Klipsch Vs. Paradigm?

[kpgray]

I wanted to get some feedback on whether to buy Klipsch RF25s or Paradigm Monitor 7s. I've auditioned them as well as Monitor Audio, PSB, Totem, Bose, Polk, and Infinity. I think it's between the Klipsch and the Paradigms.

However, I just read the post "Bose blowing away Paradigms". I'm amazed that so many people here are that impressed with the Bose. A friend has a Bose system and swears by it, but his room is 1/2 the size of mine and I'm not sure how critical he is of music quality. My priority with my HT setup is that music sounds great; movies are secondary.

I think I'm going with a Yamaha RX-V750 receiver. I'm looking to spend around $2K - $3K for the receiver, 5.1 speaker setup and DVD/CD changer (also probably the Yamaha 750).

Appreciate all comments.

 

[CitronBull]

bose

that post regarding bose is better than paradigm was an April's Fools joke.

 

[kpgray]

That makes more sense that someone bashing their Paradigms in favor of Bose.

Any suggestions on the Klipsch vs. Paradigms?

Thanks

 

[HookedOnSound]

That makes more sense that someone bashing their Paradigms in favor of Bose.

Any suggestions on the Klipsch vs. Paradigms?

Thanks

They're both respected brands, if possible try to audition them side by side (comparison). It would be easier to compare them both. I find that relying on memory when listening to one speaker and then going to another store and testing another brand to compare is hard to evaluate...

Good Luck.

Kim L.

 

[zumbo]

My opinion. Paradigm. Hands down. No comparison.

 

[markw]

I agree with both the previous posts.

And, if you think about it, that really does make sense.

 

[jimmit]

I much prefer the Paradigm speaker; the Klipsch are well built and very efficient, but to me a little too bright. I believe they would become fatiguing to listen to after a while; at least for me.

 

[shokhead]

I tried Klipsch and brite was the first thing i noticed. Not a fan of a horn for the tweeter.

 

[fretbuzz]

paradigms all the way

Paradigms rock!!
have monitor 11`s and the imaging is amazing
awesome clarity and detail!
price paid for them even made them a sweeter deal!

 

[kpgray]

First off, thanks for the responses.

I agree that ideally, it's best to listen to different speakers at the same store. However, I haven't found a dealer that sells both Klipsch and Paradigm.

I think I also like Paradigm better (from what I can remember of the sound); but the Klipsch dealer has all the other components I want and is more willing to discount a 'package' price. The Paradigm dealer didn't seem too interested in my business either way. The next closest Paradigm dealer is not convenient. That said, I would not eliminate the Paradigms because of it. If the Paradigm dealer was as helpful as the Klipsch dealer, I'd probably already have my system purchased.

Also, I don't know if 'bright' speakers are a drawback to me. I like horns (Tower of Power, Chicago music), but I don't want harsh or tinny sounding ones.

Keep the suggestions coming.

Thanks!

 

[Peter Duminy]

IMHO opinion, try to audition both brands in you own living room. It is only then you can tell which sound pleases you the most, in your own acoustical environment. Also, most good stores will allow a return policy within a few days, so that way you don't have to sign on the dotted line on a system you would be unhappy with.

 

[cbraver]

If you like horns, then by all means give Klipsch a try. I like horns too in certain applications.

Hey, what kinda music you listen to? If you listen to genres like rock, hip hop, rap, the Klipsh's might be the ticket.

I honestly don't find Klipsch to make an OVERLY bright speaker, but they are for those who like things a little brighter. I don't feel they are nuetral by any means, but, I think they are great for genres like rock and rap.

If you like things a little more "live," as I have coined it, then I think you might dig the Klipsch.

If you like neutral, try M&K and Dynaudio.

If you like colored, but not as bright, I recommend Monitor Audio or Paragrim.

-Chad

 

[jaxvon]

Tower of Power Rocks! But, they were describing the Tweeter design, not necessessarily the kind of music it's good for (the Klipsch uses a horn design).

 

[Rotarhead69]

I found the P's to be better suited for 2ch listening. I have a Klipsch Reference system and MK sub. They run on the Denon 2805. For reference I also have Vandersteens that run off a Conrad Johnson amp for my 2ch. While the Klipsch may be a tad bright (when not set up properly) they won hands down over the P's for HT use when I auditioned them. The Klipsch give a nice broad soundfield (not artificial mind you) that fills the room and makes you fill right there. The P's seemed more point source by comparison. This "brightness" people speak of my also be due to the equipment. When I let my Denon "auto" setup the sound is quite natrual.

I notice NO fatigue when watching movies. However, if most of your listening is stereo music they may not be for you if you already have a concern.

just my 2 cents.

 

[MarkOcena]

If you like things a little more "live," as I have coined it, then I think you might dig the Klipsch.

If you like neutral, try M&K and Dynaudio.

If you like colored, but not as bright, I recommend Monitor Audio or Paragrim.

I don't know about the "coloured" description of Paradigm. Could you elaborate for us Chad?
I do agree that the Klipsch speakers is probably better for more popular music like rock, hiphop, rap - they use technology tricked down from the professional speaker lineup used at rock concerts, etc. I've heard the horns provide a more forward presentation of sound.
My last point is regarding the speakers efficiency. The horn style tweeter of the Klipsch speakers gives a rating of ~94dB compared to most Paradigms at ~91ddB... that 3 dB difference means you need half as much power to get the same volume. So if you have a less powerful amp or just like early splitting guitar riffs, then Klipsch would be a better choice if you don't find their supposed brightness to fatiguing.

 

[Shadow_Ferret]

just like ear splitting guitar riffs

Well, that sold me on Klipsch. What other kind of guitar riffs are there?

 

[mulester7]

"that 3 dB difference means you need half as much power to get the same volume"

.....outstanding, Marc....that red line of the watts being produced goes straight up right at the last handful or so of db's of sound pressure....I was amazed when I used a very clean old stereo receiver one time that had pre-out and most importantly, "main in" to accept a pre-amp's stereo outputs....the two amp sections were both rated to clip at 30 watts per at 8, and four speakers were LOUD with no audible distortion....I plead the fifth on which speakers.....

 

[STEELHEART]

hey fret,
I have a couple of speaker cataloges from paradigm and i like the
looks of the monitor 11's, you said you own a pair and love 'em
i'm thinking of purchasing a pair in the near future, what do you have for rear speakers? if i but a pair of 11's for my mains do i have to buy another pair for the rears or can i go with the monitor 5's for the rears?

 

[cbraver]

I don't know about the "coloured" description of Paradigm. Could you elaborate for us Chad?

Absolutely! They add colorations to their speakers to make them sound "good," instead of trying to make them sound nuetral...they try and make the recording sound "better" than it is. It's a preference. They won't call it "colorations" while they design it, but, that's basically how it is. Nothing wrong with it, it's just preference. Classic example of this is Tannoy. Again, I'm not knocking it at all, some people really like it and that's what this is about!

I do agree that the Klipsch speakers is probably better for more popular music like rock, hiphop, rap - they use technology tricked down from the professional speaker lineup used at rock concerts, etc. I've heard the horns provide a more forward presentation of sound.

Yeah. Great small party speakers.

-Chad