Here is my set up:

Klipsch F-2's for my fronts
Klipsch C-2 Center
Klipsch B-3's Surround
Klipsch Quintet's Surround Rear
PS3 and x-Box for Audio
AirTunes
Yamaha RX-V663 Receiver

I have noticed since the day I got these speakers (the F-2's) that there was a distortion happening around +1 - +3 on the volume when listening to music. Movies don't seem to be a problem, but mainly music. As I run my iTunes through my Airport, I thought it was distortion from there.

I went immediately back to HH Gregg and they said it was the receiver. I currently have the Yamaha, however, before this I have traded in (due to the advice of the HH Gregg sales people) a baseline JVC, Denon 2307CI, HK 247, Pioneer 917 and a Sony 5.1. All receivers did it - including my current one. It is BOTH speakers.

I finally got someone to listen to me and quit blaming the receiver. One of the sales guys went out of his way to come to my house and listen to them. He about crapped. We went back to the store and it happened again on their system. What is even more baffling, is I hooked the B-3's and I could crank it all the way up with NO PROBLEMS!

It mainly happens on louder vocals for Michael Buble', Shelby Lynne, etc, but I notice it on Maroon 5, Matchbox 20, etc.

Anyone had this problem with the speakers? It seems like bad harmonics/crossovers? But it is NOT just with my setup! Again, we duped it at the HHG store too!

What pisses me off is that they are saying they won't return them and only warranty can fix them past the 10 day return policy. I am, needless to say, NOT happy since I have bought all of these speakers here, along with the Yamaha my Samsung Plasma and other appliances there. And I have spent all this time tracking down a problem that was speakers, not receiver, in the FIRST PLACE!

Please help!

Go back and talk to the store manager. If they won't resolve the issue go to the next level up.Unfortunately in todays society you have to be the squeeky wheel to get any help in situations like this. Good luck.

And I have spent all this time tracking down a problem that was speakers, not receiver, in the FIRST PLACE!

Please help!

I think that's the problem here. If you went to the store within the 10 days and said you had trouble with speakers but they instead wasted your time saying it was receiver problems, you should definitely be able to trade the speakers with no charge since it was their fault that they didn't take the speakers back before the 10 days...

Its quite obvious that it is the reciever. At +1 you certainly are straining a low budget receiver. Klipsch speakers are very bright and any distortion is going to really show up. If you need that kind of volume you need a better receiver.

Its quite obvious that it is the reciever. At +1 you certainly are straining a low budget receiver. Klipsch speakers are very bright and any distortion is going to really show up. If you need that kind of volume you need a better receiver.

wouldnt the B-3's also distort if cranked all the way? The OP stated he hooked the B-3's up and cranked all the way and got no distortion, so it might not be the result of a budget receiver over straining itself, although i find it hard to believe the B-3's would not distort at the highest levels on that receiver.

If movies aren't a problem and it is just music... Tyring playing a cd.. Does it still distort? Maybe it is the mp3 player distorting the sound to the receiver.

QUOTE:
Go back and talk to the store manager. If they won't resolve the issue go to the next level up.Unfortunately in todays society you have to be the squeeky wheel to get any help in situations like this. Good luck.


Yea, I have talked to TWO STORE managers. I am really disappointed with them right now. To the point, I would never shop there again if this is not corrected.

Thanks,

If movies aren't a problem and it is just music... Tyring playing a cd.. Does it still distort? Maybe it is the mp3 player distorting the sound to the receiver.

I did - I went and got Shelby Lynn and Michael Buble - then even Matchbox 20. I don't even own CD's anymore - again - more time and money researching this! I thought the exact same thing!

Its quite obvious that it is the reciever. At +1 you certainly are straining a low budget receiver. Klipsch speakers are very bright and any distortion is going to really show up. If you need that kind of volume you need a better receiver.

I would not think that with entry level speakers with a mid level RX-V663 Yamaha it should match pretty well - it is a $500 receiver with 95 watts (Rated) clean power is what they said. I would find it hard to believe that they did it with EVERY receiver I tried though. Even a Higher end Denon.

And the B-3's did take the power up to +14 plus. This receiver "goes" to +16.5. So I would assume I am still not getting to an additional 25% or so of the additional power remaining when I am at +1??? I don't know what the percentage of power I am using if 16.5 is 100%, then what am I pushing through at +1-3?

wouldnt the B-3's also distort if cranked all the way? The OP stated he hooked the B-3's up and cranked all the way and got no distortion, so it might not be the result of a budget receiver over straining itself, although i find it hard to believe the B-3's would not distort at the highest levels on that receiver.

