UFObuster

ditto on the Grado recommendation... I use the SR-125....an "upscale" version of the low-end cans. You gain just a little more bass extension...not much....still well under $200. Besides, they're retro and look cool!

Yes...this simple Denon receiver sounds better than most high doller rigs. And it will work with any speaker because of its tone controls. When using the tone defeat with loudness button the sound is well balanced without brightness. Bass is verygood. FM Radio sounds awsome! My Sonic Impact Super-T amp, ASL1003 tube amp, and B&K system sound inferior to the Denon. I love this forum......using the "tone defeat with loudness button" is just too good......I think I'll take off my aluminum foil cap and re-watch "Wizard of Oz" with sound muted while listening once more to "Dark Side of the Moon" instead with no protection except my little lead apron....you know...for the privates.....must protect our 'precious bodily fluids'....cudos to Col. Jack Ripper!

Sadly, the definition (which we've all looked up by now) is too broad unless you only consider the colloquial use of the term.......defining those who are highly motivated to listen to hi-fidelity reproduced sound. There are no creditials....you can have the stuff or you can be a wannabe...it won't discredit you from wanting to listen....I've always been an audiophile since I owned my first transistor radio by this definition. It would be better to differentiate the field into those who like collecting and owning exotic gear (audio/technophiles) and those who appreciate hearing music. You might say that with adequate means anyone can own a killer hi-fi system and still not know the difference in sound between an English Horn and a French Horn.....and before anyone is embarrassed by this, the first is a double-reed and the latter is a brass instrument. I think there is a nice niche for those who always place the musical art form first...hearing and appreciating quality in music....and then owning (according to means) playback devices which "display" the art form. That, to me, would be an "audiophile" but we probably can't use that word. What would it be? Maybe, audioconnoistre....?...wadda ya think? Anyway, when I have guests in my home and they see my system...first thing out in converstion is all about technical stuff....like I'm some technogeek. If I entered a home inhabited by people displaying fine art on their walls...they would be "art-lovers".....so, what am I? I simply choose to "display" my "art collection" by means of a sound reproducing system.....and then gently remind my guests that I'm an art lover too....in a temporal-audio way and not a visual-graphic way. So...there.

....can you pick-up something on approval? I was using a nice, late model Yamaha (rx-v2600) and "borrowed" a Rotel RB-1080 amp to see what happened. Voila!...the sound (from the RF-7) just popped out. If your pioneer has pre-outs, try that first to see what better amplification does.....try a pro maybe or a mail-order you can send back. If that works, as it did for me, then go the next step to a better pre-pro (don't know about your pioneer). As has been said, get up-stream improvement as much as possible.....or don't and just change speakers. ..addressing the well known Klipsch sound...."detail" vs "harshness"....I liken it to listening to my son practicing his trumpet. After about 20 minutes I have a definite "listener fatigue" ....but.... the damn thing still seems to sound like a real trumpet! I guess it depends on how close to real life you want your music to sound.

Price, no corners, size....catching good sound with RF-7.

My first Klipsch speakers were RF-5's. When I got the RF-7's, I just kept the 5's for surround. It's not as perfect as having RF-7 all around but I don't know if I would know the difference. As everyone knows, full-range is the way to go for multichannel or DVD concert films if the surround tracks have real music. The DTS version of 'Goucho' (Steely Dan) is fantastic in surround with full-range speakers. Skip the RS-7.

I should have said B-stock, slightly used, or refurb...but nevertheless, perfectly good machines as seen on Ebay or Audiogon. That's why I'm looking into this category with potential grade A playback for audio......and what was excellent video until the HD machines and Oppos hit the market. I'm still thinking that the new video buzz will beat down these great players to a "steal". And....video ain't bad on these old Denons...used to be the best... upconverted to 1080i...esp if you're not into the macho 60+ inch screens...I use a modest 32 1080i and will likely never have use of a "monster" video.....keep $$ on the audio side.

Thanks for your patient replies...I guess you've been hearing me beat this to death. Yea, I think that's where I'm probably headed....fairly recent digital products with good music playback bona fides.

OK, I looked at the 3910.....discounted now under $500. Reviews suggest excellent audio quality...and that's why I'm here. Am I dreaming or can I get this to playback CDs with quality?...or should I be over in the 2 channel forum asking about dedicated products such as the Jolida 100a and throw in some mail-order DVD player just to get video. I know that these DVD players will never equal a dedicated player but by HOW much? Is it that BIG a deal? I can live with "average" video but I want exceptional audio without having to buy 2 boxes....is the "cake and eat it too" a fantasy or is it possible? Anyone with experience in comparing these lines??

