Klipsch THX Ultra2 Loudspeaker System Review

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Based on the SPL vs Freq graph, It appears to me that the KL-650 speaker is +/-4dB from 80Hz - 20kHz (the same thing between 200Hz-10kHz)?

 

[Guavamanh]

Based on the SPL vs Freq graph, It appears to me that the KL-650 speaker is +/-4dB from 80Hz - 20kHz (the same thing between 200Hz-10kHz)?

I compared this to the 2010 Speaker of the year Aperion Verus Tower:
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/verus-grand/Verus_Tower_meas_AP001.jpg/image_view_fullscreen

I wish the KL-650 graph was zoomed in like the Verus graph to make it easier to compare, but the Verus looks pretty stable at +/- 1.5dB from 200Hz to 10kHz.. How much of an impact would this make sound wise when you compare the two speakers at those frequencies? What should I listen for to hear the difference?

edit: Also wondering why you chose 200Hz as the starting point? From 200Hz to 5kHz the graphs seem pretty similar.. I think most of the +/-4dB fluctuation occurs at 5kHz to 10kHz? (I do agree though that the Verus is handling that section better than the KL-120)

It also does look like the Verus are more stable down to 40Hz like the review mentions. But would this matter if I don't run them large/full range?

I have my Dual KW-120 Subs to take over under 80Hz
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/satellite/klipsch-thx-ultra2/clip_image012_006.gif/image_view_fullscreen

I'm pretty new to reading these graphs so any help would be appreciated =)

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

...the Verus looks pretty stable at +/- 1.5dB from 200Hz to 10kHz...Also wondering why you chose 200Hz as the starting point? From 200Hz to 5kHz the graphs seem pretty similar.. I think most of the +/-4dB fluctuation occurs at 5kHz to 10kHz?

Yeah, I concur that the Aperion Versus is +/- 1.5dB from 200Hz - 10kHz, which is pretty awesome.

But I think the KL-650 is close to +/- 4dB from 200Hz-10kHz, which I think is not as awesome.

Home Theater Magazine chose the 200Hz-10kHz on their 5-point average FR, so I just went along.

 

[Guavamanh]

Yeah, I concur that the Aperion Versus is +/- 1.5dB from 200Hz - 10kHz, which is pretty awesome.

But I think the KL-650 is close to +/- 4dB from 200Hz-10kHz, which I think is not as awesome.

Home Theater Magazine chose the 200Hz-10kHz on their 5-point average FR, so I just went along.

Not a fan boy trying to defend my speakers or anything (I actually was considering Definitive Tech BP7001SC in the past). Just wondering what your thoughts were regarding:

1) My previous comment that most of the +/- 4dB is in the 5kHz to 10Khz range. Do you agree that 200Hz to 5kHz seems pretty stable/similar to Verus? (Because you repeated your comment of 200Hz to 10kHz above)
2) What kind of things should I listen for in that range of frequencies (5kHz to 10Khz)?
3) My previous question regarding the KL-650's drop below 80Hz: Would it matter since I have the KW-120 Dual Subs picking up from there? I don't believe these KL-120 speakers are meant to be full range.
4) http://www.hometheater.com/content/klipsch-thx-ultra2-speaker-system-ht-labs-measures Is this the home theater review you're talking about? Because the 5-10kHz measures don't seem as bad here.. is it because of smoothing or is this review not as reliable vs. audioholics testing? How bad is interobserver measurement differences when testing at the 5-10kHz frequency?

Quote from Home Theater website: "The KL-650-THX's listening-window response (a five-point average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal and vertical responses) measures +1.00/–0.87 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. An average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal responses measures +1.53/–0.56 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz. The –3dB point is at 56 Hz, and the –6dB point is at 49 Hz. Impedance reaches a minimum of 4.15 ohms at 174 Hz and a phase angle of –59.88 degrees at 96 Hz."



Thanks for the help!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The KL-650-THX's listening-window response (a five-point average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal and vertical responses) measures +1.00/–0.87 dB from 200 Hz to 10 kHz.

I take it ALL BACK.

Now that is AWESOME measurement!!!

I didn't realize HTM also measured these speakers.

But, yeah, I would be PROUD to own speakers with that kind of measurements!

Everyone measures differently and every room measures differently; that is why it is ideal to measure in an anechoic chamber, instead of someone's room.

The bottom line is, if these speakers sound awesome to you, I believe you.

 

[Mika75]

Congratulations

I heard these 6mths ago in a large electronics store's open plan theater room, sadly didn't get to hear them full tilt but at mid-low levels the detail was astounding.

I'm curios, how much did u save by waiting this long

 

[Warpdrv]

The Klipsch THX Ultra II speakers just started shipping last year. These are not the same as the old Klipsch THX speakers based on the pro audio models.
IMOHO the Klipsch THX Ultra II speakers are the best THX speakers on the market.

I see you stating THX alot, please help us understand why the THX rating really makes any difference for us here... There are seriously ridiculous amounts of great sounding and measuring products out there that are not THX rated, so I wonder what makes up the difference....

 

[its phillip]

He made that post in 2006

 

[Warpdrv]

Doh....

 

[Guavamanh]

Congratulations

I heard these 6mths ago in a large electronics store's open plan theater room, sadly didn't get to hear them full tilt but at mid-low levels the detail was astounding.

I'm curios, how much did u save by waiting this long

Mika: PM sent regarding the deal I got on these speakers... btw nice avatar =p did you know? http://thechive.com/2011/03/24/march-24-is-national-sideboob-day/ NSFW

Warp: I got these speakers in spite of the THX spec FWIW =p I wish I had the skill and time to DIY like you, thanks for those awesome posts. Even if I disregard the certification (lets just pretend it doesnt exist), and consider the price I got them at (>50% off MSRP) with the quality of the output of the system... I'm pretty darn happy with them =)

Phil: thanks for pointing that out =p

 

[dalumberjack]

I dream of owning these in a separate HT room. Maybe even do a 11.4 configuration with them?

 

[mtrycrafts]

I compared this to the 2010 Speaker of the year Aperion Verus Tower:
...I wish the KL-650 graph was zoomed in like the Verus graph to make it easier to compare, but the Verus looks pretty stable at +/- 1.5dB from 200Hz to 10kHz.. How much of an impact would this make sound wise when you compare the two speakers at those frequencies? What should I listen for to hear the difference?

edit: Also wondering why you chose 200Hz as the starting point? From 200Hz to 5kHz the graphs seem pretty similar.. I think most of the +/-4dB fluctuation occurs at 5kHz to 10kHz? (I do agree though that the Verus is handling that section better than the KL-120)

It also does look like the Verus are more stable down to 40Hz like the review mentions. But would this matter if I don't run them large/full range?

I have my Dual KW-120 Subs to take over under 80Hz

I'm pretty new to reading these graphs so any help would be appreciated =)

Well, a 2.5dB spl difference in that mid band is a pretty significant differences and is audible or should be.

 

[Mika75]

Mika: PM sent regarding the deal I got on these speakers... btw nice avatar =p did you know? http://thechive.com/2011/03/24/march-24-is-national-sideboob-day/ NSFW

I didn't know? ...but I know now