Klipsch RF-35 or PSB T65

[glockshooter1]

Hello all, wondering if I could solicit some advice.

I have been looking at purchasing a pair of PSB T65's, but there is no one in my town who carries them locally. Today, I found a pair of Klipsch RF-35's for sale used.

I was wondering if anyone had any opinions about the Klipsch vs. the PSB. I will be listening to these mainly for music, but they will also be the only two speakers (so far) for watching movies.

The price difference is significant. Roughly another $450 to get the shipped PSB's over the local used Klipsch's.

Thanks in advance,

Nick

 

[krzywica]

These speakers are completely opposite of each other as they will sound completely different.

I would go with the PSB's hands down especially if they are for music.

I had a pair of B15's (same line as the T65's) and they were amazing for music especially and flawless for movies.

 

[glockshooter1]

Great, much appreciated. The feedback I've heard so far is that the PSB's seem great. Also, I'm hoping that by going T65, they'll give me all the volume I need.

 

[krzywica]

Great, much appreciated. The feedback I've heard so far is that the PSB's seem great. Also, I'm hoping that by going T65, they'll give me all the volume I need.

Just make sure you amplification is up to snuff. If I were running those I wouldn't drive them with anything less than a good 200WPC amp. Check Emotiva if you are in need of amplification.

 

[oppman99]

I agree with krzywica. In the long run, I think you will be happier with the PSB's. Have you had a chance to listen to either of them? I've owned speakers from the same Klipsch line and they were very good for movies, but I didn't care to listen to music through them. It's all about personal preference and what you are willing to spend though.

 

[glockshooter1]

I think I might have picked the wrong amp, then.

My plan has been:
Acquire two PSB T65's and a Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K

Then, once I free up some more funds, get a sub and the rest of the surround setup.

Based on what I heard above, this Pioneer might not be up to snuff for these speakers. It says it's rated at:
Surround Power 120 x 7

Thoughts?

 

[oppman99]

At the very least, you would need to set the speaker impedence in the reciever to 6 ohms. If you are looking for loud volumes, then you will most likely want an external amp eventually. The earlier suggestion of Emotiva was a good one if you decide to go that route. Otherwise, those Klipsch are very efficient and will play very loud just being powered from the Pioneer. Give us the ballpark budget you have to work with and I'm sure someone will offer an option you may not have considered yet.

 

[krzywica]

I think I might have picked the wrong amp, then.

My plan has been:
Acquire two PSB T65's and a Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K

Then, once I free up some more funds, get a sub and the rest of the surround setup.

Based on what I heard above, this Pioneer might not be up to snuff for these speakers. It says it's rated at:
Surround Power 120 x 7

Thoughts?

IMO it would be a crine shame to power those speakers with that reciever.....it would be like buying a 69 chevelle and then loading it with a 3 cylinder Metro engine.

You would be missing out on all the dynamics and detail that the PSB's offer.

If you MUST use that amp you would be better off with the T45's or T55's.

If you haven't purchased the amp yet there are all kinds of options.

Is HDMI essential to your receiver?

 

[glockshooter1]

Nothing has been purchased yet, so it's all up for picks.

I had picked the T65's because I was worried about anything smaller not being loud enough for music. Ideally, I'd like to be able to crank up some tunes and at least hear it as i'm in adjacent rooms. If anyone who has T55's thinks they'd fit the bill (given my super vague description), I'm down for that too.

HDMI, (3-4 inputs, actually) are a requirement. I also don't want to box myself out of the good surround sound features, as this will probably be the basis for a surround sound system as i build it out.

I'm up for suggestions! I'd like to keep it around $1,200 bucks or so tops for a Received and 2 speaks.

 

[oppman99]

Just throwing ideas around here....I really like the idea of the PSB's with an external amp, but that would be a fair amount over your budget. You could go with this setup and add the amp when funds become available. You might want to check out the Infinity Primus P-362's. Those along with the Pioneer would fit your budget and the Pioneer would drive them just fine. It would also be less expensive to add a center and surrounds later. I'd still go with a sub before the center/rears though. If money wasn't a factor, I'd pick the PSB's first, then Infinity, and Klipsch last. Choosing the T55's wouldn't change your situation other than cost. They are also 6 ohm. Some ideas for you to kick around anyway.