Ditto, Jim Hall....album Concierto....not exactly acoustic but how could you pass this up? With Paul Desmond, Chet Baker, Ron Carter, Steve Gadd, and Roland Hanna all together! From April 1975. Strickly acoustic....don't forget the Brazilians: Joan Gilberto and Baden Powell. The very fine traditional early bossa nova on acoustic guitar/nylon strings...many albums to choose from.

Ever heard of Montreux or St-Germain-des-Prés? Heard of them?...of course, Europeans importing American jazz. Why pay to to see in Europe what you would have seen in Newport the year before.[8-|] Not trying to be argumentative...just saying that Jazz is the fundamental American art form...and if it's not being heard or popular in Europe...it doesn't mean very much. I'm glad Europeans appreciate it but they don't create it like here....I can name a few interesting old country jazz men...but they are certainly not main stream...such as Jan Gabarak and Jon Christensen....The Europeans have done much better by giving mainstream American jazzmen a stage when we wouldn't....ie, Dextor Gordon, Miles Davis, etc. But there is no equivalent of a European Ella, Getz, Byrd, etc.

I'll add that to the list of reasons for why I am an europhile. Maybe not that reason...sure, the arts are much better appreciated in the "old countries" ........but....... you don't go to Europe to hear the best Jazz, now do you?

Well, that is well put....as I sit here listening to Glen Gould's 1955 recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations...it is essential to know that recording and playback systems are built on mechanical skills devoted to delivering the artistry of the performer. This always assumes that the listener is equiped with the mental acuteness to appreciate what is being performed. The "transparency" of the playback will always factor in. That is why we spend lots of dollars on fidelity. But, the last and largest factor is the dedication of the listener to meeting the performer half-way....as DrWho says "refined listening habits". I was trained as a musician...before I got a "real job". I remember listening to my father and my grandfather learning and rehearsing pieces of music over, over, over, and over again. In real life...it takes such skill, dedication, devotion, and practice time to execute a piece preserving the technical side and developing the emotional side of a piece of music. Then consider that the composer put hugh chunks of life into learning and finally writing a composition. Doesn't the listener owe these people something?....we are not supposed to be passive listeners giving a thumbs up or down opinion on a recording. I was told by a symphony conductor once (in university) that if I didn't listen to a classical composition at least 50 times over, I may not ever get the point of the composition. Meet the composer/performer half way.....learn the music before you speak of it. So, back to 1955 and a mono recording that won't hold up to modern recording standards but the emotion is all too evident...if you give it your time..."refined listening habits" . That's why an old transistor radio version of a piece of music will always sound good to some listeners...if they have the equipment (mental) to hear it. Edit: ditto, Eric Clapton doing Robert Johnson's stuff (CD and DVD) or (take your pick) many jazz comps...and even a few pops.

Well, aussiemark, it looks like the forum response to your question is a little underwhelming. I would suggest doing a search on this forum for issues related to powering the RF-7 speakers. This is the right place to ask, it is afterall the "Klipsch Forum". I don't have enough technical expertise to say with any authority what you need to look for, but my experience and general knowledge about RF-7 (I own them) indicate that 200wpc in a high current amp will really improve them. The "quirks"" of the 7's are well known such as low-impedence swings which put high demands on amplification with some owners "moding" them for further improvement. But, I gather that the first requirement is adequate amplification. I was using a Yamaha RX-V2600 AVR in my system which is about the same in power (130wpc) as your Denon. It sounded OK, but when I added an external Rotel RB-1080 the improvement was dramatic. There are other ways to go in amplifier choice, I hear nice things about some pros such as QSC and Crown....there is also Outlaw before you begin climbing the "high-end" ladder. When you further search this forum, you'll find a lot of satisfaction with Rotel amps due to their satifactory "sonic match" to the RF-7. That covers 2-channel, then before you buy, check on HT amps such as Rotels 1095 or Outlaw 7500. Or, consider combinations of discrete 2 channel amps (for the RF-7 only) along with multi-channel to drive the rest of an HT system. Hopefully, you'll get some better technical responses or personal experiences than mine on this thread or find more info searching. Apparently, many Klipsch owners have moved well beyond these "starter" questions or are so far down the path of exotic component and "heritage" speaker use than to address common issues that average users may face. But, I feel confident in saying that the first and most helpful (and bang-for-buck cheapest) step to take will be to solve your amplification requirement. Good-luck, let us know what you decide to do. Roger ps...if no better results here, check the Audiogon forums too, not to mention good options for used stuff.

