Klipsch RB-51 Set

[blin100]

Hiya all, I've been looking around, and I'm rather new the the whole AV scene...still

I currently have the Denon 990 receiver shipping to me, and am looking for the actual sound parts now.

I am looking at the Klipsch RB51 set, as 1) I own their 2.1 promedia set and it's been phenomenal, 2) it's a set pre-made which lets me worry about less things, and 3) it seems to get great reviews (when i can find them)

The goal is for an overall decent hometheater+music listening system, which is within my budget which for only speakers/sub, etc is <$2000. The RB51 set comes in at $1359. I'd be content with it if it's a decent set for the price, as 2 grand is a slightly uncomfortable limit i've set for myself.

To clarify, the set is:
RB-51 bookshelf speakers, RC-52 center channel, RS-42 surround, and RPW-10 sub.

Comments for/against/bashing/loving?

Thanks!

 

[sholling]

I used a Promedia 2.1 and later a Promedia 5.1 Ultra for probably 5 years. I got a lot of good use out of them until I hooked up an old receiver and some studio monitors to my computer (see home-office in my signature).

Klipsch speakers have a bright sound to them that is a love it or don't thing. My guess is that it runs about 50:50 around here. I got used to them back in the 80s when a roommate setup a pair of La Scalas in my living room. Everyone's hearing and taste is different the only one that you have to make happy is you. Personally I find Klipsch enjoyable if a tad fatiguing after a while. But that's to my ears and hearing and your mileage may vary.

 

[corey]

I'd start with the RB-51 "set", but modify it. I think the RB-61's are worth the extra $100 or so for your main L&R. Besides being more efficient and playing lower, they're front ported & give you better placement options. They'll play nice with the RB-52 center. At $500 for the pair of surrounds, I think I'd look for something in the $200-300 range. Matching your surrounds is not nearly as important as matching your front 3. A Hsu STF-2 sub is about the same price as the Klipsch in the package, but goes down to 25hz, rather than the 35hz you get with the Klipsch sub.

 

[raypasote]

I went down the same road you are going down and will give you my experience. I loved the Klipsch sound and I decided on a Klipsch system; however, when I factored in the cost of the stands for the RB51, I came out better with a pair of klipsch floor standers. If you include the costs of the stands in with the RB 51, then the floorstanders are really not all that much more. I settled for the RF62 floor standers, the RC52 center and the RS 42 surrounds. Really Rocks.my sub is the klipsch RD10D. If you can't get the RF62s. go for the rf 52. They are ok.

 

[maximoiglesias]

Lipsch fronts

I used a Promedia 2.1 and later a Promedia 5.1 Ultra for probably 5 years. I got a lot of good use out of them until I hooked up an old receiver and some studio monitors to my computer (see home-office in my signature).

Klipsch speakers have a bright sound to them that is a love it or don't thing. My guess is that it runs about 50:50 around here. I got used to them back in the 80s when a roommate setup a pair of La Scalas in my living room. Everyone's hearing and taste is different the only one that you have to make happy is you. Personally I find Klipsch enjoyable if a tad fatiguing after a while. But that's to my ears and hearing and your mileage may vary.

I've had RB-51 fronts for three years, they are great little speakers when mated withthe RW10d subwoofer and RC 25 centers, just great sound!
I'm looking to upgrade to RB-61.
My room is small so the sound is fantastic.

 

[blin100]

So I'm getting a general feel that it's an ok set of speakers, possibly upgrading to RB61 or 62, and the sub to HSU stf-2 (which I can't find reviews about anywhere )

Question: pardon the stupid question, but how necessary *are* stands for bookshelf speakers? Doesn't it defeat the purpose of buying a bookshelf? For a temporary arrangement (3 months) before moving out to my new place I was contemplating just putting them on the ground. Is that sacrilege?

Cheers

 

[sholling]

The reason for the stands is to get the tweeter at ear level. Tweeters are very directional and long term you really do want to get them up to ear level.

I'm also going to agree with Corey about the subwoofer. Subwoofers are a specialty and darn few speaker companies do them well. WEll regarded internet direct subwoofer companies include Elemental Designs, Hsu Research, and SVSounds. Subs also need to be sized to the room. If it were me I'd hold off on the sub until you get in your new home. In the mean time I'd "rough it" with a pair of full towers then build the system around them once you get moved. However if you must have a full 5.1 setup now then that Klipsch sub will get you by for a bit while you save for a serious sub.

 

[AVRat]

Another option:

Ascend Acoustics CBM-170/CMT-340C/HTM-200 combo: http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cbm170/cbm170.html

SVS PB12-NSD: http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-pb12nsd.cfm
Outlaw LFM-1 Plus: http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/lfm1plus.html
eD A3-300: http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_41&products_id=102

 

[blin100]

hmm, AVrat, all of the subs that you listed are a couple hundred more than the HSU, which I'm leaning towards.

However, I have a question about the ascend set that you recommended. It's a great deal cheaper than the set that I'm looking at right now, which would allow me to get a better sub. Anything specific about these working together? I can find reviews of them individually, but not anyone using them all.

Thanks

 

[blin100]

mm, can't edit my previous post...
In any case, here's another question that will reveal my complete and utter novice hands in this whole field.
To connect the speakers to the receiver...I will need 4 cables which terminate in...banana plugs (male output) for surround speakers, and 1 m/m RCA cable for the subwoofer? (I'm getting this from the audioholics recommended system page )

Will the guage of the wire matter? It's not a gigantic room, so would 12 awg cable be overdoing it? and 16 ok?

Thanks again

 

[AVRat]

I find these levels of subs to be where the HT experience starts to ramp up. You could go a level lower and still have a great HT experience. You’re looking for subs with decent output response (-3Db) to at least 25 Hz, lower is better. You really need to take your room volume into account. If your room is smaller, the HSU STF-2 may be sufficient. And no need to worry about any of these subs working with the Ascends, Klipsch.

16 gauge should work just fine, but you’ll need five sets since you’ll have five speakers. You can purchase large rolls and customize your lengths. Banana plugs aren’t necessary but can facilitate connections.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10239
http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10236
http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10401&cs_id

 

[Chitown2477]

I have that same set except I have the floor standers mentioned. It is a great setup.

 

[blin100]

excellent!
And yep, since the room I am in is pretty small for a real home theater setup, I think the HSU is good enough for me needs, atleast for the next several years.

Cheers for all your help. I should be placing an order at crutchfield tomorrow morning