Klipsch RF-35 or Canton LE-190 or something else perhaps?

[dmbartender]

Hello all. I'm a complete newbie to home audio, but have always been a big fan of good sound. Anyway, I'd like to start off with a stereo, and expand it to a 5.1 system when $ permits. I just got a used pioneer vsx-915 receiver, and have the possibility of getting Klipsch RF-35s or Canton LE 190s used as well. Unfortunately I can't demo them, since neither of them are currently sold in stores. I have heard the current Canton and Klipsch series in stores, but with a HK receiver. They both sounded good.

What do you guys think? I know the best would be to audition all possible combos, but in this case, it's not possible.

One concern I have for the Klipsch, is that they cut off below 38 Hz. I will be using the speakers mostly for music, and partially for HT. I've heard others complain that the 35s are lacking a bit in bass. Would the cantons be a better choice? The build quality seems real solid on the klipsch, and I like that.

I don't plan on buying a subwoofer anytime soon, so I wonder if the bass of the RF-35s will be satisfactory for music. I listen to all types.

I also read that the pioneer is a decent match for the Klipsch speakers, but don't know how the receiver would match to the cantons.

I've also read that axiom speakers are wonderful.

HELP!

I'd greatly appreciate any insight

 

[fredk]

Well, the Axiom M80 has an excellent bottom end. FWIW, depending on the music you listen to, there may well be nothing to hear below 40Hz. The lowest note on a standard bass is 41Hz.

Unfortunately, nothing can substitute for listening to speakers yourself.

If you are going to watch movies with this system, you need a sub. Before I picked up my system I wondered what the big deal was. It makes a world of difference.

 

[the grunt]

Fred is absolutely right that there is no substitute for demoing the speakers. You can check out this thread at Axiom to see if anyone in your area is demoing their speakers:

http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=184230#Post184230

I’m not sure about the Klipsch or Canton but check their forums and they might have something similar.

Unfortunately I can’t offer any help on what internet brands might be comparable to the Klipsch or Cantons you are interested in but if someone can, then you might consider ordering a couple sets of speakers from different companies and demo them at home. Many ID companies offer some sort of in home demo program. Axiom’s is 30 days but you pay the return shipping which for a pair of M80s is estimated at $60.00. Aperion Audio:

http://www.aperionaudio.com/ReturnPolicy.aspx

also has a 30 day in home trial and pays for return shipping. So if you can find a couple comparable ID speaker you could pair them up against each other in your own home and keep only the ones you like the most.

Cheers,
Dean