klipsch speaker deal?

[cdiddy]

Hi-
I am thinking of upgrading my current Kenwood surround speakers in my living room (13x18) and wanted to see what people w/ more experience thought of the deal I've found thru an authorized klipsch dealer w/ a closeout deal ---

Cinema 8 surround system - 1 center rcx-4, 4 bookshelf rsx-4s
Klipsch RW-10d subwoofer

For $750. Seems like a good bundled deal retail is around $1300 w/ that subwoofer i believe.

Does anyone have an opinion on this setup and the price? Thanks.

 

[jcPanny]

SVS 5.1 system

The Klipsch system includes small satellite speakers and an entry level sub. In your price range I would get a quality bookshelf speaker system. The SVS 5.1 system includes a great sub and is on sale in white and silver for $800.
http://www.svsound.com/news-news.cfm

The AV123 also has the X-LS bookshelf speakers in the same price range.

 

[corey]

Is it a good deal? Like many things, it all depends on what you want. I like Klipsch a lot (own RB-61, RC-52), and if you're looking for very small speakers, and don't mind that the sub doesn't go very low, it's probably a pretty good deal. Keep in mind that with 4" drivers you're going to be missing some mid-bass. The sub is only rated down to 35Hz, which is not much for movies. BTW, the Klipsch web site list MSRP at $1194, not $1300.

If you're willing to consider larger speakers, AV123 has a 5.1 set for $776 (plus shipping, I guess). 6.5" drivers, & a sub rated down to 28Hz. If you're willing to consider adding $300 or so to your budget, and larger speakers, SVS has a 5.1 set for $1030 (+ shipping). 5.25" drivers, & a sub rated down to 20Hz.

Edit: Oops, took to long to post. jcPanny's post wasn't up when I started this.

 

[cdiddy]

thanks for the info. actually the package i'm looking at has a different subwoofer than the prepackaged cinema 8 set on the klipsch website. the usual package is w/ a rpw-10 which are the specs u quoted. the one i'm looking at is the rw-10d - http://klipsch.com/products/details/rw-10d.aspx - which is $150 more retail and goes to 28 hz. i like the idea of the small speakers (so does my wife). would a pair of klipsch bookshelves be much better than the satellites in the cinema 8 (rsx-4)? thanks again.

 

[cdiddy]

one more question--

what are the real benefits of adding a back center speaker to complete a 6.1 system? obviously new to this stuff, done some reading but can't really see the real benefit in my case.

 

[corey]

would a pair of klipsch bookshelves be much better than the satellites

Define "much". In general, larger, heavier drivers in bigger boxes can do a better job reproducing tones in the 80 - 200 Hz area than small, light drivers in tiny boxes.

Get some acoustic music you like & know. I've got both Brubeck & Clapton (Unplugged) on my "speaker audition" CD. Ask your dealer to play it on both the RSX-4's & his best bookshelf, maybe the RB-81. Listen closely to the middle range. Just because you can hear some low thumps & some high cymbals, doesn't mean all the middle is there. Also, be sure that the speaker volume is the same - louder always sounds better.

If you don't hear a difference, or enough difference to matter, then take the RSX-4's & go home happy. If not, then you have to start figuring out your own compromise between speaker size, cost & sound.

5.1, 6.1, 7.1. Depends on your room. Is your rear wall close to your listening position? Rear speakers work best if they're a ways back from your listening position. Concentrate on your front 3 & sub, that's where most of the sound comes from.