Help me Choose Klipsch RB61, Paradigm Atom/Mini Monitor?

Snoopy82 · 01-01-08, 04:21 PM

Price being equal would you choose the RB61 or the Atom?

Now having to pay a slight premium of close to $100 would you choose the Mini Monitors over the previous 2.

Price being equal would you choose the Klipsch RC 52 center over the Paradigm CC190?

Is the step up to the cc-290 worth it or would the rc 62 be a comparable option?

Unfortunately I don't have the option of listening to these side by side and was hoping some of you had.

My listening is 90/10 movies to music and crystal clear dialogue is a must.

Thanks

Snoopy82 · 01-01-08, 08:55 PM

Come on guys someone has to have heard both of these speakers.

remodeler · 01-01-08, 09:28 PM

I have not heard the klipsch rb-61 but I have listened to the rb-81 and I own some synergy b-3. I also have listened to paradigm atom I liked them but I bought the Klipsch. You won't be disappointed in either. I'd choose the Klipsch. Funny thing is in the larger speakers I prefer the paradigm. Just my 2 cents.

winged creature · 01-01-08, 09:46 PM

I havent heard the klipsch, but i have the atom v.5 and absolutely love them, you cannot go wrong with them.

Snoopy82 · 01-01-08, 11:42 PM

Thanks for the advice guys.

It's quite impressive how Paradigm can make a speaker for $250 a pair that has the potential to compete with a set that costs $448 a pair. Especially considering the more expensive pair in question are made by Klipsch, which is certainly no light weight in the speaker industry.

Seems like all the options are pretty good.

I'm still trying to figure out what the best deal is considering I can get the usually more expensive RB61s for the same as the Atoms. Wonder if Minis are worth the extra money?

quadriverfalls · 01-02-08, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Wonder if Minis are worth the extra money?

Only if YOU think they sound better.

PR Audio · 01-02-08, 09:23 AM

I have heard both, personally liked Paradigm better, as after some 10-15 minutes of auditioning Klipsch I couldn't stand them. But, other people have very good experience with Klipsch. My advise is to properly audition both. You can audition Paradigm for 5-10 minutes, and know what you are getting into. But, with Klipsch you need to audition for 15-20+ minutes, as it is a very different sound; extremely detailed and crisp. Klipsch is like a marriage the first year or so it is wonderful, but after awhile..aye, aye, aye, my head!!! The key word here is AUDITION.

I did extensive research and auditioning in the $800 to $1800 (without sub) range for main/center/rears, and ended up getting PSB Image. Found them more detailed with better mids than Paradigm and Monitor Audio, but more neutral than Klipsch; for me it was an excellent in-between speaker. So, you might want to add the PSB B25 ($299.00 pr.)/C40 ($219.00) option. You will get a sound equal or better than the Mini-Monitors with the B25.

With all of the center channels you are looking at you will get clear dialogue, but Klipsch excels. But, again, you need to audition Klipsch, as the mains will add lots of highs and details that you might get tired of, after 15-20+ minutes. You don't need to compare side by side Klipsch with Paradigm, as the sounds are different and you will remember what each sounded like, but if you decide for PSB vs. Paradigm, side by side is recommended as they are similar with PSB being more detailed.

Hope this helps...

Snoopy82 · 01-02-08, 12:29 PM

Wow, thank you guys that is some great advice.

I can see I will be spending a lot of time at several av dealers auditioning

The quest continues

Snoopy82 · 01-02-08, 01:15 PM

This might be a dumb question, but I just looked up the specs on the B25, they look good, however, I notice impedence is listed at 4-6 ohms as opposed to 8. I was under the impression that higher ohms were better, and will this still be suitable for standard receivers such as the Onkyo 605?

PR Audio · 01-02-08, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snoopy82

This might be a dumb question, but I just looked up the specs on the B25, they look good, however, I notice impedence is listed at 4-6 ohms as opposed to 8. I was under the impression that higher ohms were better, and will this still be suitable for standard receivers such as the Onkyo 605?

8 ohms is not necessarily better than 4 or 6, just means that you can drive your speakers with less power. The 605 will drive fine the B25's at 6 ohms. I have Marantz SR-5001, and drives them perfectly.

ChrisWiggles · 01-02-08, 04:10 PM

You have to audition and see what you like. Some people love Klipsch. I personally do not like Klipsch, so I would pick Paradigm any day of the week over Klipsch. But you're not me, and if you're the person who loves the klipsch sound, then that's the appropriate speaker for you. Gotta audition.

Snoopy82 · 01-02-08, 07:48 PM

Will do guys. The only thing that makes me nervous is even if I like the Klipsch sound, I have a lot of people over and it seems people either love or hate Klipsch. Also pleasing the wife might be tough as there is no way she is going to go and audition everything with me. I wonder if something that appeals to a broader audience may be a wiser decision.

