Please Help me !!!

[scotties2006]

OK, I purchased a new HT from HHgregg last week. I got everything hooked up and it sounds great to me. However, I've read really poor reviews on the speakers but I've also read some good reviews as well.

I have an Optoma HD projector w/ 110" screen in a room that measures approx. 18x30.

I had a Bose lifestyle that didn't "fill the room" at all. So this is what I bought...

Klipsch Synergy line that consisted of F3 fronts, C2 center, S2 backs, Sub12 woofer, and a Sony STR-DG920 receiver.

I paid approx. $2450 after taxes for this setup.

Now, I can get the following online from Vann's for only about $200 more (no taxes and free shipping)...

Onkyo TX-SR606(B)
> Klipsch RW-10d
> Klipsch RS52 BLACK SURROUND SPEAKER X 2
> Klipsch RC52 BLACK CENTER SPEAKER
> Klipsch RF52 BLACK SINGLE SPEAKER X 2

What should I do? I need to return the synergies by next Friday to get a refund within the allotted 14 day period if I'm going to.

Again, I like the way things sound but I'm just want to do it right and not make the wrong decision. So, any input would be appreciated.

 

[XEagleDriver]

Trust your own Judgement . . .

Scotties,

I believe you pretty much answered your own question with the statement:

. . . and it sounds great to me.

1) Regarding,

However, I've read really poor reviews on the speakers but I've also read some good reviews as well.

I would not get worked up about the reviews, especially concerning Klipsch--they tend to polarize listeners between those who absolutely love them and those who do not care for the sound of a horn tweeter design.

2) Comparing,

Klipsch Synergy line of F3 fronts, C2 center, S2 backs, Sub12 woofer, . . .

Vs.

. . . the following online for only about $200 more ...
> Klipsch RW-10d
> Klipsch RS52 BLACK SURROUND SPEAKER X 2
> Klipsch RC52 BLACK CENTER SPEAKER
> Klipsch RF52 BLACK SINGLE SPEAKER X 2

I do not own Klipsch, but looking at their web site the two speaker systems are a lot more similar than different. They are in the same ball park quality wise as evidenced by MSRPs of $2300 and $2170 respectively. The system you already bought has larger woofers and a larger diameter sub than the alternative system.

By far the most significant fact is you heard, choose and liked the one you bought. You probably did not have an opportunity to hear the other system.

FWIW: Trust your own judgement and stick with what you heard and liked, instead of chasing an unheard "what if" system from the same manufacturer, of similar design, and so close in cost/performance.

Good Luck,

XEagleDriver

 

[Davemcc]

If you have the option of returning the order, I would suggest that's what you do. When you're looking at a budget approaching $3k, I think you can do much better than either deal. Now that you have found Audioholics, you can find a whole range of better options and budget stretching deals to build a system that more closely suits your needs and wants.

Ixnay on the Sony receiver. Definitely upgrade the subwoofer for a room that size. As for the rest, if you care to elaborate on your expected use of the system, HT/music use, aesthetic considerations and your own critical expectations, forum members can certainly point you in the direction of some fine choices for your consideration.

Having said all that, if you like it, keep it.

 

[adwilk]

I suppose I agree with Dave, but to answer the original question.... The reference line will easily destroy the synergy line... They dont even belong in the same sentence as far as I'm concerned... Klipsch isn't for everybody, but everybody that buys klipsch should buy the reference line..

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I agree with adwilk on this one. If you like the way Klipsch sound and I think you do, go with the reference line and be done with it.

Unless you are getting a package deal, skip the sub and look to SVS or HSU for the low duties.

 

[adwilk]

skip the sub and look to SVS or HSU for the low duties.

agreed... I owned that RW10-D for about 17 min. If you like massive boom with no discernible change in frequency, then it comes highly recommended...

 

[scotties2006]

Thanks for all of the replies thus far .

Here is a pic of my HT to give you an idea of my setup....

Several thought processes are going on in my twisted mind right now .

I do like Klipsch sound but I've also not had a lot to compare it to.

I would really like to keep my budget in the $2000-$2500 range but if I could get a far superior system for only a couple hundred more, then OK.

I compared the previously mentioned Synergy line w/ the Ref 52's because they are about the same price (I bought the Synergy setup at HHGregg and had taxes tacked on and the R52's would be online and no tax or shipping).

However, are the Reference speakers really better or is it just a pretty package w/ some bronze accents and a longer warranty? Would the 52's be a trade down from what I have in terms of performance? Is there a much better package out there for the money and if so what is it?

As I mentioned earlier, I like the sound I'm getting with the Synergy. The bass shakes me and the overall sound is good, IMO. But, I wouldn't buy a hamburger when I could get a steak at the same price (poor analogy, I know).

I'm mostly wanting this for movies and not much else. I want an above avg system that rocks the house. I want it to sound like the roof is coming off the house during a helicopter scene (Black Hawk Down) but I also want to be thrown in the middle of a gunfire or action scene.

I hope this helps clarify my thoughts and thanks everyone for the advice. Keep it coming.

 

[scotties2006]

The sub really thumps in the room. In fact, it seems to have too much thump at times. What sub and overall system would you recommend? I've also read some not so great things about Sony...I'm guessing Onkyo, Yamaha and Denon are all acceptable?

 

[adwilk]

The very last thing I am is an expert... believe me.. But I've owned klipsch's flagship stuff and listened to most everything they've made in the past 5 or 6 years or so... Consider me a converted fanboy of sorts.. whatever whatever...

