UFObuster

I agree with Arky, go (eventually) separates...and JacksonBart...if you do a receiver..then grab an outboard amp ASAP. I just finished traveling this road and found that the Yamaha RX-V2600 (A/V receiver and in the same class as the Denon) was certainly "loud" enough but did NOT reveal the full potential of the RF-7 speaker. I don't need to advocate a brand...but some real power up front is really necessary. I lived with the Yammi running surrounds and used a Rotel RB-1080 "out-board amp" just for the RF-7 up front. Very big difference. And finally last week finished converting to all separates....again, much better than the A/V receiver. I'm new to this...and repeated threads on this subject basically say the same thing. Make a long term plan that saves you from selling/buying...then selling/buying again. Roger

WOW!!!, what to say: after a lot of input from you guys in HT and the 2-channel forum, I just finished doing this upgrade: Added: Rotel RSP-1068 processor, RT-1084 tuner....Took out the Yamaha RX-V2600 A/V receiver (130wpc). Added: Rotel RMB-1075 (120wpc) amp for surround/center/back....to go along with the RB-1080 (200wpc) 2 channel front (for the RF-7). Wow!! is all I can say...would be embarassed to drag out all the cliches about what these components do for Klipsch but I NEVER heard the RF-7 sound like this! A little history: I dipped into Klipsch with the RF-5 for fronts on my older Onkyo A/V receiver replacing some Def-tech BP-6 towers, etc. Needless to say, this was a stunner....and I woke up an old passion for getting some quality sound. Pushed ahead getting the Yammi mentioned above (a CES product of the year-2006 and well loved on other forums) to raise the power and processing ante...seemed like a good center piece...especially since it did a creditable job with 2 channel by-pass...which I loved from my old days living with a pair of wonderful Advent speakers (in the '70s) and Dual turntable etc. Next, being impressed with the clarity and sound-stage of the RF-5...I observed the model change in early '06 and jumped a deal on a pair of RF-7. RF-5 went to surround [8], and I was temporarily happy...until I found this forum....which is like getting a social disease[6]. Convinced I needed to tweak a little more, I got the RC-7 center (replacing RC-35)....and in retrospect...found the Yammi having a big job to do... I liked the 7's but it wasn't like....wow...or anything. And I was having a nagging thing with some harsh high-end...listening to an Allison Krause solo was a little "edgy". So, what to do? From this forum...I learned more about component matching...and the "quirkiness" of the RF-7...got a Rotel RB-1080 amp for them...and BINGO....first taste of what Klipsch is supposed to sound like! Well, as many of you know, this is like walking into quicksand. As good as the Yammi was...why was my system failing?...power, current, design, etc?....hell, I'm not an engineer! [*-)] So, keying off of the success of the Rotel/RF-7 match...I was all over this forum....HT and 2 channel....discussed some "take-home" options with the local Rotel guy...got out the check-book...and took the plunge. So, the config is now 6.1 (Klipsch RSW-10 sub), the Rotel separates...placed the left-over RC-35 in the center back. What can I say that's not been said.? I've barely done more than just get the connections sorted out...no tweaking yet...and the sound is simply amazing! 2-channel is like nothing I ever heard...even in demos....and the surround is...well...WOW!! Left-overs: when all is written and said, the Yamaha/Klipsch combo just didn't work...power?...maybe. Bright?..yes. Or maybe, it's just the price difference...I can't really say....but it's like the "Duke" said....if it sounds good, it is good!....I'll be exploring more of the RSP-1068 capabilities...and maybe join discussions on where the video/HDMI/HD-DVD thing goes....but for now...sound quality is the issue which is why I decided to go ahead with this. Even if a model change is coming this fall...the turnaround in the market of HD content and players is still long from settled. I'm in that happy mode now that many of you have been in before.....rediscovering what my CD collection should have sounded like...trying out new stuff...etc...even my Wife could hear the difference...and that is saying something!!.....Gotta go! Roger

Setting up a new Rotel pre/pro/amp and getting ready to order cables from Blue Jeans after reviewing several threads on this topic here. Only getting the processor to amp cables.... .have some new 14awg wire from Home Depot for the speakers to make all new connections. Someone WARN me if I've missed something....getting ready to "let the hounds loose"....[Y]...[8-|] Roger