I saw your similar post at the "Club Rotel" site of the HTGuide forum. Reiterating...this is a very good match....check my comments at the other site...keeping this one short so that you may hear opinions from other members of this forum. Roger

Thanks for the replies so far...I think I'm on track looking at the Denon 2910 and 2900, Oppo, and the Sony 9000 mentioned above which is new to me...Left out the Pioneer. I agree that multi-channel is a non issue but I own some....and want it if I can get it. I'm a relative newby....spent a lot of money to find out how really good my old CDs can sound. So I'm trying not to make a mistake after investing about $4K in electronics and then trying to get good music out of a cheap DVD player....but still, I've got to compromise a little while longer....likely will go with one of the Denons now and hope that Santa has a Jolida CD player in my future.. Last question: The Oppo is known for excellent video....is it really OK with CD playback?....or is that wishful thinking? Roger

The story: My weak link is my dvd/cd player. As reviewed, my Yamaha DVD-C750 is an adequate video player and decent "redbook" CD player. My complaint is that it's set-up lacks in bass management, and it's very SLOW loading...clunky. I'm using all Klipsch with Rotel separates. Don't yet want to get into the DVD-HD market. I'm mostly into music playback...good surround while preserving 2 channel capability and DVD-A, SACD, etc. So, in 2007, is it possible to get decent CD quality and DVD playback in the same box? I'm looking at short-term solutions for video such as Oppo products, however, I'm very attracted to the old Denon 2910 which I hear has very good music playback with good video features. It's still available at great discounts...under $400. I'm sure there will be a good dedicated CD player in my future...maybe a Jolida....but for now, I need a reasonable compromise that compliments my current system. Suggestions or other comparisons ? Thanks, Roger

I use a left over RC-35 for a back channel (makes a 6.1 system). I like having HT but I'm more interested in using it for music DVDs (with surround channels) such as concerts, both pop and classical. If you're using your system for a lot of music playback, it may influence the type of speakers you choose. I gather that using one good center channel in back is popular since the playback to the two backs are mono anyway. As already mentioned, the room setup is also important.

Well, I guess Klipsch isn't using Unobtainium anymore. The Metalunans have stopped answering their interoceter so they can't get any. Where is Exeter when you need him....damn!

Like I said a little while ago....they should just be using Unobtainium...!

No, actually, it would have been much better if they had used Unobtainium for the binding posts and straps.

That's the real reason "most" people like the analog version. It's intuitive to "guess" at a center reading when looking at a meter needle moving back and forth. Very easy. It's mostly a matter of preference. Have fun with this....Roger

Yes, go separates. Specifically, the RF-7 needs high-current, quality amp. I just finished going down this road. Was using a Yamaha RX-V2600 with RF-7, etc. When I added 200wpc to them, it was like getting new speakers. It's a must. With some advice on these threads, I then added a 5-channel amp to complete HT too. Now, it's dedicated two channel first, with 2+5 = 7 channel HT capability. I ended up canning the Yammi and using the Rotel rsp-1068 with 2 channel analog bypass and good 7 channel processing for HT. A "hybrid" system. My amps happen to be Rotel but I would shop for any good quality with high current to satisfy the RF-7 requirement. My subjective opinion only is that I suspect using a large 7 channel ht amp may not give as good 2 channel reproduction as a dedicated 2 channel amp....forum, correct me if I'm wrong on this....so I like the set up with 2 amps and it didn't really cost a lot more. (btw: my multi-channel is used mostly for DD and DTS music and concert DVD...classical and pop. If I was just doing movies I don't think a would spend too much on upgrades for this) Roger

Like Arky, I'll touch this baby one more time and quit: I can only tell you about what I have seen and owned...I'm in a part of the country with few options to audition stuff...that being said, I added RF-7s to my system after I had already purchase a Yamaha RX-V2600. Now check out its review at audioholics.com and note that it was a CES product of the year. 130wpc and the audioholics staff gives it glowing recommendations which it deserves........except........the RF-7's didn't like it. It took less than a year of listening...no, maybe 8-9 months...before I became convinced that the RF-7s were languishing. This is the Klipsh forum after all so it's all about the speakers. Turned out that all the bench testing in the world won't reveal that there is just not enough power/current/linearity delivered to the 7s to make that speaker sound right from this product....have you heard the B&K head to head with RF7 and then with any good separate 200wpc amp? Do it before you buy...I ended up with the Rotel 1080, then eventually booted the Yammi for all separates....it was not even a close call. (disclaimer: not a Rotel agent..it's just one of few that I can see and buy locally) Roger

Ditto, and we're discussing this same thing on a parallel thread... Arky is right-on...I almost went with the Outlaw pre/pro....a tough call...got Rotel locally because I could "touch it"...same thing. Point is, you really need a quality amp for the 7's....that means getting a pre/pro or using the A/V receiver as pre/pro...why bother...go separates. Roger