 

[glockshooter1]

I'd rather have to blow my budget a bit than get something I would later regret. It sounds like the PSB's with an external amp could be a viable option.

If I could find a PSB dealer in St. Louis, I wouldn't have this big question mark about how loud the T55's can get.

So I'm guessing the plan would be to run a line out to an external 2-channel amp, and then to the PSB's.

That Emotiva looks great, but would put me $800 over my budget. Perhaps a lower price point 2-channel amp?

 

[krzywica]

I'd rather have to blow my budget a bit than get something I would later regret. It sounds like the PSB's with an external amp could be a viable option.

If I could find a PSB dealer in St. Louis, I wouldn't have this big question mark about how loud the T55's can get.

So I'm guessing the plan would be to run a line out to an external 2-channel amp, and then to the PSB's.

That Emotiva looks great, but would put me $800 over my budget. Perhaps a lower price point 2-channel amp?

If I were you.....

I would get the T65's.

Get your reciever of choice just as long as it has pre outs for an external amp.

Make a good 2 channel external amp your priority for the next purchase.

 

[glockshooter1]

I like that plan, as long as the T65's won't sound horrible with that amp.

Anybody have other recommendations on 2-channel amps?
Do I really need to spend $800 bucks to get a decent 2-channel amp to power that? (If I do, that's no prob).

Last dumb guy question. Someone recommended that I dial the amp down to 6ohms for more power to the speakers.

So if I do that, what are the specs I would be wanting from a potential external amp. 200watts at 6ohms?

By the way, you guys have been SO HELPFUL.

 

[krzywica]

I like that plan, as long as the T65's won't sound horrible with that amp.

Anybody have other recommendations on 2-channel amps?
Do I really need to spend $800 bucks to get a decent 2-channel amp to power that? (If I do, that's no prob).

Last dumb guy question. Someone recommended that I dial the amp down to 6ohms for more power to the speakers.

So if I do that, what are the specs I would be wanting from a potential external amp. 200watts at 6ohms?

By the way, you guys have been SO HELPFUL.

I wouldn't touch the Ohm settings....they will run fine at the defaults. And the PSB's will sound great with that receiver, but they will not live up to their full potential.

There are other alternatives. Such as the EP2500 from Behringer. But it is a bit loud before a fan mod and will always be ugly. These could be non issues to you, or they could be big ones.

Also the Yamaha studio amps come highly recommended here, but I have no experience with them.

You can also look at Crown which make excellent amps.

For consumer amps you are usually getting the sound quality and power of a pro amp with sexy aesthetics.

 

[glockshooter1]

Everyone, your help has been great. I'll look at the Crown's too, their K2 amp was really nice back when I used to DJ. I'll check out the rest, and probably put in an order for step 1 tomorrow.


I'll step back into the shadows and keep lurking. Hopefully, I'll have something to contribute to the discussion soon.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[corey]

Did you go listen to the Klipsch? I like my Klipsch a lot for both music and movies. I brought a pair of RB-35's home and liked them better then the RB-61's I have. The RF-35's would be great, and with the money you save you could get a sub to go with them, as well as not needing to spend more on amplification.

Listen to the Klipsch. It's not a popular choice on this forum, but well worth your while to at least try.

 

[oppman99]

Since it sounds like you are leaning toward the PSB's, I'd say go for those and whichever reciever (with preouts) has the features you want. If you decide the sound is lacking, you can add the external amp later. If you are patient, you can definately get a good amp for less than $800. Emotiva runs sales every few months (usually about $100 off). You can also pick one up used. Most Emotiva owners are very careful with their gear. Even one of the 125 wpc versions will outperform a typical AVR. The power output would also be higher with 6 ohm speakers. You could also get a 2 or 3 channel amp and use your AVR to run the center/surrounds. Outlaw and Parasound are also known for being good bang for you buck amps. I don't care for the laid back character of Parasound, but that's just my personal preference. Don't have any experience with Outlaw, but have seen mostly positive reviews.