Robotbreeder

So i've been on the hunt for some Klipsch speakers... The local London Drugs is having this crazy 45% off sale on Klipsch, so i picked up a set or RF-25's very inexpensively (the used La Scalas's sold...) I know there's no comparison, but the RF-25's were so cheap i had to give them a try. Initial comparison against my Mission 753's (which were 800 british pounds when new): The Klipsch are more open, alive and dynamic. The missions sound thin and dead in comparison. I can now see what the 'energy' and 'dynamics' quotes are about, the klipsch are more engaging and alive. That's the good news. Unfortunately, the RF-25's are really boomy bass wise, with heavy accentuation of upper mid bass. They have considerable cabinet vibration which contributes to the very non-flat bass response. Basically, the bass is a mess. So i open them up. Looking inside, i'm not impressed whatsoever. For being the 'Reference' line, i'm not sure what Klipsch is reffering to with their construction. I guess these really aren't their premiere line, but i was expecting more considering their non-sale retail price. Poor internal bracing, laughable dampening material and placement.... all relatively fixable though. The project begins. Modifications to be done: Cabinet vibrations: Apply 'Dynamat Extreme' vibration absorbing material to all internal surfaces. This should not significantly effect box volume as it's only 1.7mm thick. Dynamat (for those who haven't used it) is a thick heavy butyl / aluminium foil which has a dampening factor of .46 at typical temperatures. I completely covered the back of the horn as well. Tapping an untreated horn with your finger shows resonance, tapping a dynamatted horn yields a pleasing solid heavy click and that's it. This is going to work well. Bracing: Internally i made another brace for lower in the cabinet. The RF-25's only have a single brace up on the upper 1/3 of the cabinet which works well, but the lower 2/3's are left free to vibrate. This will contribute whatever that resonant frequency is to the mix and cause bass warble. Another brace (or maybe even two) should neutralize that. Improved dampening material: The RF-25 has two pieces of foam just stuffed inside! one for the top and one for the bottom. it's hardly sufficient. Packing the volume with Acousta Stuf should do wonders. It looks to me like the drivers used in the RF-25 are high quality, as hopefully are the design and dimensions of the cabinet (although there is an odd port on the front of the enclosure which vents into the plastic cover.....???). To do what i did to each of their speakers would cost a fortune for Klipschand raise the price significantly. Soo... why not do myself? Time / costs: About $150 for the Dynamat and $40 for the Acousta Stuf. Approx 3 hours per speaker, 6 total. I've completed one side last night. Photos, impressions and final results coming soon! Cheers, /AdamM

Thanks for all the replies! Regarding the type of music question: my music tastes are pretty diverse. I've inherited an amazing vinyl collection from my stepdad. Hundreds and hundreds of excellent titles. Mainly 70's rock and classical. Cream to Yo Yo Ma and everything in between. On CD from my own collection there's a wide selection of stuff that i'm really into: Out Hud, Fourtet, Goldfrapp (very interesting stuff), The Shins, Radiohead, Beck, Debussey, Bloc Party, etc. Modern, dynamic, sometimes a little electronic. Right after that i might throw on an Arvo Part disc, so there really is quite a range. I want to audition the LaScala's, so i might drive over to the guy who is selling them and give them a boo. It sounds like most people highly recommend them so i think that's where i'll start my evaluation and move from there. 15 watts should be plenty with the LaScala's. Just the size i'm worried about.... Any other thoughts on the Chorus, Forte, Heresy, etc?

Wow, things move quickly. Cheap Klipsch speakers don't last long! The KLF-10's and the LaScala's are gone <sniff> My decision is down to two other models before i leave (and again, unable to compare them) RB-5's - or- a beautiful pair of Heresy I's I've heard nothing but good things about the RB-5's, but the Heresy's are such a classic. I think i'm leaning towards the RB-5's, but that's just on research alone. Anyone here ever have the chance to compare them, or have experience with both? Again, thanks so much for the informaiton, ultra appreciated! Cheers, /Adam Hello, i've been lurking on this forum for quite a while, and am at the point where i'd love and appreciate some advice from the experienced people here regarding speaker selection! I am unable to audition the below choices with my hardware, or compare them against each other. I'll also be soon moving to a remote-ish location... i'd like to dedcide reasonably quickly so i can bring them with me (shipping not a concern) The question: Which Klipsch for me? The choices: KLF-10, RB-61 or the infamous LaScala's The setup: I mostly play records, but the occasional CD Players: Rega P3 (with various needles), Nakamitchi CD (oldie but goodie) Preamp: custom tube preamp, phono and CD inputs - 2x12ax7, 2x12au7. Sounds grand Power amps: Custom SET KT88 dual monoblocks 15watts, Older Adcom 100 watt SS monster SS (if required...) Speakers: Help! I have some ols Mission 753's - not freedoms - and they're nice but i'd like to get into sensitive horns. Music: Rock, blues, classical, electronic, funk, a bit of everything. The occasional party where volumes will increase. The stereo is on most of the day at medium levels. Room: Medium 15x25, hardwood floor but with large area rug in center, not under speakers, standard celing height. Walls have some bookcases. It's crisp but not ringy in there. Thoughts: The KLF-10's and the RB-61's are the same price - a real deal at $300! I found a set of laScala's for three times that, but it sounds like they're worth it. The KLF-10's seem like they're good 'party speakers' with decent hifi performance. The RB-61's seem like decent hifi, but maybe a bit small and less engaging? I'm lusting after the LaScala's, but they're huge, and i'm concerned with placement, size and bass response (as well as sig-other approval...) Sorry for the massive verbal blather! Anyone ever been in a similar situation? Should i hold out and try to find some hersey's or cornwalls? Any information whatsoever will be fantastically appreciated. Thank you! cheers, /Adam