Klipsch RF-82 vs. 62

[IamDavid]

I've been blown away by the quality and performace of my SW-112 Subwoofer so I now want to go 100% Klipsch.

Will I hear much diffence between the 8 and the 6" versions? 80% Movies/10% Music/10% Games.

How about for the center channel? Any difference between the RC-52 and 42?

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

What is the size of the room? RF-82's are nice but can bring a bit too much low-end into the mix in smaller areas. If the room is not huge you might want to go with the RF-62's and the RC-52 (or even the RC-62, which is what I have). You will get a nice mix of mid-range that way and it will help to temper some of the high-end harshness that the Klipsch horn can introduce.

 

[SithSolo1]

If you have your system properly crossed over I doubt you will here much a difference in sound between the 62 and 82 in movies, even in a larger space. In music the 82s will give you a slightly fuller sound. At minimum get the RC52ii center if you can't get the RC62ii. For decent prices, check out http://www.Vanns.com

Now, if you haven't heard Klipsch speakers before then using their subs as a refrence isn't going to help you much. Their speakers can be on the bright side. I personally run an older Refrence set in my HT(RF3/RC3) and enjoy it but people have varying tastes. If you can, try to find a Reference set, even bookshelf size to listen too. Failing that, Best Buy sometimes carries the budget Icon line. It pails in comparison to the Refrence line but will give you a rough idea of what a horn loaded tweeter sounds like.

 

[IamDavid]

Thanks guys. My media room is 15X17 in size . Currently using a Mirage setup that I loved at first but have grown to hate. Mainly due to the poor mid performance. and lack of clarity in the highs.
I'm in the DFW are and can't find any to listen to.

 

[SithSolo1]

The 62s should be fine in a room that size. If you get them from Vanns you have 30 days to return an item, just pay return shipping. http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/content/info/1057020852522

I know you are kinda set on Klipsch but I would also take a hard look at the Energy RC line. It was an upper teir line that Energy discontinued a few years ago but Vanns still carries it:

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/542145304/energy-rc70 - Energy RC-70 (3-way design vs the klispch 2-way, normally $1k ea, vanns has them for $399ea atm)

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/542600578/energy-rclcr - Energy RC-LCR Center (also a 3-way design, normally $649, $249 atm)

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/542469405/energy-rc10 - RC-10 $279/pair

The rc line is extremely good for the money and will not be as bright as the klipsch. They will still rock for HT but should be better for music. If I had the money, I would get them and not look back.

 

[IamDavid]

What do you mean by bright?

Thanks

 

[mshan]

Bright would be like heavy treble emphasis in overall tonal balance, vs. dark being more murky and bass heavy with, relatively speaking, a more recessed treble.

Haven't heard Mirage speakers in years, but based upon reviews I've read in past, those are what I would consider a substantially more dark tonal balance.

An internet only option you might consider other than the Klipsch are Hsu HB-1 mk. 2: http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hb-1.html (kind of like Klipsch in that they have the darker, weightier overall tonal balance, but perhaps have a more refined treble that isn't as coarse and ragged as I think Klipsch can be).

If you are heavily more home theater and gaming centric than music, also go to Best Buy and take a listen to the Andrew Jones designed Pioneer speakers (SP-FS51-LR or look on internet for SP-BS41-L-R). Google in Hot Deals forums for some great deals that show up from time to time at Newegg. Just breaking in a set myself, but I'd say they fall somewhere in between Klipsch and Hsu (similar weighty type tonal balance as Klipsch and Hsu, but definitely more crisp treble than the Hsu). Slightly on sale this week: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+...0c21&cp=1&lp=1 and http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer...917&skuId=1147943&st=pioneer sp c21&cp=1&lp=1 If you didn't already own a sub, the matching Pioneer SW-8 would probably be fine in that room with other Pioneer speakers (on sale at Newegg for $80 shipped often). Some comments I've read online say it's an 8 inch "subwoofer" that sounds like a strong 10 inch subwoofer. Your Klipsch has a 12 inch driver, so it should have lower ultimate bass frequency extension and play at higher absolute spl capability, but if you live in an apartment or condo with shared walls with others who don't appreciate rattling walls, the SW-8 might fit your current needs quite well (at least unless you really don't mind annoying your neighbors alot), and especially if you get the matching Pioneer front and center speakers.

If your budget is flexible, then you can go listen to some entry level hi-fi and much higher at http://www.gcaudio.com/products/lineList.html (Ft. Worth area)

 

[blotto]

I second the RC70. $800 for a pair of $2000 speakers. They are near perfect for the money. I passed on a pair last Xmas in an attempt to go higher end. After hearing a properly setup pair recently I don't know how much my climb up the food chain was worth. You will not find a better speaker for $800

 

[blotto]

And just as a side note, Klipsch, Energy, and Mirage are all made by the same company. Probably in the same factory (older Energy and Mirage were Canadian made but now all three are made in china) so don't think that as a brand one is better than the other.

 

[Rifter]

not all people like horns, listen to them before laying down the cash they could be to bright for you.

 

[gar655]

NHT Absolute Towers are on sale for $800/pair free shipping.

 

[IamDavid]

NHT Absolute Towers are on sale for $800/pair free shipping.

What are these and from where?

 

[IamDavid]

Will my Yamaha RX-V667 be enough to power my new Energy RC-70's and RC-LCR? I just ordered them an didn't even think about it. Shows how much of a newb I am.

 

[SithSolo1]

The energy speakers are pretty efficient so it should be fine for now and it has pre-outs you can add separate amps down the line for more power.

 

[gar655]

What are these and from where?

http://www.nhthifi.com/Absolute-Tower-Speaker?sc=12&category=3773

 

[CombatChuk]

I have the RF-82s and I love them. I have them in my basement as part of my home theater. One thing to note is that it is a massive speaker. My Theater room is 20x13 feet. And I use these for my Front Left/Right with a RC-62 in the middle (Which is also a massive speaker).

I probably could have gotten away with the RF-62s especially since my sub is a SVsound PB-13 Ultra, but the price difference (100 bucks) wasn't too much to deter me.

As for them being bright, I like them. They help to hear the details since most movies are ridiculous with the LFE and mid bass that it's a great balance. I also use RS-52 for the side surrounds (Fantastic) and RB-61 for the rear surrounds (WAYYYYY overkill should have got the RB-41s) I love my setup.

Another thing to consider is the sensitivity of the speakers. The Klipsch are a very sensitive speaker so they don't need a lot of power to sound great. I have a Pioneer Elite SC-37 and I'll never need to add an amp since this has ridiculous power.

 

[KentState]

I also have the RF-82 II and RC-62 II and they are awesome. I also agree that they fix a lot of issues with murky mid to highs in movies and tv. I also fire them up for listening to CDs and they fill the room and have plenty of punch. My mother-in-law loved them so much that she got a set for her house. Our living room is open to the rest of the bottom floor and it can fill all 1500 sq/ft of the first floor without any problems.

 

[Howard]

Subs are so brain-dead simple any company can make good ones.

 

[IamDavid]

Subs are so brain-dead simple any company can make good ones.

??? Really? I HATED my Polk, Mirage and most of all my Yamaha. I'm not even close to being an audiophile but I can tell the difference between each one. The Klipsch absolutely blew all the others away.

 

[Howard]

??? Really? I HATED my Polk, Mirage and most of all my Yamaha. I'm not even close to being an audiophile but I can tell the difference between each one. The Klipsch absolutely blew all the others away.

I didn't say all subs were good, or even that all companies made good subs, just that they COULD if they wanted to.