Horn loaded for 100% HT

Do you mean the RB81's? Is this mostly for home theater? Are you planning for a dedicated subwoofer? The SHO-10's are designed to be crossed over at 80hz so you absolutely need a dedicated subwoofer.

How big is the room, and what is your listening distance? What placement options do you have if you can use a sho10 for a center (AT screen)? What does your current setup look like?

Good point. There is no horizontal center channel for the SHO-10, so if you can make the vertical speaker work, this opens up your options, including using an RB81 as your center channel.

If you need a horizontal center channel, then the Klipsch would be the way to go, or even look into HSU's horn loaded speakers that also offer a matching horn loaded center channel for a great price. They are not as efficient as either of the speakers mentioned here, but are not difficult to drive either.


I have not heard the SHO10, but have heard the RB81, and it is a good speaker for home theater.

I am guessing the finish work on the Klipsch may be a little nicer than the SHO10, but this is a tough call. I know folks think very highly of their SHO10's that own them.

If you're happy with your Hsu sub, why not consider their speakers? Dr. Hsu does good work.

I believe the Klipsch and SHO speakers are using true compression drivers, whereas the Hsu is using a traditional dome tweeter which is horn-loaded. The Hsu speakers are said to be more laid back than Klipsch, and I believe that, although I have not compared the two directly. I would guess the SHO and Klipsch would be able to get quite a bit louder than the Hsu speakers, although the Hsu speakers do not do badly in this respect, at least in my experience. If you have the money and want true reference dynamics, I would lean toward speakers with compression drivers. The Hsus ought to be considered for surround duty though, as they are inexpensive and relatively shallow, being less than 9" in depth, and also have decent extension for their size (60 hz).

The only thing, IMHO, the floorstanding speakers gives you is superior bass response for 2 channel audio. Otherwise, not much...

Hmm, this might be more then you want to spend, but the Klipsch Heresy III would be perfect for your placement options and goals, if you have 30" of room from the floor to the bottom of your screen.

You can get a good deal on a pair of refurbs, but for the single center you would have to fork over full price

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Klipsch-Heresy-III-Floorstanding-Speaker-WALNUT-/390409204195?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item5ae633b1e3

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Klipsch-HERESY-III-3-Way-Walnut-Heritage-Series-Floorstanding-Speaker-/230800865863?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item35bccdba47



I'm not a fan of the reference line, but the heritage is very nice. As you can see the Heresy is designed for this type of placement, and comes with the angled stands.

A treo of Klipsch Herseys would blow the socks of a treo of the SHO-10''s or even a pair of RF-82ii's or RB-81ii's. That would give you a very nice sounding and somewhat world class setup. You can find used Herseys for under $400 and if they need any repairs, the parts are easily obtainable. That would be the way that I would go, but, those Herseys are not the prettiest speakers around, so if you have a wife then you might want to consider at least sanding and refinishing them if you go that rought.

About a SHO-10 as a center. The new SHO-10s have a 90 degree by 90 degree horn, so they may be placed either vertically or horizontally.

This is not true and of course our opinions so not fact. I would pick the SHO-10 over the Klipsch. I liked the SHO-10 better than my Klipsch KL-650's. I would also pick the eD cinema 12 over both but they cost a little more.

I've owned both the pro10 and klipsch rf82s with a rc62 center. The Pro10 sounds much much better. I returned the Klipsch after two weeks of trying to love them but they were way too fatiguing even in my treated HT room. My wife and I just couldn't handle them (that's the downfall of having good hearing I guess). I later moved on to Rocket rs850s, Pro10, jbl 8340a, JBL 3677s, def techs and even some DIY.

The Pro10s are much more neutral and didn't have any signs of harshness. They weren't perfect as they didn't have as much midbass as I'd like but with a 100hz-120hz (depending on your room) crossover they did fine, some disagree but this was how they acted in my room. I'd also recommend wrapping the horn with rope caulk and upgrading the thin insulation to r13. But between the two the pro10 was without a doubt "in my mind" superior. I haven't heard the Sho10 but the only difference is the woofer which is said to be a little more forward.

LOL, I am pretty sure he is telling you to check with him for prices. Mike is a great guy, he might be able to get you a better deal

I would give him a call.