I want to try Klipsch loudspeakers: recommendations?

[chadbang]

I've always wanted to try out a set of Klipsch speakers. Can anyone recommend me some good speakers in their line that I might land used for under $700? I love the look of those La Scalas (how are they) but the seem to be more expensive. I have no idea about the sonics qualities of the different low-end models like the Heresy etc. Are vintage Klipsch considered better? Any help from my trusted head-fiers will be appreciated.

 

[skyline889]

I auditioned the Klipsch RF-10s, the RF-52s, and the RF-63, full range speakers and they imo, all sounded great, and all are great values for the money. The RF-10 was a little dissapointing though, the bottom end felt a little muddy, and the highs weren't as clear as the RF-52s. The RF-63s sounded magical, crystal clear yet buttery smooth highs, liquid bass, unfortunately they were out of my price range

. The RF-52s were the perfect compromise at $1k new here, they were well priced, had crisp tight bass, and well-defined, albeit a tad bright, highs. I would recommend the Reference series to anyone who loves the Klipsch signature sound. The vintage Klispch are too hard to get here so unfortunately I've never had the pleasure of testing any of them out.

 

[mrarroyo]

The best is the Klipschorn with a 105 dB/watt at 1 meter efficiency.

 

[Canuck57]

I bought a used pair of Klipsch Forte's (specs below) within your price range and I'm very pleased with them. The bass response is excellent, and mids and highs are clear and detaiiled. They're also very efficient speakers so a 30 watt amp is more than enough to drive them.


FREQUENCY RESPONSE:
32Hz-20kHz±3dB
POWER HANDLING:
100 watts maximum continuous (500 watts peak)
SENSITIVITY:
98dB @ 1watt/1meter
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE:
8 ohms
TWEETER:
K-75-K 1" (2.54cm) Phenolic diaphragm compression driver
HIGH FREQUENCY HORN:
90°x40° Exponential Horn
MIDRANGE:
K-53-K 1.5" (3.81cm) Phenolic diaphragm compression driver
MID FREQUENCY HORN:
90°x40° Exponential Horn
WOOFER:
K-23 12" (30.48cm) Fiber-composite cone active / KD-13 12" (30.48cm) Fiber-composite cone passive
ENCLOSURE MATERIAL:
Medium density fiberboard construction (MDF)
ENCLOSURE TYPE:
Bass reflex via passive radiator
DIMENSIONS:
35.4" (89.92cm) x 16.5" (41.91cm) x 12" (30.48cm)
WEIGHT:
56 lbs. (25.4kg)
FINISHES:
Walnut Oil, Walnut Lacquer, Oak Oil, Oak Lacquer, Finished Black
BUILT FROM:
1985
BUILT UNTIL:
1989

 

[micaela]

I have a pair of Heresy's that have been serving me for 25 years now & still going strong. As someone already said - they are extremely efficient. They are bright, detail oriented & I enjoy the bottom end better with a sub -- though I used them many years w/out the sub & didn't find them lacking. I guess you don't miss what you don't have!!! I have seen them on ebay for around $500- $600 a pair. There is a Klispch forum - with a vintage discussion board - but I don't remember the URL - do a search. They would probly be able to help you with more detailed comparisons between models. I have heard most of the vintage models but it has been a long time & I really couldn't give any useful comparisons. But I can vouch that mine have been very durable & reliable. And in the first 5 years or so they were used as monitors for a band so they were moved a lot. They do have an industrial fiberglass type finish so I didn't have to worry about scratching them -- but never- the- less, I'm impressed with 25 yrs of problem free use.

 

[tnmike1]

ALL Klipsch speakeers are extremely efficient, which is why they will run quite beautifully on single end triode tube amps like Cary's SEI series.

I've had LaScala, Forte, Heresy. All the older models. In our retail store I even run small Klipsch bookshelves with a cheapo NAD receiver with Ipod plugged into the receiver. After hours, crank that mother up and WOW what sound--even from the ceiling

I know others will disagree but I truly feel their is a "soft", "Sweet" or "presence" to all Klipsch speakers that are hard to duplicate.

Now to the bottom line: look around like on ebay, newpapers, etc and find a used pair. The BIG horn-loaded speakers--and yes, Dr. Klipsh actually included a folded horn into the larger, LaScala-type speakers--will be large and expensive but some of us have had our speakers going on 30-40 years and would never dream of changing.

And, no, I'm not paid by Klipsch Just a die-hard devotee

 

[Canuck57]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrarroyo The best is the Klipschorn with a 105 dB/watt at 1 meter efficiency.

I wish my bank account and house was big enough for these!

 

[Spareribs]

I recommend the Klipsch RP 600M. Get it used or B stock for less than $500 a pair. Goes great with a tube amp

 

[Oddiofyl]

I really like my Heresy III... I have owned CF 4, KG1,2,4... my brother has Heresy II. I found him a mint pair last year for $500 with Crites Ti tweeter diaphram. They sound great. Once I relocate I hope to find nice pair of Belle or Lascala.