01-01-08, 04:21 PM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
Snoopy82 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 39	Help me Choose Klipsch RB61, Paradigm Atom/Mini Monitor? Price being equal would you choose the RB61 or the Atom? Now having to pay a slight premium of close to $100 would you choose the Mini Monitors over the previous 2. Price being equal would you choose the Klipsch RC 52 center over the Paradigm CC190? Is the step up to the cc-290 worth it or would the rc 62 be a comparable option? Unfortunately I don't have the option of listening to these side by side and was hoping some of you had. My listening is 90/10 movies to music and crystal clear dialogue is a must. Thanks

01-01-08, 11:42 PM	#5 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
Snoopy82 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 39	Thanks for the advice guys. It's quite impressive how Paradigm can make a speaker for $250 a pair that has the potential to compete with a set that costs $448 a pair. Especially considering the more expensive pair in question are made by Klipsch, which is certainly no light weight in the speaker industry. Seems like all the options are pretty good. I'm still trying to figure out what the best deal is considering I can get the usually more expensive RB61s for the same as the Atoms. Wonder if Minis are worth the extra money?

01-02-08, 09:23 AM	#7 \| Link
PR Audio AVS Special Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1,280	I have heard both, personally liked Paradigm better, as after some 10-15 minutes of auditioning Klipsch I couldn't stand them. But, other people have very good experience with Klipsch. My advise is to properly audition both. You can audition Paradigm for 5-10 minutes, and know what you are getting into. But, with Klipsch you need to audition for 15-20+ minutes, as it is a very different sound; extremely detailed and crisp. Klipsch is like a marriage the first year or so it is wonderful, but after awhile..aye, aye, aye, my head!!! The key word here is AUDITION. I did extensive research and auditioning in the $800 to $1800 (without sub) range for main/center/rears, and ended up getting PSB Image. Found them more detailed with better mids than Paradigm and Monitor Audio, but more neutral than Klipsch; for me it was an excellent in-between speaker. So, you might want to add the PSB B25 ($299.00 pr.)/C40 ($219.00) option. You will get a sound equal or better than the Mini-Monitors with the B25. With all of the center channels you are looking at you will get clear dialogue, but Klipsch excels. But, again, you need to audition Klipsch, as the mains will add lots of highs and details that you might get tired of, after 15-20+ minutes. You don't need to compare side by side Klipsch with Paradigm, as the sounds are different and you will remember what each sounded like, but if you decide for PSB vs. Paradigm, side by side is recommended as they are similar with PSB being more detailed. Hope this helps... Last edited by PR Audio; 01-02-08 at 05:36 PM..

01-02-08, 04:10 PM	#11 \| Link
ChrisWiggles Perpetually Confused Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Seattle Posts: 18,771	You have to audition and see what you like. Some people love Klipsch. I personally do not like Klipsch, so I would pick Paradigm any day of the week over Klipsch. But you're not me, and if you're the person who loves the klipsch sound, then that's the appropriate speaker for you. Gotta audition. __________________ Source Settings Guide *2.2 is not* reference gamma!!** Discover the best radio station on earth: kexp.org

01-01-08, 08:55 PM	#2 \| Link
Snoopy82 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 39	Come on guys someone has to have heard both of these speakers.

01-01-08, 09:28 PM	#3 \| Link
remodeler AVS Special Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Topeka KS Posts: 1,149	I have not heard the klipsch rb-61 but I have listened to the rb-81 and I own some synergy b-3. I also have listened to paradigm atom I liked them but I bought the Klipsch. You won't be disappointed in either. I'd choose the Klipsch. Funny thing is in the larger speakers I prefer the paradigm. Just my 2 cents.

01-01-08, 09:46 PM	#4 \| Link
winged creature Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 61	I havent heard the klipsch, but i have the atom v.5 and absolutely love them, you cannot go wrong with them.

01-02-08, 12:29 PM	#8 \| Link
Snoopy82 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 39	Wow, thank you guys that is some great advice. I can see I will be spending a lot of time at several av dealers auditioning The quest continues

01-02-08, 01:15 PM	#9 \| Link
Snoopy82 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 39	This might be a dumb question, but I just looked up the specs on the B25, they look good, however, I notice impedence is listed at 4-6 ohms as opposed to 8. I was under the impression that higher ohms were better, and will this still be suitable for standard receivers such as the Onkyo 605?

01-02-08, 07:48 PM	#12 \| Link
Snoopy82 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 39	Will do guys. The only thing that makes me nervous is even if I like the Klipsch sound, I have a lot of people over and it seems people either love or hate Klipsch. Also pleasing the wife might be tough as there is no way she is going to go and audition everything with me. I wonder if something that appeals to a broader audience may be a wiser decision.