$1,300 Budget

[bryce.thompson]

Like the title says, I have about $1,300 to throw around in the speaker department.

I'm in a little dilemma because I don't know what to buy. I'm able to get the following Klipsch Reference set up for about $1,100:

two-RF-82s
one-RC-62
two-RS-52s
and one-RW10d

I've only heard great things about these speakers, but have found a few other speaker companies on the web for roughly the same price.

For example, Elemental Designs has a great 5.1 package for $1,300 that includes their A2 - 300 subwoofer. What are the opinions of people who have or have tested these speakers in comparison with the Klipsch.

Also, within that budget, what other speaker companies should I look at?

Thanks for your help.

[emoxley]

You might want to look into these: http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-sbs_black.cfm
Very good speakers, and they come with an excellent subwoofer. Everyone says that SVS customer service is outstanding also. If I'm ever able to buy new speakers, they will be SVS. I'm hoping to buy one of their cylinder subs in April.

[Audiophile_At_Birth]

I would go with the Klipsch!! Elemental designs knows how to make a great subwoofer...but their speakers...ehhh, not like they're horrible, but compared to the klipsch, they wouldn't hold their own. eD still needs a lot of refinement on their speaker design and componenets. It's a great system for those on a tight budget who aren't so picky about how great the sound is.

[Fors*]

I say go out and listen to as many different brands as you can. Klipsch is a good speaker company, but they can be bright, which some people like and some don't. You might be surprised how different speakers can sound.....so much so, that going out and auditioning them is what you should do first. Once you find the type of sound you like, then look around for good deals for that particular model or one close to it from that manufacturer. Good luck!

[crazyBLUE]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

I say go out and listen to as many different brands as you can. Klipsch is a good speaker company, but they can be bright, which some people like and some don't. You might be surprised how different speakers can sound.....so much so, that going out and auditioning them is what you should do first. Once you find the type of sound you like, then look around for good deals for that particular model or one close to it from that manufacturer. Good luck!

I Agree with fors .

Auditioning speakers first to see what sounds best to you is the way to go .

[emoxley]

I agree that listening is best. But, the only way to listen to the SVS speakers, is to order them (unless you know someone with some, of course). They have an excellent return policy, in case you don't like them. But, I doubt seriously you'd be returning them...........
I'm one that thinks that Klipsch speakers are way too bright, for my ears anyway.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

I say go out and listen to as many different brands as you can. Klipsch is a good speaker company, but they can be bright, which some people like and some don't. You might be surprised how different speakers can sound.....so much so, that going out and auditioning them is what you should do first. Once you find the type of sound you like, then look around for good deals for that particular model or one close to it from that manufacturer. Good luck!

I agree, with Fors too, Audition a bunch of different speakers. find out what you like best and what you are going to be happy with.

You might also try Paradigm Monitor 7s, B&W 684s, those are both great speakers that have more warmth to them then say Klipsch, you may look at KEF iQ7 which has a brighter, like Klipsch, but to me, have better midrange depth. You may even want to consider other sounds like Energy RC-50s, PSB Image series (the older ones are discontinued and can be found at low prices.)

I would probably skip on the Klipsch sub anyways and just get an eD. JMO.

[dewd]

Originally Posted by emoxley

I agree that listening is best. But, the only way to listen to the SVS speakers, is to order them (unless you know someone with some, of course). They have an excellent return policy, in case you don't like them. But, I doubt seriously you'd be returning them...........
I'm one that thinks that Klipsch speakers are way too bright, for my ears anyway.

Ed, nice to see you here. Been hanging out here more since the Hudler experiment made navigating HTF a nightmare.

[tilallr1]

Originally Posted by emoxley

You might want to look into these: http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-sbs_black.cfm
Very good speakers, and they come with an excellent subwoofer. Everyone says that SVS customer service is outstanding also. If I'm ever able to buy new speakers, they will be SVS. I'm hoping to buy one of their cylinder subs in April.

Having that exact same setup (as seen in my home theater pics), I cannot recommend SVS enough . One of the best surround sound setups I have ever heard, and the BASS is out of this world. Plus, presently the pricing is amazing. You are getting a set of high quality speakers and sub for about half what they should be selling them for. You will NOT be disappointed.

[emoxley]

Originally Posted by dewd

Ed, nice to see you here. Been hanging out here more since the Hudler experiment made navigating HTF a nightmare.

Hey........how's it going?
The way I navigate the forums, the Hudler experiment didn't affect me, so things as usual for me. I joined here when I got my Oppo BDP-83. I had just looked around a little before then.
Be seeing you around.

[kareface]

Use the money to build your speakers. You'll get 10 times the quality for the money invested. All you really need to do it is a router, a few wood clamps, a saw that cuts straight and a place to work.

