Klipsch RF-83/RC-64 Front Setup vs...?

[ousooner2]

Hey guys, I've currently got:

EMP e55ti
EMP e56ci
EMP e5bi
EMP e1010i (2x)

I've come across someone selling this:

Klipsch RF-83
Klipsch RC-64
Klipsch RS-52


I made a thread awhile back, but in case it's been forgotten (likely lol)..my room seems to eat mid-high frequencies for some reason. When I turn off MultEQ XT, my entire setup goes VERY dull and lifeless. Tweeters and midranges are on and working so that's not the culprit I don't believe. I'm not sure if it's the large, open concept area with carpet, high ceilings, plush/cloth couch, etc that could be killing the top end or what. Anyways, has anyone heard these Klipsch's? I've heard about them and it seems many think they're right up there with the RF-7 II's. Not as forward on the top end as the RF-7's and especially not like the RF-82/RF-62 that are more popular with most people. The RF-7's seem to be liked by people that generally don't like the 'Klipsch sound'..same with these RF-83's. Just a quick glace at the specs show they center and towers are 2-way vs. my 3-way designed center and towers, but the weight of the Klipsch front 3 is double what the EMP's are. Anyone have any thoughts? I believe I could sell my setup for right around what this person is asking for this Klipsch 5.0 setup

 

[ousooner2]

Just pulled this from online...thanks for AcuDef

"The Q900’s listening-window response (a five-point average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal and vertical responses) measures +2.25/–0.65 decibels from 200 hertz to 10 kilohertz. The –3-dB point is at 44 Hz, and the –6-dB point is at 39 Hz. Impedance reaches a minimum of 4.02 ohms at 145 Hz and a phase angle of –38.32 degrees at 3.5 kHz."

"The RF-83's listening-window response (a five-point average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal and vertical responses) measures +3.04/–4.40 decibels from 200 hertz to 10 kilohertz. The –3-dB point is at 37 Hz, and the –6-dB point is at 33 Hz. Impedance reaches a minimum of 3.60 ohms at 179 Hz and a phase angle of –56.86 degrees at 74 Hz."

Makes me question if the upper mid-HF response will really be that much better

 

[ski2xblack]

My thoughts...an area of rather significant difference between the EMPs and the Klipsch will be wider vs. more constrained directivity in the upper registers, which has big implications on how they'll interact with your room. IMO the Klipsch are nice, but only a lateral or perhaps a slight upward move, depending on your taste for them and how they'll work in your particular situation.

 

[ski2xblack]

ousooner2, freq response is only one of many metrics to judge a speaker by, and any single measure is but a differential slice of a greater whole (the end user's experience). Your typical Klipsch addict would likely place wide dynamic range over ruler flat response in their order of priorities/objectives. Your EMPs are no slouch in terms of dynamic range, but the Klipsch probably do a bit better.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Wait, so are you contemplating selling your EMP system?

If you are just adding another system, I can understand.

But personally I would rather have your EMP system than the Klipsch.

The Klipsch is more sensitive (RF83 is 94dB/2.83V/m measured by HTM vs. 88dB on the EMP), but that's about it.

I think they both sound good. So in terms of overall SQ, I think they are lateral moves either way (EMP to Klipsch or Klipsch to EMP).

However, EMP is part of RBH and Status Acoustics, so I would give EMP the edge in the end.

 

[ousooner2]

It would be a replacement of the EMP setup. I told you in the PM, but I'll say it here so everyone else gets the jist of why I would contemplate this move...the top end and upper midrange of the EMP's need that significant boost in my room. I feel like even with the boost on the upper end (+5-6dB according to MultEQ XT from 3kHz and up)..they still lack a bit of sparkle or attack that I like. Snare drum, etc don't have that real attack up top that gets me going and into the music. These EMP's are very smooth and easy to listen to though! I'll give them that for sure

If they would throw a tweeter on these EMP's that's about 2dB more sensitive (I don't believe they have an L-pad on the existing tweeters from EMP Impression line)..they'd be much better. Still need a slight boost, but it seems that's the #1 complaint about these speakers. They'd still be neutral and you'd pick up a lot of people that are swayed to another brand when they hear about the top end being a little lifeless

 

[zieglj01]

I do not see where you will get a lot of help from these speakers

That is a nasty 1 khz dip, plus the 7 to 10 khz dip is not positive,
when you are looking for more treble.

The center channel midrange and treble is on the downward slope.

I would look for some good prices on some JBL horn speakers.

Your call

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

It would be a replacement of the EMP setup. I told you in the PM, but I'll say it here so everyone else gets the jist of why I would contemplate this move...the top end and upper midrange of the EMP's need that significant boost in my room. I feel like even with the boost on the upper end (+5-6dB according to MultEQ XT from 3kHz and up)..they still lack a bit of sparkle or attack that I like. Snare drum, etc don't have that real attack up top that gets me going and into the music. These EMP's are very smooth and easy to listen to though! I'll give them that for sure

If they would throw a tweeter on these EMP's that's about 2dB more sensitive (I don't believe they have an L-pad on the existing tweeters from EMP Impression line)..they'd be much better. Still need a slight boost, but it seems that's the #1 complaint about these speakers. They'd still be neutral and you'd pick up a lot of people that are swayed to another brand when they hear about the top end being a little lifeless

Are you using Audyssey Bypass L/R + Dynamic EQ (without Dynamic Volume) ?

I will have to come over your house and see for myself.

 

[ousooner2]

I go from Audyssey (not flat; just plain on Audyssey) WITH Dynamic EQ....to OFF. Back and forth...there is a MASSIVE difference in dynamics, mid-top end, etc. It sounds like you put a comforter over the darn speaker lol. A very plush one!

You're probably right about the room. I've always wondered what would happen if I were to mess with the midrange polarities. Maybe even in combination with the tweeters. There are 4 midranges and 2 tweeters in my front L/R. I want to say I've looked at them and they were all hooked up the same, but maybe one got swapped somehow or something. That would cause a dip I'd assume. Happens on the e56ci center and the bookshelves too though....so my theory there is kind of 'off'.

Negative of making the switch is the speakers definitely don't look as nice

 

[shadyJ]

I would save up and go for something with more punch. I would look at Pi Three or Four speakers or maybe some JTRs. EMP to Klipsch looks like a lateral move, as has been mentioned. Make your next upgrade the last one, and go for the gold. You will want to upgrade the subs as well, for speakers like those.

 

[ousooner2]

Yeah this upgrade after doing more research would probably be a lateral move to some extent. I guess I'll just wait a few years and then see if RBH would like to deliver a pair of SX-8300/r's to my door

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I guess I'll just wait a few years and then see if RBH would like to deliver a pair of SX-8300/r's to my door

With law of diminishing returns, the SX-8300/R might get you 90% of the Salon2 SQ.