Orb Audio Mod2 vs. Bose. vs. Klipsch

[MacManNM]

MacManNM makes an excellent point. Especially at that price.

I could put together a system around the Klipsch RSX series that would smoke the Orb system. Especially at higher volume. On top of the fact the Klipsch have a nice WAF.

I have spent a little bit of time with Orb's at a co-workers place who ended up selling his six months later after he spent some time with some PSB's from the Alpha series. At lower volumes the Orb's are fair but nothing special at all.

The Orb system is worth about 5 to 600 but thats it. At 1200.00 the system is way OVERPRICED. I guess the only thing going for them is they sound better than Bose. But that isn't saying much.

Thank you.
There is such a thing as value, and I don't think this fits into that category. I would think that the rating system in the review would reflect this.

 

[MacManNM]

I think measurements would reveal that any 3" driver can not produce accurate high frequencies. I'm amiss how these theoretical Bose Killers could produce anything but adequate mid range frequencies.
Sorry, there just too darn similar to Bose!

Shoot me for saying so!

Great point, I also think measurements would have been more revealing.

 

[MacManNM]

Excuse the Holy Wars interruption, but it is almost impossible to imagine a better mini-system, one with real BANG, than the HSU VT-12 + STF-2 for $559 shipped!! Has Audioholics reviewed THAT system?

We've already had this Eyeball Speaker discussion, anyway. (Geez, I'm starting to sound like MacManNM. LOL.)

See, you get better every day

 

[MacManNM]

MacManNM Wrote:

You guys have to be kidding. $1200 for that? Bose killers? Who cares, if you spend that kind of scratch on those, you need help, and lots of it.

Frankly I did get help. I researched several sites, read available reviews, researched the company (Orb Audio), and made what appears to be a quality decision.

I am seeking the greatest possible system given my knowledge and ability.

As I build my system, I fear I might select complex components and not be able to effectively use them. For example, once I bought a complex very expensive digital camera. It had tremendous capability. But it was very difficult to use. I never had the time or inclination to figure how to use the camera. The potential ability of the camera was great, It's achievable ability was very low

It ended up being a paperweight. The point is "be ambitious but know thy limits"

As to MacManNM... His equipment list obviously indicates a vast knowledge of all things audio. It truly demonstrates the size and girth of his EP.

For the rest of us "Mortals" seeking an effective solution for a mid level home theater, the ORB represents a solid product from a solid company with a very high "achievable value"

Why, thank you, I can see my fan club is almost as big as my EP!

Mortals to the right please......

 

[Privateer]

How is the store setup? I can take some digital photos this weekend if you'd like. It's a store with multiple listening rooms. Is this a quiz? Are you a district manager for B&O? I don't want to get anyone in trouble.

You know how bad a demo can sound in some stores so did you take that into consideration.

You seem very confident in your self and your knowledge of audio, but you green chicklet is grey, which means people don't think your input is positive or helpful.

Yes I forgot that the only thing which matters is how many green squares I have under my name, next thing you will be hacking people because they have a low number of posts.

I could put together a system around the Klipsch RSX series that would smoke the Orb system. Especially at higher volume. On top of the fact the Klipsch have a nice WAF.

You are not getting the point of these speakers.

There is just no pleasing you guys. Seriously. The review is of a system that is designed to compromise sound quality somewhat for the purpose of size, cost and an insanely high WAF.

Good point but the people on this forum just do not seem to get that.

 

[anamorphic96]

"I could put together a system around the Klipsch RSX series that would smoke the Orb system. Especially at higher volume. On top of the fact the Klipsch have a nice WAF. "

What am I not getting about these speakers ? Be specific ?

The Klipsch based system is of the same style. No ?

I could also mention the Energy Take systems which will offer better performance than the Orb's as well.

Again. What point am I missing ?

Where talking about small sub/sat systems with high WAF. It just so happens the Orb's are a rip off, and other companies are doing it better for the same price or cheaper. Plus you can listen to the others before buying unlike the Orb's.

 

[Audioholics]

Again. What point am I missing ?

Well, off the top of my head... the fact that you haven't heard them all side by side yet have an extremely strong opinion on the subject?

 

[anamorphic96]

True. I have not heard them all in the same room, and that could change things.

But I have some spent time with the Orb's and the price is ridiculous for what you get. Especially considering how they get congested and fall apart when pushed.

The Klipsch system does not do this when pushed and stays quite composed.

Yes my opinions are strong but I hate to see companies charge insane prices for average at best quality.

 

[Privateer]

Where talking about small sub/sat systems with high WAF.

Maybe you are blind but both speakers you have recommended are alot larger then the orbs.

It just so happens the Orb's are a rip off

You know this how?

and other companies are doing it better for the same price or cheaper.

The only other orb type speakers out there are anthony gallo and they are more.

 

[anamorphic96]

No im not blind. How are these speakers alot larger ?

RSX 3 -
8.75" H
4.8 " W
6.7 " D

RSX 4 -
10.25" H
5.5" W
7.5" D

Orb Mod 2 -
9.5" H
4 3/16" W
4 7/8" D

 

[Privateer]

You are off on the orb 2, the klipsch are larger by quite a bit.

Orb mod 2
4 3/16" W x 8 7/8" H x 4 7/8" D.

RSX-4
10.25" (26cm) x 5.5" (14cm) x 7.5" (19.1cm)

Do you just assume that the RSX-4 will out perform the orb speakers because from what I see of the RSX-4 or 3 they are a very low budget speaker.

 

[anamorphic96]

Im not assuming since I have spent time with both. In similar sized rooms. With similar electronics.

I never stated they where smaller. Just of simialr size. You stated they where ALOT bigger. I dont see that.