The B-3's were not as loud as the F-2's, however, they did not distort. I thought the same thing. I figured that I would fry them - but it did not!

They (HH Gregg) are talking to the Klipsch Rep. I will let you know what they say!

The B-3's were not as loud as the F-2's, however, they did not distort. I thought the same thing. I figured that I would fry them - but it did not!

They (HH Gregg) are talking to the Klipsch Rep. I will let you know what they say!

The B-3s are also much smaller and much easier to drive so I wouldn't expect them to distort as easily. Also you are over-driving an inexpensive reciever. Just because it CAN go to +# doesn't mean you should. How loud are you playing these things anyway?

Also, what do you have your level set at in the speaker calibration? Do you have all your speakers set to small or large? If they are set to large, set all to small and see if you have the same issue. If it goes away, buy a sub and problem solved, it is because it sets a crossover (typically 80hz) and your speakers are easier to drive. I notice you didn't list a sub. Are you cranking the bass to compensate??? That could also be your problem.

I'd go to the store and listen to the same speakers you heard the problem on with a higher end receiver and see if the problem exists.

The B-3s are also much smaller and much easier to drive so I wouldn't expect them to distort as easily. Also you are over-driving an inexpensive reciever. Just because it CAN go to +# doesn't mean you should. How loud are you playing these things anyway?

Also, what do you have your level set at in the speaker calibration? Do you have all your speakers set to small or large? If they are set to large, set all to small and see if you have the same issue. If it goes away, buy a sub and problem solved, it is because it sets a crossover (typically 80hz) and your speakers are easier to drive. I notice you didn't list a sub. Are you cranking the bass to compensate??? That could also be your problem.

I am sorry - I have a KSW-10 Sub from Klipsch. I KNEW I was missing something! Anyway, I hooked up my XM yesterday - and while that is not a great (read OVERCOMPRESSED) signal, it was distorting at about -15 - 12 on the volume scale. I truly believe that because it goes up to +16.5 shouldn't mean you play it there - and I know that there will be a limit to everything. However, it shouldn't be at the levels I am getting the distortion. If it was coming at +10 on, I would think something like "oh, sh*t, I need to turn this down or I will blow these things!"

Not the case.

As far as level, I let the receiver do that - with minor tweaking and they are not being pushed too much above the factory settings of flat. Also, It is being crossed to the sub at 80.

I usually play these things at about 0. I like that level so I can hear them around the house as I am doing things or just listening in general - there are rarely times that I go higher that +3.

I'd go to the store and listen to the same speakers you heard the problem on with a higher end receiver and see if the problem exists.

I did - it was there. They hooked it up to their top Onkyo. and their top Yamaha. There should be no need to spend $800, $1000, to $2400 to not get distortion from an entry level speaker. Period.

I did - it was there. They hooked it up to their top Onkyo. and their top Yamaha. There should be no need to spend $800, $1000, to $2400 to not get distortion from an entry level speaker. Period.

No, you shouldn't need a high end amp to eliminate distortion, but entry level speakers are also easier to overdrive.

One other thing to consider is that unlike the Reference line (which uses titanium tweeters), the Synergy line uses aluminum tweeters. While aluminum is light and thus quick and responsive, once it reaches it's "limit" it will produce a ringing sound. This may be what you are experiencing as distortion.

You also may want to consider taking a look at the forums over at Klipsch's website. If this is a limitation of the speaker as you seem to believe, I'm sure you'll find more about it there.

i cant even turn my yamaha reciever above -20db without it being way to loud for me, and i LOVE LOUD music. the klipsch's sounds crystal clear at that level, but like i said, i havent even been able to go louder then that because it is just too damn loud

i cant even turn my yamaha reciever above -20db without it being way to loud for me, and i LOVE LOUD music. the klipsch's sounds crystal clear at that level, but like i said, i havent even been able to go louder then that because it is just too damn loud

Well, I am not listening to Metallica - I am listening to more jazzy vocals. Patricia Barber for one. Happens all the time.

When I listen to my XM - Distortion.

I don't get it. After having to jump up and down like a 5 year old I got my way and they are returning the speakers and providing me with F3's hope there is not the same issue.

I should just go to the Reference series. But they don't carry it at HHG.

:eek: