Klipsch surround upgrade: switch to monopole?

[obiwanfong]

I have a full 6.1 Klipsch Reference 35 system right now but planning to upgrade my HT setup. What I'm considering doing is buying new fronts (RF-82s or RF-63s and RC-62 or RF-64 center) and moving my RF-35s to be my new side surrounds.

My question: I know monopoles are not as great for movies as for music but will having the floorstanders instead of the smaller wall-mounted RS-35s on the side (and upgrading the fronts) outweigh the downside of going with monopoles instead of regular dispersion surrounds for an HT?

My other option is to keep my RF-35s up front and just replace the surrounds with a pair of RS-52s (in each case, I'd move the RS-35s to the back and go 7.1).

Thanks.

 

[nova]

On Bi-Di being the best for surrounds,...??? well I think you'll get a lot of recommendations,... you will also find many people prefer direct/monopole.

Personally I like my Bi-Di side surrounds but if I moved on to 7.1 I would go with direct radiators in the back and keep the Bi-Di on the sides. Some like all four surround speakers to be bi-di, and some like all four to be direct.

There are also various versions of these speakers, ie; Bi-Polar speakers, Di-Polar speakers, switchable Bi-Di speakers, switchable Bi-Di and Mono, and like I have, a sort of hybrid Bi-Polar Woofers and Di-Polar Tweeters. I'm sure there are other variations as well.

So, there really is no "BEST" for everyone, but their is a "what you like best". Your room and your ears will likely dictate what sounds best as far as Bi, Di, Mono surrounds. In short,...go with what sounds best to you. If possible bring the bi, di, direct speakers home, try 'em out, keep what sounds best and return the rest.

 

[AVRat]

That's a tough call because it really is a matter of preference. It might help to know your room size (LxWxH), what subwoofer you're using, and what receiver/amp you're powering the system with?

 

[obiwanfong]

That's a tough call because it really is a matter of preference. It might help to know your room size (LxWxH), what subwoofer you're using, and what receiver/amp you're powering the system with?

Thanks (to both responses). The room size is nominally 20x14x13 but the living room space opens up to the kitchen making the total sound space 20x20x13.

Current subwoofer is a Velodyne CHT-12 but open to upgrading (or doubling up) if I get to the space (still being built) and it ends up not being enough.

Receiver will likely be a Denon 3808 or 4308 or an Onkyo 905 (upgrading from a Pioneer VSX-914).

Does that help?

 

[obiwanfong]

nothing more?

 

[Buckeye_Nut]

I have a full 6.1 Klipsch Reference 35 system right now but planning to upgrade my HT setup. What I'm considering doing is buying new fronts (RF-82s or RF-63s and RC-62 or RF-64 center) and moving my RF-35s to be my new side surrounds.

My question: I know monopoles are not as great for movies as for music but will having the floorstanders instead of the smaller wall-mounted RS-35s on the side (and upgrading the fronts) outweigh the downside of going with monopoles instead of regular dispersion surrounds for an HT?

My other option is to keep my RF-35s up front and just replace the surrounds with a pair of RS-52s (in each case, I'd move the RS-35s to the back and go 7.1).

Thanks.

The RF-82/35 & RC62/35 are too similar to consider as an upgrade. The new RF speakers you listed are an improved version of the same thing you already have!! If you're going to upgrade, go to the RC64/RF63, then move your RF35s to the surrounds.

I also use floorstanding speakers as surrounds because there is no way.... like direct radiating. I wouldnt recommend bipole unless you've got 3-4 rows of seating to consider. Why would you ever point the speakers away from your ears.......on purpose? That's how I see/hear it......