How do you also conclude the Klipsch Reference line is a low budget speaker ?
Look closer when you can at the build quality and you might have a different impression. There quite heavy with high quality drivers and full size binding posts.

The Klipsch RSX 4 is a 2 way design with a woofer and tweeter in a slightly larger enclosure with a bass reflex port. The Orb's use 3.5 inch full range drivers in tiny little balls and charge over 400 dollars for this. Where is the value. 400 is alot for 4/3.5 inch full range speakers. On top of the fact the dont hold up under pressure. Im sorry but tiny full range drivers can't compete with a well designed 2 way satellite.

The fair asking price for the Orbs is roughly 80 to a 100 bucks in my opion. Especially considering they fall apart under pressure. The sub is bit better. But a HSU STF 1 will spank it.

I just dont see any value at the almost 1200 asking price. They may be cool and cute looking but my decisions are based on performance and value.

 

[Privateer]

How do you also conclude the Klipsch Reference line is a low budget speaker ?

You are saying that the RSX-4 is something that it is not.

Look closer when you can at the build quality and you might have a different impression. There quite heavy with high quality drivers and full size binding posts.

How close do I have to look? All I see is a basic speaker that is put togeather by illegals in a factory. Do you have proof that the drivers are high quality or do the fancy colors trick your mind?

The Klipsch RSX 4 is a 2 way design with a woofer and tweeter in a slightly larger enclosure with a bass reflex port.

This makes them better? Why would you need a bass port for a 4" driver?

The fair asking price for the Orbs is roughly 80 to a 100 bucks in my opion.

Do you have a price sheet for this products that states how much everything costs?

Especially considering they fall apart under pressure.

Maybe it was your cheap amp that is causing this problem. Did you bother to set the speakers up properly? Did you use a SPL device to see if there were any problems?

They may be cool and cute looking but my decisions are based on performance and value.

Then why do you bother to post in this thread? Alot of people out there are after more than how cheap can I go without having serious problems with the equipment.

 

[anamorphic96]

All equipmet used in my auditions where Yamaha, Nad, and Rotel. Everything was calibrated to industry standards.

Dont need a price sheet. Just look at the retail costs. I was stating what I felt the Orb's where worth.

I have seen the drivers and the build quality is quite good for the price point. My good friend and I both own the RSX 3's.

Now that your'e gonna act like a child with your electronics, and illegal alien comments. I think I will bid you good bye. It seems youre taking this personally when its just a good debate.

 

[Privateer]

All equipmet used in my auditions where Yamaha, Nad, and Rotel.

Did you switch out any of the equipment? Maybe the electronics you were using do not sound good with the orb products.

Everything was calibrated to industry standards.

Which is?

I was stating what I felt the Orb's where worth.

And I FEEL that your RSX-3's are bottom end speakers.

I have seen the drivers and the build quality is quite good for the price point.

As in you took them out or what?

It seems youre taking this personally when its just a good debate.

Right, you are the one who came in here and started to bash a product for no reason.

 

[anamorphic96]

Klipsch products are manufactured in Hope Arkansas.

We used THX guidelines which state 75db. Which is what we used.

Yes I did make strong comments. But im not the only one who feels this way.

Yes I have taken the speakers apart like I do with all speakers I buy. It seems your basing your decisions on speakers you have only seen pitures of. Not heard.

Have you listened to the Klipsch speakers. My comments are based on personal auditions of both products ?

Anways lets just end this, and agree to disagree. Fair enough. Youre happy with the Orb's and thats what counts.

 

[Audioholics]

Yes, in case you were all wondering, this was originally the Orb Audio Mod2 Review thread...

 

[Privateer]

Klipsch products are manufactured in Hope Arkansas.

So, does the higher altitude make for a better performing speaker.

We used THX guidelines which state 75db. Which is what we used.

75db in relation to what?

Yes I did make strong comments. But im not the only one who feels this way.

There are alot of people on this forum who do not care about looks or a WAF factor and focus only on the bang for the buck.

Have you listened to the Klipsch speakers.

I no longer go to big chain audio stores, but it has been a while I am far past the klipsch line up.

Youre happy with the Orb's and thats what counts.

I am defending a product that people are bashing just because it costs more than what they think it should cost.

 

[Takeereasy]

My only point initially was that the review thread should be kept on topic. If you wanted to bash the review, or the speakers, or even Nomas (feel free to bash nomas, but let me know first so I can spark up a cigar and start swishing the brandy so as to truly enjoy JK nomas) then that's fine. If you want to compare alternatives to orbs and comment on cost (like anamorphic did) then I think that's fine. I just hate it when everyone gets off on a tangent (like I'm doing now) and takes the thread in a direction away from where it is meant to go. The reviews are for people to see new products, comment on them, and for people considering that product and others similar to it to be able to ask questions. Does that mean I think a poster shouldn't be able to say "Hey, I hate those. The sound isn't up to standards for what you have to pay." No it does not. I do think posts should revolve around the product in question and direct competition to it however. The manufacturers are kind enough to send products to the owners of this site and the review and follow up are part of what they get in return for doing so.

I know how hard it is not to snipe back when someone busts your chops over something, or you think you know better. Far be it from me to say turn the other cheek. But I will suggest you start another thread. Especially if it becomes clear that you wish to carry the discussion far away from the original topic.

 

[jcPanny]

Orb Audio performance

I think that the Orb Audio Mod 2 system is a superior alternitive to a Bose cube system. Based on the 1-size driver design it obviously sacrifices some performance for astetics. It is clearly designed and marketed to this niche.
When rated against its intended competition (i.e. Bose) as audioholics did, it performed suprising well.