Thanks, guys, some good ideas. Overhead speakers are the solution, but the room is too "old Southern" to get away with it....very poor WAF. I've pushed it to the limit with the amplifier stack....which passed because I found a nice old piece of furniture to place them on and they're off to one side. The RF-7s and 5s passed because of the cherry finish. You should see the 'chippendale' style polished mahogany table with black legs required to let the processor/tuner/DVD stack stay in sight. It actually looks real nice! [8-|] No, it will have to be on the opposite wall from the front speakers....about 15-17 feet behind the seating area.....I worried that I should just can it and stay with 5.1. Do you think this eratice placement of a RC-35 will sound bad...or just not optimal? (a quick review: fronts about 11 feet in front, surrounds about 4-5 feet behind the seating "plane" and on the sides. No chance to move.....the proposed rear....back wall in a slightly elevated dining area. Bad idea?) Guess I'll try it before I drill the hole with a wire dropped on the floor from the amps but I don't have a proper sounding set-up to compare it to so won't really know. BTW: I'm not that critical of my movie watching...like it but don't live for it....my system is really for music...2 channel and 5 channel....CD, DVD-A, DTS and DD Concert films, etc. thanks again.

I've got a peculiar long room in an 80 yr old house. I don't want to drill any more holes than necessary. The room is 18' wide and 32' long. 1) My HT setup is in about a 18 x 20 portion of this with surrounds around 5' behind and to the side; not optimum but you have to be there to know why. Any other speaker(s) would have to go all the way to the end of the room...another 12' or about 17' behind the listening position. Is this layout too funky for a 6.1 or 7.1 hook-up? I don't want holes in the floor if this is going to suck. 2) I have 2 free channels of amplification in my Rotel 1075. I have a left over Klipsch RC-35 (other speakers are all Klipsch). Since back channels are mono sound anyway, wouldn't the single RC-35 work OK instead of making two holes and buying a pair of speakers? IE, is the 7 channel content really good enough to justify this or is the single back channel going to do as well? Opinions much appreciated. thanks, Roger BTW...just found the 2004 thread that has some opinions on this (6.1 v 7.1) but would enjoy comments on other's experience anyway.

Yes, you're entirely right...trying to get some feed-back on running an HT system with 2 ch capabilty.... Well, we all don't have $$ or brains to get there but we do know what we like to hear. Yep...I'm keeping the RB-1080...adding the RMB 1075 for my surrounds....RSP-1068 to do processing. Mostly, I got the info I needed on the OUTLAW threads....go figure. Thanks for comments....I got it... Roger

....going down the same ruts, Fish...decided to order the RMB-1075/RSP-1068 combo and a tuner today....added to the RB-1080...my first true "separate" kit....made the desicision listening to a Chet Baker CD knowing that hearing some good music is what this is about... ...BTW...while I was at the "shop"...I listened to the new RF line....still like my RF-7...no change happening here until something really better happens or unless my house grows enough to sqeeze in some "heritage". thanks for the comments, Roger

I'm running HT with Klipsch RF-7 front, RC-7 center, and RF-5 surround. A late model Yamaha AVR gives me processing while I use a separate Rotel RB-1080 amp (200wpc) for front mains (a real necessity and a pleaser with the RF-7). I had thought about giving up the RB-1080 in favor of the RMB-1095 (200wpc-5ch) and replacing the Yammi with the RSP-1068 processor from Rotel as an upgrade. Well and good, but I got afraid that I might loose some 2 channel clarity if I let the 1080 go and I REALLY like the 2 channel sound I'm getting from the Rotel/Klipsch combo. So, if you will, please comment on this compromise and give me your suggestions too: I'll keep the RB-1080 for front LR and 2 channel. I'll add a 5-channel rotel RMB-1075 (120wpc) to run center and surround in HT mode and have 2 channels left for 7.1 later. I'll use the Rotel RSP-1068 for a processor hoping that in combo with the 1080 I'll further improve 2 channel listening and have great HT on-call all the time. So far, I haven't thought of a better solution but I don't know the market that well. I can get Rotel locally and the dealer is negotiable. I can swap if I have to. Lastly, I just thought that the 1095 is overkill to run surround channels....wrong? I also may be over-rating the idea that a separte 2 channel amp will give me significantly better 2 channel if i'm not using a dedicated 2 channel processor...wrong? I only have a gut feeling about this but will audition what I can. thanks for comments, Roger

