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Tobby

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Posts posted by Tobby

    Has anyone listen to both THX Ultra 2 and klipsch rf 83 package

    in Home Theater

    Posted

    Skistud

    I had the RF83s in my greatroom and replaced them with the Ultr II speakers. I made this switch becuse I needed to go built in and had a cabinet built by a cabinet maker to accomadate the L,C,R, Subs and a 60" sony. The cabinet was a bit (ok, perhaps more than a bit) of a compromise but I had to keep everybody happy. Before I had the cabinet built I had the ultras and the RF83s in the same room and toyed around with them a bit. At the time I had not yet acquired the Ultra subs and was using a good 15" sub for both sets of speakers. I was using a Denon 3806 alone with no amp. I am by no means an expert, audiophile or even have the experience that most of the above posters do but my impressions were as follows:

    The ulta system, in my situation, had the edge in home theater. I said edge. That is not meant to take anything away from the Reference system. H/T is what the ultras were designed for and they are really really good at it.

    I enjoyed music more listening the the RF83 pair in stereo without a sub and the Denon set to pure direct than any other way. The ultas with a sub sounded great but not like the big 83s IMHO. My listening sessions tended to be longer and my toe tapping and leg bouncing were more intense with the towers. When I read a statement by someone who says they are buying speakers just for or mostly for home theater I sometimes wonder if they have listened to some top notch speakers and a good cd lately. It can be a revelation.

    Having said the above I have to concede that others could have different impressions. Different room sizes, better accustics, better electronics, and different listening taste could change everything. For those reasons and more I don't think that any of the posters above are wrong. If I were builing a dedicated home theater where I intended to also listen to music I could be happy with either set of speakers. If I had to make a decision between the two, well, I think I would have to do further testing in that room.

    Tom

    Upgrading RF 3 II system to what ?

    in Home Theater

    Posted

    HHHHMMMMM. For the last coulple of days I have been doing an a/b test with my RF83s and a pair of Kef Reference Threes. I really like the Kefs and they are smaller than the 83s but.............. This past hour I was listening to the 83s with and without the 1095 rotel amp. They sound very good with just the receiver and no amp but.............. Now I'm kinda thinkin about that rsp1068 and what it could do for me. Might rationalize by trading down to the 1075, selling the vsx 82 elite and using the proceeds to help with the purchase of the 1068. Do you think I would miss the 75 watts per channel?

    Tom

    Upgrading RF 3 II system to what ?

    in Home Theater

    Posted

    Unless you have a HD-DVD player or a Blue Ray player would not worry about HDMI

    There a lot of ways to get around plus I really think they are nothing but another marketing tool to sell more electronic equipments

    At this time I am not buying without taking hddvd or blueray into account. I probably won't even need sound to the tv so dvi or hdmi both would work for me. My hd sat receiver has hdmi output and I do like the idea of not having quite such a mass of wiring. I suppose both blue ray and hddvd come with a variety of outputs but I will check that out. I have read some say there is an improvement in pq with dvi or hdmi over component and others say it is not noticeable.

    Tom

    Upgrading RF 3 II system to what ?

    in Home Theater

    Posted

    Tom,

    I have to check myself here.

    I don't mean to sound like an ***, as I know of one or two around the different forums, and yuk.

    I am by no means a Rotel expert, or affiliated with them, I just let my experience emotions get ta goin.

    The only place I have locally to get Reference speaks is Ultimateelectronics, and its never a real good listening experience.

    As you have said, some of the best sonic gains come in the cheap. Placement, enviroment, etc........

    We are on the same page, and I just don't want you to think I am seeing it through funky colored glasses.

    The journey is all the fun, getting there can get boring................

    Bob

    Ok. Sooner or later is going to be sooner. I seems you are saying 1068 coupled with my 1095 would be a huge step up form using the Elite as a pre to the 1095. Do you see any disadvantage to selling the Elite and getting a 1068. I know the 1068 does not have hdmi or dvi. Do you see that as a disadvantage in picture quality? Can you set different crossovers for your fronts, center and surrounds? Is a rotel going to be the best direction to look since I already have the Rotel amp or should I consider others? What more does the 1098 have to offer and is the difference worth it?

    Tom

    Upgrading RF 3 II system to what ?

    in Home Theater

    Posted

    Tom,

    I have to check myself here.

    I don't mean to sound like an ***, as I know of one or two around the different forums, and yuk.

    I am by no means a Rotel expert, or affiliated with them, I just let my experience emotions get ta goin.

    The only place I have locally to get Reference speaks is Ultimateelectronics, and its never a real good listening experience.

    As you have said, some of the best sonic gains come in the cheap. Placement, enviroment, etc........

    We are on the same page, and I just don't want you to think I am seeing it through funky colored glasses.

    The journey is all the fun, getting there can get boring................

    Bob

    Now problem Bob. I am here to learn. Don't withhold your opinion. Sometimes my posts seem to be about me convincing myself of something. Now where did Falcon go?

    Tom

    Upgrading RF 3 II system to what ?

    in Home Theater

    Posted

    The amp has indeed bought you some "headroom" Tom, and believe it or not the preamp (pre outs of your rcvr) will have more of an effect on your sound.

    Not to say if you put a Higher end pre ahead of a lower end consumer shot amp it will sound good, but, if you have ample power to drive the speaks, the various pre's make a huge difference.

    Rotel has a 2 channel bypass on most if not all of their gear which is pretty true to form. Again, it is all about the "sound" each of us is after, and I had found all of their offerings to be a tad warmer, and a little less glaring on the top end than any of the chain store components.

    No doubt. I do not disgree with anything you are saying. Good food for thought. Some where down the road I would like to have a Rotel pre or some other good brand to go with my amp. Right now I am trying to get some widow coverings for the six 4' x8' windows that take up most of two walls. That should have a positive impact on audio don't you think. In the furture I may have a Rotel question for you and that could be sooner or later. I have this pest of a daughter that thinks she wants to go to college and other dumb stuff like that to slow me down. Forutnately, the journey is half the fun. Each increment of improvement should be savored a little before pressing on. I still think a guy can take some Klipsch speakers and a good receiver and have darn good sound that will knock most peoples socks off. In fact, I know he can.

    Tom

    Upgrading RF 3 II system to what ?

    in Home Theater

    Posted

    Thanks for the input guys, but what about about the receiver?

    Tom what are driving yours with ?

    I went to demo the Yamaha RV-X 2700 and the Pioneer VXS 82 today

    The yamaha was hook up to RF 82 and sounded pretty good but did not have wow factor like I had with the harman on my RF 3's ( for the brief period I was able to get it work lol). I almost walk away from the pioneer that was until I hit the THX button and then there was the wow factor.

    The pioneer sounded like crap without the THX function, is that normal?

    I need to add that the pionner was hooked up to the RF 62 and the kid I was dealing with while nice was probably born yesterday since did not even know what the RF7 were.


    What do you guys think ?

    I have not so much as read the maual yet on my VSX 82. As mentioned above I have mostly been using it to play with speakers and my new Rotel amp. I bought the pioneer because it was well reviewed, had good video features and because it is very ipod friendly and ready (for my daughter). When I bought my Denon I had considered Pioneer so when I needed a second receiver I thought I would give this one a try. I ran the MACC for 5.1 and it really inhibited the sound of my l/r speakers in direct stereo (not pure direct). I went back to factory settings and just adjusted sound level and distance manually and evetything was fine. I did not hear a big difference using THX for movies but I am sure other factors can come into play. I have not connected it to a video sourse yet. Sorry I can't be of much help but once I get everything up and running in this room I should know a lot more about this receiver.

    Tom



    Upgrading RF 3 II system to what ?

    in Home Theater

    Posted

    I think I will chime in here briefly. I have some Kef 103/3 speakers that I bought new in 93. I had done an a/b with them against my RF83s and, well, there was no comparrison really. That was with a Pioneer vsx 82. A couple weeks ago I bought a Rotel 1095 amp. I hooked it up to the Pioneer and did another a/b with the speakers. I was using the direct feature on the pioneer and pre outs. It made all the difference in the world with the Kefs. They sounded so much better than they ever had in the 13 years I have owned them. Soundstage and imaging came alive. They closed a lot of the gap on the RF83 but, of couse, still fell well short. The difference the amplification made to the Klipsch must be there but it is more subtle. They sounded great without the amp and great with it. I have not done an a/b using the RF83 with the Rotel and without during a listening session. If I get the time I may lug them out of the closet and give it a try. IMHO these Klipsch speakers are not as dependent on better amplification as some speakers. I am using a Denon 3806 with my THX Ultras and I am very happy with them. I was using the same receiver with the reference speakers and thought they were fantastic. I could never go back to listening to the Kefs without an amp knowing what I know now.

    Tom

    Upgrading RF 3 II system to what ?

    in Home Theater

    Posted

    Generally speaking, those who have RF7s think they are the greatest and those that have RF83s think they are. Could be they both are. Which is going to sound the best to you can only be determined by your ears. Even then what sounds best in a short listening session might not sound the best over a longer session. I have read and had a number of people tell me that the 83s do not have the tendency to brightness the 7s do but on the other hand what some people complain about as bright may be what others really like about their speakers. My 83s do not sound bright to me is all I know for sure. I have read several comments on this fourm about the RF82 being the "value" of the new Reference line. If I didn't want to spring for the 7s or 83s I might give these a listen to.

    Tom

    For Sale: RF 83 pair, RC64 center, RS62 surrounds and RB81 rear surrounds

    in Home Theater

    Posted

    Yes i would like no banannas!...lol....lol even though i pleaded with the wife, it's a no go. i was wondering...for $2800 that is very low...where did you get this set in the first place??? klipsch has it listed for $6000+....thats a lot off for just a few months...

    Don't say that or I'll have to reconsider my price. [^o)] Suffice to say I got what I thought was a very good deal and now I am passing it on. The upside for me is I have got to spend some enjoyable time with these speakers. I perfectly understand the problem with the wife.

    Tom

    For Sale: RF 83 pair, RC64 center, RS62 surrounds and RB81 rear surrounds

    in Home Theater

    Posted

    have you sold this set up yet??? i live in lewisville how far away are you????

    Yes, but I am getting some local interest and some in Texas not so local. I am about an hour and 20 minutes from Lewisville. I bought my last two Hondas from Bankston in Lewisville. Anyone who is intersted is welcome to drive to my home and have a look and listen. I enjoy meeting people who have an interst in this stuff. If you like I can send you pictures.

    What I meant to say was yes they are still available. No I have not sold them yet.

    Tom

    For Sale: RF 83 pair, RC64 center, RS62 surrounds and RB81 rear surrounds

    in Home Theater

    Posted

    These black ash speakers are about 10 months old and have seen light use. I replaced them in August with THX Ultra IIs due to the need to go built-in in our living area. I kept them for futue use in a study we were updating and redecorating. Now that that project is done it is obvious that large floorstanders aren't going to be a good fit so reluctantly I am going to let them all go. I just don't think it would be practical to ship the RF83s so local pick-up only although I would help with logistics as much as reasonable. I am in the Dallas area. Sale price is $2,800.00 firm. Let me just add that I am a big fan of these speakers and whoever ends up with them is not likely to be disappointed.

    Tom

    Why shouldn't I buy Klipsch????

    in Home Theater

    Posted

    I have both a THX Ultra II set up and a latest model reference system (RF83 & etc.). I would not consider either bright. Some say that they are forward but I think most would say that is a good thing for HT. As for music I can't speak for the rest of the Reference line but the RF83s IMHO are fantastic in stereo. Good luck.

    Tom

    SUB FOR LARGE ROOM

    in Home Theater

    Posted

    As I mentioned before I had my fronts set to -4 db and my sub to +12 before getting the Ulta subs. When I hooked them up and turned on the receiver for an instant I did not know what the hell was happening but it was scarry. Then I realised I had not changed the settings on the receiver. Much downward adjustment needed there. I am anxious to hear the Revel B 15 in my more resonably sized second room of 14x17. I'm hoping it will be a good match with my reference speakers. Right now I am painting that room so that will take a while too.

    Tom

    SUB FOR LARGE ROOM

    in Home Theater

    Posted

    I went ahead and purchased the Ultra II subs and amp from an audiogon ad (the one RichardP had originally mentioned) and received the subs a few days later. I have not had much time to play with them and do a proper set-up but my first impression is more than favorable. The ouput is amazing. I can now set my Ultra II fronts and subs both to the same db level on the receiver without feeling the need to compensate for the sub. Last week I received the subs, a sony a2000 60" and dish hd all within a couple of days. So many toys and so little time. I will have more to say about these subs in the near future.

    Tom

    SUB FOR LARGE ROOM

    in Home Theater

    Posted

    As some of you know I mentioned in a previous post that I had made a deal on a pair of Klipsch Thx Ultra subs and amp. It was an audiogon listing and suffice to say that things did not work out. Never received the subs and whether or not I will get the money back is questionable. I say this just in case anyone needs a reminder to be careful. Anyway I am back to square one. I am still considering the ultras, especially since I have the fronts and surrounds, and also an hgs 18 someone has for sale. How would the two compare for supplying good bass for a large open area like a great room? Would the two Klipsch outperform the Velodyne in output?

    Tom

    Gosh, Tom, this sounded familiar, so I looked up your Ultra 2 THX thread from last month, and saw where I was the one who noted the subs on Audiogon. I feel awfully bad, if my comment led to a bad experience. If it is the same seller that I saw, they had numerous positive feedbacks. If possible, can you tell us what happened with the sale?

    Not your fault at all Richard. The seller you mentioned I beleive to be an OK guy. As a mattter of fact I may buy from him yet. It was another seller that I had already touched base with before your post. The seller accepted an offer I had made almost two weeks previous. I was considering other subs as my posts then suggest but when my offer was accepted I decided to go with the Ultras. I have had previous good experiences on audiogon but this time I got a little sloppy and did not listen to my instincts or better judgement. It has been almost a month long ordeal. There have been a number of odd occurences during that time period including UPS supposedly loosing the sub shipment and then fedex botching on overnight with a refund check. No tracking numbers and bad tracking numbers. Yea right. Just today I received what supposedly is the second attempt to overnight a check to me by Fedex. It turned out to be a personal check (not a casheirs check as promised) that is on someone that I am not sure even exists. I will be very very surprised if it clears. You guys represent what is great about this hobby and people in general. You may not always agree and sometimes get into petty arguments but by and large you are good people that are willing to share ideas and knowledge. I am not patronizing but rather expessing an honest opinion. This seller, read fraud or low life, represents what is wrong with seemingly more and more people. I better get off this soap box and get back on topic. No Richard, you had nothing to do with my problem. I got myself into this mess with out any assistance. Really not much to do but shake it off and proceed. I think TheEar just did a pretty good job of answering my question and I think the ultras may still be right for my situation. There is an HGS 18 on audiogon from a reputable seller and I just wanted to run that altenative by some of you.

    Tom

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