Any changes you'd make to this system

EightySix Four

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Jul 17, 2004
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I'm getting a pretty killer deal on it all:

2x Klipsch WF-35 floor standing units for the front
2x Klipsch WB-14 bookshelfs for the rear
1x Klipsch WC-24 center channel
1x Klipsch SUB-10 10 inch sub for bass (maybe an 8 inch? I'm in a loft with concrete floors, I don't want it carrying to my neighbors)
With a Pioneer Elite VSX-03TXH controlling it all.

Anything you'd change? Are the Klipsch going to sound good enough at low volumes to save my neighbors? Looking at paying a little less than $2300 (after sales tax) from a B&M retail store with fully warranties etc.
 

buck

Lifer
Dec 11, 2000
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Did you get to listen to them? If so who cares what others think if you like what you hear. That said, I would go a different route personally.
 

Slick5150

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Nov 10, 2001
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Yeah, I'd make sure you've listened to the Klipsch's for a bit to make sure you like their sound. Some people don't like the sound their horn speakers produce. I think they sound really good, but its definitely a matter of preference type thing. So, just make sure you're happy with what you're buying and you'll be fine.

 

s44

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Oct 13, 2006
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I might spend a bit more to bump to the SC-05, but that's your call.

I'd get a ID sub too.
 

EightySix Four

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Jul 17, 2004
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Originally posted by: s44
I might spend a bit more to bump to the SC-05, but that's your call.

I'd get a ID sub too.

Other than the power output, what else makes the SC05 worth it over the SC03?

Originally posted by: Slick5150
Yeah, I'd make sure you've listened to the Klipsch's for a bit to make sure you like their sound. Some people don't like the sound their horn speakers produce. I think they sound really good, but its definitely a matter of preference type thing. So, just make sure you're happy with what you're buying and you'll be fine.

Unfortunately the listening room where they are set-up sucks and they've probably been broken in for about an hour... So I'm not sure, the upper end of the range seemed a bit harsh which is exactly what the reviews said they sounded like until after 30 hours of break in or so, after which the range is much smoother...

Any other speakers (or receiver) from the Best Buy Magnolia stores you'd recommend I look into instead of those? Would the Martin Logan line be better at that price point, or is it worth it to go up to the Def Tech 3 ways (BP7004BLA)?
 

s44

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Oct 13, 2006
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SC-05 has more advanced MCACC (room correction) than the 03TXH. Also ICEpower amps for cooler, more efficient operation.

The Klipsch is a pretty good choice for a big dedicated HT where you really use the SPL headroom its efficiency gives you. In a smaller space, I might go another way... Of course, you could roll off the highs a bit at the AVR -- I know Audyssey (Denon, Onkyo, and Marantz) has some of that built-in, dunno about MCACC.

edit: I suppose there's zero chance the listening setup let you play with MCACC ;)
 

EightySix Four

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Jul 17, 2004
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Originally posted by: s44
SC-05 has more advanced MCACC (room correction) than the 03TXH. Also ICEpower amps for cooler, more efficient operation.

Pretty serious difference in price too, we'll see.
 

s44

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Current clearance prices I've seen for the 03 and 05 are ~$500 and $700 respectively. If they want more you're not getting much of a deal. ;)
 

EightySix Four

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Jul 17, 2004
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Originally posted by: s44
Current clearance prices I've seen for the 03 and 05 are ~$500 and $700 respectively. If they want more you're not getting much of a deal. ;)

That's right around what I'm paying for them. I just can't see the prices right now, I can only see the magnolia retail prices (which are stupidly high).
 

mshan

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Nov 16, 2004
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Another horn based option: http://hsuresearch.com/products/enthusiast1.html

I've got two Hsu HB-1 mk. 2 and a Hsu VTF-1 and love the speakers, especially the monitors. I really can't crank system beyond say 55 - 60 dB, so I really don't know what the sub can do (I chose the Hsu 10 inch driver over their 12 inch driver because I figured it would be more nimble at low spl, and frequency roll-off below 25 hz would hopefully minimize subsonic rattling of the neighbor's walls)

They are also horn loaded and Hsu seems to have a darker, weightier tonal balanace similar to Klipsch (but smoother in treble and not quite as up front overall as Klipsch).

VTF-1 is very similar to VTF-2 mk. 2 reviewed here: http://mikeshea.net/lt/editorial_89.html

Hsu uses Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K in showroom and is apparently what he recommends now (from his forum, he used to recommend Onkyo 606; Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K, VSX-01, and VSX-03 are supposed to basically be same amp so should sound the same; ICE Power based receivers sound might be slightly different because it is a different amplifier topology?)

If you are interested in Hsu, I'd give them a call and see if you can just buy two HB-1 mk. 2 and a sub to see if you like sound and ask if he will still honor package price if you decide to fill out complete 5.1 system.