Replace Klipsch or try a different receiver

[Audiocd]

I just recently posted a question asking which speakers i should go to from my Klipsch for music however I have heard that some receivers are warmer and match the Klipschs better such as Marantz. I kind of need a receiver anyway since my old Denon is now making a low humming noise and the radio comes through even in cd playback.
So I've had my Rf3s for 10 years now using them for both home theater and music. I always liked the clarity and range but at times they are harsh, especially now that these speakers have been moved to the living room for music only. I am using an old Denon dra 300 receiver circa 1981 with 35 watts per channel. I don't know if those Denons are supposed to be warm like the new ones but I really don't enjoy extended listening on this system. The highs are just to searing at times.

I don't mean to completely throw the Rf3s under the bus though, the base is tight and articulate and on some recordings the horns are fine. If I could just dail the highs back and warm things up alittle I would probably be happy. Simply dailing back the treble doesn't really work. Below -2 db the highs get too dull and the rift between the bass and the upper mids seems to grow.

So how much does a different receiver like the Marantz 4023 actually make on the RFs? Does anyone have an experience to share?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Read The Audio Critic, and you will realize that amps, preamps, CD player, DAC, and wires don't make any significant difference at all. Processors (EQ, DSP), speakers, and room acoustics will make a difference.

So in your case, between the speakers or AVR, the correct answer is the speakers.

Bring the same songs that sound harsh to audition the next speakers.

Try Infinity, JBL, Revel, KEF, Dynaudio, Thiel, PSB, Paradigm, Energy, NHT, Salk, Ascend, Philharmonic, Aperion, EMP, RBH first since they are accurate speakers. If you don't like them, then try B&W, Martin Logan, Vienna Acoustics.

 

[zieglj01]

The Klipsch tend to sound harsh to me period - however, you have
moved them to a different enviorment. Simple treatments on the
wall, floor and windows can help. Also, buying receivers with the
speaker EQ options, do help. The new Denon receivers do have the
Audyessy speaker set up, that can assist you. I do not consider the
Marantz internal processing warm.

Also explore different speaker options too. PSB is a good one.

 

[zieglj01]

Bring the same songs that sound harsh to audition the next speakers.

Try Infinity, JBL, Revel, KEF, Dynaudio, Thiel, PSB, Paradigm, Energy, NHT, Salk, Ascend, Philharmonic, Aperion, EMP, RBH first since they are accurate speakers. If you don't like them, then try B&W, Martin Logan, Vienna Acoustics.

It seems like you are feeling good today.

 

[Audiocd]

Wow, thanks for the quick responses! Unfortunately the only speakers that I can audition in my area are the Paradigm monitor line. I will go take listen to the Monitor 7s and 9s tomorrow and report back. I have a pair of Energy Connossuer c-2 bookshelfs I recently picked cheap in the local ad bulletin and I like those. They are in another room with my tv. Less harsh than the Klipschs and I find myself gravitating to them for music lately. They have titanium tweeters which are said to be harsh by some but they are acceptable to me. i like a little bit of a bright edginess just so long as it doesn't cross over to being uncomfortable or anxiety inducing like the Klipsches can be. I have read really good things about the Energy RC 50s and 70s but like anything else its a crapshoot since I can't listen first. Its kind of frustrating not having an good high fi shops around here.

I'll let you know what I think of the Paridigms.

Thanks

Jon

 

[zieglj01]

Do check back - I do find the Energy C series a little nasal sounding,
and some what lacking in the soundstage. However, a little easier on
the ears than the Klipsch - I prefered them for HT over music. The RC
series is favored by a lot of people. Check out the Paradigm and see
what you think.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

It seems like you are feeling good today.

It is Thanksgiving and I'm off work.

Every single speaker can possibly sound good.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Wow, thanks for the quick responses! Unfortunately the only speakers that I can audition in my area are the Paradigm monitor line. I will go take listen to the Monitor 7s and 9s tomorrow and report back. I have a pair of Energy Connossuer c-2 bookshelfs I recently picked cheap in the local ad bulletin and I like those. They are in another room with my tv. Less harsh than the Klipschs and I find myself gravitating to them for music lately. They have titanium tweeters which are said to be harsh by some but they are acceptable to me. i like a little bit of a bright edginess just so long as it doesn't cross over to being uncomfortable or anxiety inducing like the Klipsches can be. I have read really good things about the Energy RC 50s and 70s but like anything else its a crapshoot since I can't listen first. Its kind of frustrating not having an good high fi shops around here.

I'll let you know what I think of the Paridigms.

Thanks

Jon

It sounds to me like you prefer accurate speakers. Energy usually belongs in this group of accurate speakers.

Klipsch usually belongs in the "inaccurate" group.

Some folks prefer the "inaccurate" speakers, and some prefer "accurate".

No right or wrong, just pure personal preference.

 

[zieglj01]

It is Thanksgiving and I'm off work.

Every single speaker can possibly sound good.

Yea me too - I have been having some trouble with my left ear lately.
However, it is on the up swing again and getting back to normal. So
the possible good, is on short notice.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Yea me too - I have been having some trouble with my left ear lately.
However, it is on the up swing again and getting back to normal. So
the possible good, is on short notice.

That has happened to me several times. One ear feels congested one day, then it's perfect again a day later.

Life. Expect the unexpected.

 

[derrickdj1]

Help with Speakers, RF 3's can be harsh

This thing on speaker accuracy is way off. Unless you can duplicate the studio parameters for a given piece, this is a pointless argument. The key is what sounds best to you. A good higher end avr can make a difference due to it's room correction ablility, processing and power. Pioneer, Denon and Marantz high end avr's can make or break a system. Yes, get good speakers, but if the room correction is poor, they will not live up to their potential. To many people spend the majority of their money on speakers and go cheap on the amp/preamp or avr for the system and have to keep looking for ways to get the sound they are looking for. The RF 3's are great speakers in the right setup.