on the choice of JBL vs, Klipsch speakers for the large space. Especially thanks for the kind words in helping Gramps. Gramps is really an extraordinary person; his mind and enthusiasms are constantly expanding. In a recent visit, I showed him all the information from newspapers, magazines, etc. (as well as introducing him to my HT system) which was readily available on the internet. His eyes lit up all weekend, and he was happy as a clam to be drawn into these new interests. Helping him with this HT was/is pure pleasure.

I am now digesting all your information, then chasing more specifics, prices, etc. before making my recommendations to Gramps. I'm leaning toward the Klipschs for the overriding reason of their greater sensitivity in his huge space. I have the HSU sub in my own system, so I may go that route instead of either JBL or Klipsch subs. I will be setting the system up for him.

By the way, did you all know that Klipsch is the third largest speaker company in the world? So what? Economy of scale.

Thanks again, especially for your prompt responses.
Luiz

 

[Daz3d&Confus3d]

I recently bought the rf-35's ($830) and a rc-35 ($320) at a local retailer and I love them!!! I will admit they are bright but I happen to like that brightness and I dont think they'll sound as bright in such a large room depending on your seating, etc. etc. And they are driven very easily...my room is 20x16x10, I like it loud and I haven't added a sub to date......yet I was amazed at how much bass they put out (regardless as to what others may say). If your budget doesn't include a receiver in that price range then I believe you can afford to go the Klipsch route and still add a decent sub and some cheap surrounds. If however, you must include a receiver in that $2000 you may have little other options than to go with the Bics.

At any rate, I think you can find a very serviceable....even down right enjoyable setup for your grandfather....best of luck!

 

[Daz3d&Confus3d]

Are bookshelves a possibility (e.g. Klipsch rb-75's...have a 1.75 tweeter horn and a 8" woofer)...along with a good sub? I'm just exploring some possibilities....

 

[Daz3d&Confus3d]

those 75's retail at $800 but you could probably negotiate your way down to $700 or even $680 if your buying a center, and surrounds at the same place. What about going with Klipsch in the front and buying the Bics (ht-63's) as surrounds ($270)? That would put you at about $1300 for the rb-75's, rc-35, and ht-63's......of course thats more than the whole package deal on the bics.....

It all depends I guess on whether that budget includes the receiver or not.

 

[jman103099]

Wow this is perfect... I do this every day - Klipsch or JBL? Well, I work at Best Buy and pretty much play with the two day-in and day-out. As you can see from my signature I chose JBL for my HT and Klipsch for my bedroom. The JBLs are beautiful speakers, but the Northridge line isnt as great as it used to be/could be. I have some bookshelf studio series speakers from about 5 years ago that could destroy the new towers I have now... anyways, they are both good companies and bulid quality is about the same in both I would say. I got my Klipsch bookshelves home, and put them on top of my JBL e60s. Well, did a little "a channel/b channel" comapre - the JBLS were much better, cleaner, more detail. However, this might be because the JBL has a midrange... and the Klipsch sensitivity is 93 on those where the JBL is 91. However, I noticed little to no difference in volume... hmmmm.

I agree with the others, stay clear of JBL or Klipsch subs (although Klipsch reference is pretty good). Dont get me wrong, I LOVE my JBL sub and have owned 2, I just think for your size room you are better off with something else. (My HT is only 17x13)

(Remeber - there is good mark-up on these speakers - DONT PAY RETAIL!)

 

[dave1490]

i agree the klipch line is very efficient.i like the k horns 104db @1watt perfect for a large room, althouge being large themself.might be out of your budget but look around after all speaker are what make the sound so if your going to spend money spend it on speakers