SVS makes nice loud subs, great for home theaters if you want a big boom. The speakers are too bass heavy and aren't balanced well. Paradigm are great but they don't sound as clear as B&W's, even tho the b&ws are a little shrill in on their highs, but not enough to really notice unless you listen to a lot of violin. Klipsch are knida a joke. Their horns are nice, but horns aren't really a good idea to begin with. Their smaller speakers are pretty nice for their size but their high end ones are trumped by many others in their price range. Out of all the speakers I've mentioned I think the klipsch line is the least balanced and clear. Too many odd peaks and dips. I've never heard energy's so I can't comment on them. Out of the lot B&W tends to have the most accurate reproduction, but unless you want to dole out the money for the 800 series you'll get much better quality of sound for the $ building your own.

[bryce.thompson]

I would love to go out and demo some speakers, but there are not any retailers anywhere near me that have these to demo. The closest Magnolia would be three hours away. I have no idea who has the Reference still available in a store front.

That's why I'm leaning on you guys...haha

I love the VF-36 at Best Buy, I think they sound fantastic. The fact that the RF set up retails so much more than the majority of other systems is making me think it'd be the clear front-runner. And that is not to down grade any of the previously mentioned brands, as I'm sure they sound amazing.

[dewd]

I understand the hesitation to get internet direct when you can listen at Best Buy, but trust me, BB has nothing that can compete with SVS, Axiom, and other ID companies. Having heard the SVS package, I would recomend them. You will get 30 days to demo them.

If you can expand you budget slightly have a look at Axiom Audio. These are a bit brighter than the SVS (not BRIGHT, just brighter). They would be closer to the sound of the Klipsch.

[tilallr1]

Originally Posted by dewd

I understand the hesitation to get internet direct when you can listen at Best Buy, but trust me, BB has nothing that can compete with SVS, Axiom, and other ID companies. Having heard the SVS package, I would recomend them. You will get 30 days to demo them.

If you can expand you budget slightly have a look at Axiom Audio. These are a bit brighter than the SVS (not BRIGHT, just brighter). They would be closer to the sound of the Klipsch.

Agree with everything said here.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by bryce.thompson

I would love to go out and demo some speakers, but there are not any retailers anywhere near me that have these to demo. The closest Magnolia would be three hours away. I have no idea who has the Reference still available in a store front.

That's why I'm leaning on you guys...haha

I love the VF-36 at Best Buy, I think they sound fantastic. The fact that the RF set up retails so much more than the majority of other systems is making me think it'd be the clear front-runner. And that is not to down grade any of the previously mentioned brands, as I'm sure they sound amazing.

There are probably dealers in your area you just aren't aware of, I see a lot of people say the same thing you just said, and I have found them places to go. Where do you live? City, State, Zip.

[Zman2k2]

Originally Posted by Audiophile_At_Birth

I would go with the Klipsch!! Elemental designs knows how to make a great subwoofer...but their speakers...ehhh, not like they're horrible, but compared to the klipsch, they wouldn't hold their own. eD still needs a lot of refinement on their speaker design and componenets. It's a great system for those on a tight budget who aren't so picky about how great the sound is.

I have to disagree with you here. I've listened to the Klipsch Reference Series. Actually, when I was shopping for speakers, I listened to Klipsch, Polk and Energy. I found the Klipsch speakers to be very harsh. The horn tweeters are an aquired taste, and for me, they were undesirable. Energy was nice, but there was something I didn't like about them, not sure. Polks just sounded flat to me. When I got my eD speakers, I was please with the sound. They sound great for a midrange speaker. There is plenty of "refinement" in their speaker designs and component quality. Very clean highs, with smooth mids and bass. I care about sound quality, and I wouldn't be using eD speakers if they didn't sound great. Their customer service is great too. I think Elemental Designs would be a good company to look at for speakers.

Here's my review of my Elemental Designs speakers.

[JasonR]

Yeah, I mean really?



http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_...roducts_id=767

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/s...designs-w6-6tc

[callas01]

Pretty sure that eD uses Swan drivers, so I would find it difficult that they are not good speakers.

[lojack1976]

I will step outside of the box and say go for the Klipsch. You've heard them and you like them. You like myself have a Harman Kardon receiver which will give them some added warmth and I'm sure you will like the results. Don't get me wrong. You should audition as many speakers as possible, but I know this isn't always possible.

I'm assuming that you listened to some other speakers while in Best Buy and you liked the Klipsch most. The Reference series are excellent speakers and they would probably be my choice if I were to purchase Klipsch speakers. I'd also look at the Icon series, but the Reference series has been a favorite of mine for quite some time. I am however intrigued by the newer Icon series as I especially like the styling of them.

Anyway, if you can audition other speakers then do it, but if its too much of a hassle or just not doable then get the Klipsch speakers. You already know what you are getting with them so you'll be more than happy especially at that excellent price.

[Zman2k2]

I'll agree with lojack. You've heard the Klipsch, and you like them. And with speakers, it's a very subjective field. Either a speaker "works" for you or it doesn't. You've already said that you liked the ones you've heard before, so there isn't as much doubt for you about them. Enjoy what you get, that's the main thing. Buy them for you, not us.