The cerametallic woofers and upgraded tweeters, not to mention the superior crossover components, and overall build quality make the reference speaker beat the bejeezus out of an overpriced synergy line.. its not that the refs might be a downgrade, its simply that the synergy line is way over priced IMO. In my years of "wanting klipsch to sound good", I could tolerate their subs.. they actually made some really good ones (RSW12,15) A little pricey, but still presented some value. No longer the case when you consider what could be had for the 700 dollar price tag that rw10 has on it. If you think the synergy sub sounds good... then you sir, are in for a freakin treat when you hear a real bass maker.

As far as your budget... you've got probably right around 842 options... If you like the klipsch sound then you owe it to yourself to send back what you've got and get the reference stuff. SERIOUSLY... Not in the same league... You'll love em for HT...

Good luck to ya though... Its a fun and painful process all at the same time.. nobody wants to make a "wrong" decision... Keeping the synergys at your budget would be the wrong decision...

 

[adwilk]

The sub really thumps in the room. In fact, it seems to have too much thump at times. What sub and overall system would you recommend? I've also read some not so great things about Sony...I'm guessing Onkyo, Yamaha and Denon are all acceptable?

SVS, HSU... You dont want a reputable receiver maker making your sub... just sayin...

Really nice room by the way...


That synergy is just boomy.... thats what makes it seem "too much"

I wont repost what i said in the last post... although I want to...

 

[adwilk]

I just want to add that I'm all for "to each his own" and understand that everybody's preferences are different. I just want to point that out... The reference line will keep a similar sound to what you like in the synergys but will be much cleaner at higher volume and have a flatter response... it WONT be a preference differential...

 

[scotties2006]

Adwilk,

Thanks for all of the advice. You made the comment though, "wanting Klipsch to sound good"...it leads me to believe that Klipsch never perfomed for you the way you wished? What are you running these days and outside of Klipsch, what would you recommend (keeping my budget in mind)?

 

[jostenmeat]

Hello scotties2006. Would you do me a favor? Even if it looks totally nuts, bring in the main speakers away from those corners a few feet, and tell us what you think. I am led to believe that there is just way too much boundary interaction going on. Moving a speaker away from a wall just a couple feet is often very benefical. But, when it's in a corner like that, you are getting away from three boundaries. It's been said that over half what we hear is the room, but, shoved in a corner like that, it must be considerably more so.

Also, raise the center speaker a foot or more higher, and tell us what you think. If you like what these tweaks do, you might consider room treatments as well. Lastly, if Klipsch has such a thing in any lineup you are considering (or already own), I might fit in a beefy, large bookshelf, as an upright center speaker to avoid any lobing. Well, these are my thoughts in any case. Cheers, and welcome to AH.

 

[adwilk]

Adwilk,
You made the comment though, "wanting Klipsch to sound good"...it leads me to believe that Klipsch never perfomed for you the way you wished?

It wasnt that it didnt perform exactly the way I wanted.. that comment was mostly centered around the sub.. I wanted everything from them to sound good and the sub just didnt keep up in most cases. I was always very happy with the floorstanders, bookshelves, and whatnot. I just decided that when I was in a situation to have a more dedicated theater that I would expand my horizons a bit. I'm still exploring options. I currently only have a two channel setup and am getting addicted to pro audio/music reproduction...

 

[AVRat]

Scottie, because of your budget range, I think you’re in an awkward spot for many other options that will make a significant change. You’re either at the top for lower lines of speakers or the bottom of mid lines of speakers. I also think any other speaker system that fits the budget may be a lateral move performance wise, but should be a different sound. As others have said, the Klipsch Reference line is preferable to the Synergy line. The nice thing about the Klipsch is that their higher sensitivity allows for a lower powered receiver to be used. The first speakers that come to mind when I see budgets like yours are the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340s. And looking for subs that fit into the system budget and room size the SVS PB12-NSD looks to be the best option.

As Josten mentioned, I’d move the speakers so that they’re about 10’-12’ apart, a foot or more out from the front wall, and place the center at a height just under the screen.

 

[ChristopherN]

Does your setup consist of an EQ? if it does trim down frequencies between 200 and 150Hz a little to fix the boominess.


Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

The boyz have it right, move the speakers out from the side walls.

Go with the Refs if you like that forward sound of Klipsch but really consider dumping the sub and going with a SVS.

 

[krzywica]

Yes I second and third SVS and HSU.

 

[scotties2006]

OK, I moved the fronts out and raised the center. I do believe it gives an overall better sound. Thanks for the advice.

How about the rears. I read to typically place these 5'- 7' up on the wall but that is well above head height when seated. To me, it would seem to make more sense to place them at head height? Any suggestions? Right now they are at 6'.

Again thanks to everyone. Monday after work, I'm taking EVERYTHING back to HHGregg and ordering ....

Ref 52 speakers
Onkyo 7.1 receiver
SVS 12" sub

I'm sure it will sound better and even if my unrefined ears can't tell the diff...I'll still feel better about how my dollars were spent just knowing you knowledgeable guys over here steered me in the direction I'm heading.

The only thing I haven't really heard a suggestion on is the receiver...only "ixnay on the Sony" So, any thoughts on that before I go w/ the Onkyo?

In the receiver, I want a minimum of 3 HDMI in and 1 out (prefer 4 in) and it needs to be 7.1. The ability to upscale is also a nice feature to me and the price need s to be kept under $600.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Surround speakers should go up pretty high on the wall (I think 3 ft above your listening position is ~ standard) so you should be fine there.

Call SVS and tell them about your room and they will tell you which sub you need. They are great guys and will not try to upsell you.

Onks are good, some people on here dislike them because they run so hot. I have seen more issues with them the past couple of years then what I saw in the past. Yamaha makes really nice AVRs.