Klipsch RB-61, Energy RC-10, or Paradigm Atom Monitor v5?

[coldmark]

New guy here and definitely no expert...I'm looking for a decent bookshelf for my basement bar room. Mostly used for rock n roll, looking for something with a little punch. I have a Denon 50w receiver so I would like something fairly efficient. I'm in smalltown USA so the only ones I've heard were the Paradigms and I like them a lot. If they were front ported I would have bought them but I'm thinking of mounting them on the wall. The RC-10's have a plug for the rear ports to be used for wall mounting. The RB-61's are front ported and the price is starting to drop on these.

Anyone have experience with any of these? Thanks!

 

[coldmark]

I just added a 4th bookshelf, the Axiom M3 v2. The specs are reviews are good and I really like the black ones look.

 

[coldmark]

I might just buy the PSB B25's and be done with it. The have front ports which I prefer which will allow me to mount them on the wall, and they have the black industrial look that I like. I haven't read anything bad about them and they seem to be a good music/rock speaker.

What should I know about 8ohms vs. 6ohms? I read the owners manual for my Denon and I think it said something about being able to handle speakers at lower ohms. I don't know what any of this means, I just want to rock my bar, big party planned for July 11. Thanks!

 

[AVRat]

I'd also go with the PSBs.

 

[jcPanny]

AV123 X-ls bookshelf speakers

Also check out the Onix X-ls bookshelf speakers from AV123 for $300/pair. They offer a "risk free" trial on all of their speakers.

 

[adwilk]

My vote goes for the Klipsch. VERY dynamic bookshelf especially for parties and what not. Great "rock and roll" speaker. Decent bass response and low volume reproduction. I use the flagship klipsch stuff in my HT and couldnt be happier. I have a pair of the 61's in my office/den and i love em. Much more "wow" factor than the others you are looking at IMO.

 

[coldmark]

I ended up getting the Klipsch RB-61's for these reasons:

1) $310 delivered on eBay, brand new, unopened
2) able to use $ in my paypal account
3) local store was charging too much for Paradigm's
4) front port allows me to place against the wall behind the bar
5) seems like a good match for my Denon
6) good rock n roll speaker with some "wow" factor

Thanks for the advice, I'll report back once I break them in.

 

[adwilk]

I ended up getting the Klipsch RB-61's for these reasons:

1) $310 delivered on eBay, brand new, unopened
2) able to use $ in my paypal account
3) local store was charging too much for Paradigm's
4) front port allows me to place against the wall behind the bar
5) seems like a good match for my Denon
6) good rock n roll speaker with some "wow" factor

Thanks for the advice, I'll report back once I break them in.

I think you made a great choice... I'm sure you'll like em. One thing about the break in....... Some klipsch owners seem to think that there is some break in involved... probably mostly placebo. Perhaps the horn will get a little less harsh, but its probably your ears making the adjustment. Cant wait to hear what you think... Oh, great price by the way...

 

[corey]

Congrats on your purchase. You're right about matching efficient speakers with relatively low power amps. My fronts are RB-61's & I'm quite happy with them.

Now you can start thinking about a sub or two. Not that you should rush out & start spending lots more money, but just keep an eye out for a good deal.

 

[coldmark]

A sub would fit nicely under my new bar. A lot going on at my house right now, need to finish a couple of projects and pay bills and then see where I stand. But an inexpensive sub is definitely on my list. I wouldn't be looking for anything high end. Thanks!

 

[coldmark]

Got my RB-61's yesterday. Hooked them up to my Denon and played them overnight on low volume. Cranked them up this morning and they sounded great! I was really impressed, decent bass too. They will be perfect for what I need. I knew they were bigger than the average bookshelf, but I was still surprised by the weight and depth. I won't be hanging these beasts on the wall so I ordered the B-Tech BT77 wall mounts from J&R's, many good reviews on these.

The only negative on the Klipsch speakers is that they are made in China. I thought all the RB models were made in Arkansas. Oh well...

 

[niceshoes]

The only negative on the Klipsch speakers is that they are made in China. I thought all the RB models were made in Arkansas. Oh well...

The idea that Chinese made electronics and speakers are inferior to those made in the U.S. is a little outdated in my opinion. Maybe this was true 10 years ago, but I can't see any reason now why Chinese manufactured speakers can't be equal to, if not better than U.S. made speakers and for much cheaper.