Klipsch owner thread - Page 47

I understand your feeling. I was set on completing/upgrading my F2 speakers, and now, I am on a quest to really compare various models.

I plan on listening to:

1) Ikon 6 system
2) RBH TK Series
3) Kef IQ
4) Axiom 50/60
5) Klipsch Reference

On the reference, did you hear a big difference between the RF 52, 62 and 82?

How are they in midrange at low volume? This is the main reason I will most likely upgrade the F2s I bought last year.

i recently bought the rc64 to replace my nht m6 centre . the overall impression was ok with a bit unresolved lower to mid . hope run in may help.

I loved my KLF-20s but they didn't make the move with me to California. Currently they're in my 15 year old little brother's room in IL and he likes the crank them and play guitar hero. The speakers I have now are in a different league but once you found the right spot in the room the KLF-20s were great speakers.

Similar soundstage between the 3 speakers but...the 82s were the fullest. For MY setup, the 62s would have worked but I decided on the 82s, and they do not at all feel unmatched to the rest of my system.

I have 6 kids and quite often find myself watching movies after everyone has gone to bed. Both the 82s and....the rc52...yes rc 52 are extremely adequate for low vol listening.

Great. Thank you for your impression. What receiver do you use at home?
What were they using in the showrooms you visited?

After many months of reading, reviewing and searching. I've finally bought a synergy 3 5.1 set. Subwoofer to follow soon. But as, I'm new to these speakers (I've been running an onkyo system for years), I'd like some tuning tips if anybody would be nice enough to help. Here's my system.

Onkyo TXSR603x 7.1 receiver
Onkyo 6 disk cd player
Sony DVD
PS2
Sharp 36"
Klipsch synergy 3 5.1 satellites

Since I'm very new to surround sound, and I've also noticed that the rear channels are quieter than the fronts. Is that normal? I've been going through the receiver to do all the little tweaks to set the sounds correctly but was a little nervous about turning up the rears. So is it more about placement of the speakers? Or should I turn them up more to even out the balance?
Also, the subwoofer: I understand that it will produce my low's and midranges, so will that help even out between the highs and lows?
I guess what I'm looking for is some over-all information on tweaking. I listened to alot of systems, read every review that I could find and the last thing I'd want to do is to blow out a speaker. So any help would be greatly appreciated. If you need more info, feel free to ask.

Thanks

When you say Synergy III 5.1 system, what system are you indicating in particular? Is it the Quintet III system or one of the various floorstanding or bookshelf systems? Clarifying this will help everyone give you better answers.

With that said, a couple of comments:

1) the rears are almost always quieter than the fronts, except when they're playing certain surround effects (i.e. jet plane flying overhead or what not). In movies, the rears are there not to play music or do anything of that sort (though they do play a little bit of the soundtrack) -- they're there to provide ambient sound effects mostly, so you get neat stuff like bullets flying past you in The Matrix and what not. Only in multichannel audio are the rears used substantially for music, so if you're worried about low levels in movies, you shouldn't be UNLESS the surround sound effects do not sound full enough. Then you should probably turn up the rears a bit.

Since virtually every Klipsch model can take 100 watts continuous and a few hundred peak, turning up the rears really won't hurt them.

2) The subwoofer is only there to play bass. It should NEVER be used to play midrange (it will only, in the worst case, handle frequencies up to 120 hz...unless the system is Bose, but that's a topic for another day). A subwoofer will give you a gustier, more punchy bass line, which will be especially needed if you are using the Quintet III system. I'm not clear why you ask if this will even out the difference between your highs and lows, though. Do you find them too prominent? If so, please try to make that clearer -- we might be able to help you there if you can be more specific about the problem you seem to be implying.

I'm looking to purchase a pair of RF-7s, RC-7 and a pair of RS-7s. I was wondering if my marantz sr-8400 is enough to power these big boys...

Yes it is the quintent 3 system. What you wrote does help with some of the questions, I've been wondering about. Wasn't exactly sure of how certain sounds would go through the rears. I guess the real trick would be in setting them. So that the sounds that are played, come through crisp and loud enough to hear clearly. My receiver has a 'tone' option under the surround channels setting that I've been using to adjust all of the speakers with. So should that tone coming from the rears be slightly higher than the fronts? Or is it more of a prefference thing and the only way to really adjust it is to throw in a movie like the matrix. Listen and tune from there?
With the subwoofer, I was just wondering if it will balance out with the quintent's mid and high ranges well. But I'm not too worried about that. More about setting up the satellites and getting the placements down.
Thankyou again for the info. I'm learning alot the more I read and talk to people who are informed better than I am...

I wouldn't use tone controls...I'd just use the normal balance controls to increase the rears. Usually, the increase is measured in terms of dB (decibels). Personally, I use 2 x Quintet IIs (the older model) for surrounds and I have them turned up +5 dB to make them match with my much more powerful RB-61 fronts.

However, as a quick WARNING -- the Quintet IIs support 100 watts continuous (which I own), but the Quintet IIIs have gone down to 50 watts continuous. This doesn't necessarily affect you, but you should watch the volume. If you have a "100 watt" receiver -- it would not be good to turn it up all the way, because even though manufacturers rarely meet their claimed outputs, max on a 100 watt receiver could reasonably be 60-70 watts.

With that said, the tone from the rears shouldn't probably be any louder than the front -- ideally, all the speakers should be matched to the same level. The best way to do that is to purchase a Radioshack SPL (Sound Pressure Level) meter and a speaker callibration disc. With these tools, you can measure each speaker and tweak them on your receiver until they are all at matching volume.

In terms of placing your rears -- they should be to the side of you either at ear level or above ear level (depending on who you ask). I'd say a bit above ear level if you're going to have more than one person watching movies at the same time, because surround effects are like all other sound -- they don't really travel through people, but around them, changing the effect. In addition, placing the rears slightly higher will make them a bit more diffuse, which can be nice for movies, though not necessarily good for multichannel music.

As for a subwoofer -- it should really help make the Quintets more satisfying all in all. They're great little speakers, but they're little on their own, so anything below around 120 Hz is basically beyond them. In movies (or at least in action movies and other things with heavy bass effects), that probably means that there's something left to be desired.

Hope that helps.

Not being a RF-7 system owner, I'm just speculating here.

But, with that said, your Marantz can undoubtedly power the RF-7s, but it's not necessarily going to be a satisfying match. The RF-7s are a) picky and b) hard to drive because their impedence changes so much accross the audible range.

I've seen people driving the RF-7s with 200+ watt Rotels and that seems to fit the bill really well. It couldn't hurt to give it a try, but if the RF-7s sound too "bright," then I'd suggest you try a different amp before rejecting them.

Try the Klipsch forums (forums.klipsch.com) for better advice than I can give you.

quick question after reading through this thread. Ive read some stuff on things not pairing this is what I am looking at buying would y'all suggest switching any of it out.

My setup I want to buy Reciever is a Onkyo 705
RF-82 x 2
RC-52 x 1
RS-42 x 2

Now if that setup is going to over power itself i could trade the RF-82's for RF-62's but that is my only trade I can make to stay in the reference line.

I cannot get the RC-62 or any of the RS-XX line higher then what I posted.

Now I could also get any of the synergy line 1, 2, or 3 and get the full set.

One thing I could consider if I go for the RF-62's instead of the 82's I should be able to get 4 x RS-42's and do 7.1.

I dont want to compromise my front speakers though and at the same time I dont want my front speakers to compromise my center or surrounds. What do y'all think I should do.

( my selection is so limited because of a discounted price I am getting. Couldnt afford these otherwise )

I personally would lean toward the RF-62's and 7.1 over the 82's and 5.1. I'd stay away from the synergy line unless you can't afford reference, which it seems like you can. Too bad you can't get the RC-62

i know these are just way out of my price range lol unless i get the ones on the deal.

Alright I am now considering to get this setup anyone also agree on this one over the previous?

RF-62 x2
RC-52
RS-42 X4

Oh the SUB is the RW-12D I could also get the 10D but from what I have read the 12 would be the better choice with the reference series.... Really I guess if I go with the smaller fronts as well...

And no I cant get the other cooler subs lol that one is on the same deal I am getting with the others :P I wanted that triangle one though looks so awesome bet it sounds great


EDIT: ALRIGHT!! So I called around and I just found out that I could also get the RB-51 or RB-61 instead of two of the RS-42's Would it be smart to choose say this instead

RF-62's
RC-52
RB-61's x2 (rears?)
RS-42 x2 (sides?)

Or stay with 4x RS-42's?

heh the more I read about 7.1 the more intemidating(sp?) it gets lol is getting the speakers placed correctly pretty difficult? Cause my apartment is shaped really stupid lol....I will prob just have to get stands for them that would make it easy I guess.

I own the RF-82's, RC-62 and 2 RS-52's. It is very pricey. What I would say is this, get what you want!! Don't settle for less, just don't. You'll really be kicking yourself in the butt if you don't get what you want. Trust me. So think about doing what I did. I got the RF-82's and a subwoofer. Then when I had more money I got the center and surrounds. I had to wait about 3 months till I had the money for the rest of it but it was so worth the wait. I got exactly what I wanted and didn't settle. Their's no remorse now. Though I will some day get a set of those RF-61's but I'm in no rush for those now.

So just think about, can you live with making a two part purchase? You'll be so much more please if you can handle the wait, I was.

Another thing you could do is get a cheaper sub somewhere else temporarily. Maybe from Axiom or rocket or used. You can always resell it. The subs are more expensive in comparison.

I am new to the high-end quality AV arena. I am trying to build a decent system without breaking the bank. I just purchased the Yamaha RX-V661 7.1 AV Receiver and the Panasonic TH-50X77U plasma. I am considering buying the Klipsch Quintet SL 5 speakers with the 10" sub. I know these are probably not considered top sorround speakers judging from the models and prices mentioned in this thread, however does anyone have any comments on the quality of these speakers for home theater and modest music use?
Thanks.

hey guys thanks for the help. I think what I am going to do is make a 2 part purchase as he said but I am going to get the

RF-82's
RC-52
RB-61's

and then down the road I will sale the center for the bigger one and get surrounds and what not for 7.1.

As for the sub I am getting the klipsch one for well below half off so I figure I need to take advantage of the deal while its available.

That's actually what i'm doing too. I couldn't afford to buy it all at once. So I bought my receiver, a yamaha 1700 and a pair of RVX-54's that were on sale. Now i'm dieing to get a sub, the wife is dragging her feet on me

I went that route too..but I had to have the sub first. The RVX-54's are great speakers (underated and overlooked by most) but the only fault I have with them is the bottom end, which a sub makes up for quite nicely

Yeah sadly the wife said that I only had 1500 to work with on the first round, which I was technically just over after wiring and stuff. But that purchase was separate so she didn't notice I love the 54's cept of their lack of bass. They definitely are a step up in the WAF though over the big 82's and 62's.

Okay, so as long as I don't set the speakers up past 17 dbw (50 watts), then I should be pretty good. But how does that fit into volume control?
Right now, the fronts are set at +3 and the rears are +4 and that seems to balance out pretty good right there. So I may have to re-tune them once the subwoofer gets here, but atleast for right now they sound pretty good. Oh, that brings me to another question. Is bottom firing or side better? My living room isn't that big anyway, so I just figured that I'd get the synergy sub 10. Just wanted to know what you think about them.

Side by side the rc-35 has bigger woofers than the current rc-52. please forgive my I dont get it, but all specs being the same except woofer size and weight, same money, would one go with the rc-35?? Again, please forgive if I am missing something. any light would be appreciated.

Highly recommend that you go with the RC-62 over the RC-52 center if you can. The RC-62 is the recommended matching center for the RF-82 mains, and they make a huge difference for HT.

^^What he said.

What's nice about HT is that you can get a few speakers at a time. I know that's against the whole "I want it all now" mentality that seems to be common these days, but I'd seriously consider getting the better gear, get the mains first, then as you save for the others, buy the rest. I'm no financial planner (close) but I think at the end of the day you'll feel better about your purchase if you do a little at a time. I know people who have systems they probably could have never afforded had they tried to buy it all at once (they have trouble saving up money) but they're glad they waited. The new reference line is just that, new, so it'll be around awhile for future purchases.

i bought the rc64 to see how different it compare to my current thiel mcs1 and nht m6 centre. the thiel sound hard/harsh with the metal tweeter. i found the rc64 having no bright issue but the mid to low sometime sounded wooee with unresolved tone. sometimes dialog carry to much wooo that seem to make the voice sound undistinct. i am running with krell hts7.1 processor and quad 140 watts amp . any suggestion from rc64 owner on how to get this 60ibs beast perform at optimum?

I bought the rf-82,rc52,rs42 pach from BB. they have a 30 day return policy. I took the rc52 and the rs42s back. got an rc-62. the difference is amazing. tremendous improvement.

got RS-52's. do not notice very much difference, but the rc-62 is half of the noise coming out of the speakers.

I'm saving up for a similar setup.
RF-82 Fronts
RC-62 Center or RC-64 Center (Most likely the RC-62)
RS-62 Surrounds - I would get the RS-52's but the place I want to get them does not sell them, so I would just get the 62's. They should sound nice.
I am just hoping the setup is not too messed up by mismatching the different levels of Reference line speakers. - for just the rear speakers, I don't think it will matter much.
I will also be running a DPS-12 Velodine sub and Merantz amp

New Klipsch owner here Picked up a used set off the 'gon.

RF-62s in the front.
RC-62 in the center.
RB-51s in the rear.

Just also ordered a Denon 3808CI to power them.
Up next is to find/buy a set of RS-42 or RS-52 and to decide which Subwoofer to get.

This replaces my 6 year old 5.1 Sony Dream system - a WORLD of difference.

Unless you have an amplifier or receiver that allows you to calibrate it's levels, you can't really tell how much power your speakers are getting. The amount of power also depends on what they're playing -- if it's a huge explosion, lots of power is going into the speakers. If it's a quiet third movement of a symphony, then not a whole lot of power is going to be put into them. Just don't turn your volume extremely high and you'll probably be just fine.

In terms of subwoofers, the Sub10 isn't particularly good. I'm not a subwoofer expert, though, so you don't want to take too much advice from me. Klipsch subwoofers, in general, though aren't that good for the money. The only subs that might be worth it are the very high end RT-10d and RT-12d, which I suspect are not in your budget (the 10d is something like $1500 MSRP, I think).

The difference between down firing and forward firing is pretty clear. Down firing means that the driver is on the bottom of the subwoofer and fires into the floor. This works fairly well on hard floors to increase volume, but for obvious reasons is a really bad idea on carpets. Forward firing put the driver so it faces forward. These don't have the disadvantage of side firing, but they will also need more power to be louder. However, they will also probably sound cleaner and more defined because they aren't going to rely so much on the floor to boost output.

With that said, someone else can probably help you more with picking a good sub. Like I said before, it's really not something I can help you with.