I know, I know ...this question should be in the HT section....but hold the phone, do I have to purchase 2 systems to get the 2 channel sound I like and not give up HT? I'm going to trade in my Rotel RB-1080 (2 channel) for an RMB-1095 (5 channel). With my RF-7s it was a killer in 2 channel....I have RF-5 in place of surrounds and RC-7 center...I'll give up the Yamaha RX-V2600 (receiver) in favor of a real pre/pro...probably Rotel or maybe in the short run, the Outlaw 990....until Rotel is upgraded (the RSP-1068). Fellas, I'm not going to rob a bank....if I go the 5 channel Rotel route...I've got to get a 5+ channel pre/pro to keep HT but I want the best 2 channel performance I can get in this category....so, where does this go?....Sunfire might be just a little pricey for me....is the Rotel 1068 the next best choice to do HT and still keep good 2 channel performance? Or if I'm already this deep into it, do I go to a better pre/pro....maybe Sunfire?...I'm really looking for balance here; I don't want to overshoot an amp like the Rotel 5 channel (200wpc) with the Klipsch rf-7 and rf-5/rc-7 combo in HT........suggestions? Much appreciated. And thanks for letting me get this HT stuff into the 2 channel audio forum. I'm not sure that there shouldn't be a category for this type of question here.. Roger

Why not look for a pair of RF-5. I kept mine...used as surround....after I got the RF-7. Good looking match...and great for sound matching.

AAhhh.....'heritage'.....There is a legend that in my town there is someone (who frequents this forum) that 'went heritage' and probably hasn't been seen since. I'm fighting the urge to find this individual and listen. But then, I clearly remember sneaking booze into my house when I was young....and in similar fashion when my wife asked "what is the black thing in the back of your car", I just answered "something I'm keeping for a friend!"....before sneaking the rotel inside. There has to be a stop to this someplace....going heritage indeed. So, I get up before dawn to connect the rotel....later in the day...Wife: "what's different there by the entertainment center?"...."Oh, nothing dear, just a little thing I had to get yesterday down at Richard's shop, it's nothing".... You see, when I ordered the RF-7 they were "just some new speakers to try out, dear".....and my cover got blown when the damn things showed up on a cargo pallet!!!!......Heritage indeed......how would I EVER explain that....I'm just trying to figure out the logistics of swapping the 2 channel rotel for a 5...and rehearsing my line...."Oh, nothing,dear....no it's not really bigger....I just moved some stuff around". Heritage, indeed....! Roger

Fine amp. Congrats on your 1080. Speeball, when I owned Dean-modded RF7s, I first ran them by a Rotel 1080 until I made a certain purchase that you might know about. Carl. I'll take the bait, Carl....tell me about the "certain purchase"....(and can the average human afford it?). Roger

I keep looking at this issue myself (my previous post). I just e-mailed Rotel regarding status of their surround pre-pro RSP-1068 (around $1700 new I think). It is due for an upgrade they told me: "3rd or 4th quarter"...might be called RSP-1069...with better video options: HDMI...upscaling to 1080p. I have not checked on the more competitively priced Outlaw 990 but I'm interested. There is a good FAQ at their site (1996) with details...price around $1100. Anyone with info about it's status? Bottom line: the Rotel 2-channel (1080) amp that I bought is so much better than my Yammi receiver, I've got to set up a long-term plan to change over to multiple amps or multi-channel amps.....I will not think about 2 channel pre-pros now since it's likely that i would end up changing that in the future also. I'll live with a receiver for a pre-pro in the short term...Good luck on your plans...post your moves. Roger

Have not heard the Acurus or Adcom. I added a Rotel RB-1080 (2 channel) to drive a pair of RF-7 within a 5.1 HT config. I like the outcome very much. I bought Rotel because it was locally available and I could try it at home. There is a lot of support for this product with the RF-7 on this forum. For tighter budgets, I've heard good reports on the Emotiva also but never heard it. Roger

I can relate a very similar situation albeit, I didn't get into expanding into 7.1 (yet). I was running a 5.1 HT with a Yamaha RX-V2600, RF-5 front, RC-35, some older def-tech BP-6 in back. Took in a good deal on a pair of RF-7, upgraded center to RC-7 and moved the RF-5 to surround eliminating the def-techs with everything timbre matched. The Yammi that I have is very similar to your Denon and about the same power. Unfortunately, I found that my system seemed to have adequate volume but it just didn't seem like the RF-7s were doing any better than the RF-5s were before. (Everything running on the Yamaha) My SQ was improved but not as much as I had hoped for. Following some suggestions on this board, I brought home a Rotel RB1080 on approval.....set-up the RF-7s on the Rotel....the rest to the Yammi....level balanced, etc.....and Schazamm!!!.....the RF-7 sounded like a different speaker. Now, this may be typical I think. The receivers list "enough" watts per channel but the RF-7 seem to like more. The Rotel sounds so much better in fact than the Yammi, that I've begun listening more in 2 channel than I ever was before. And, of course, in 5.1 it's terrific. If you're going to stretch out that Denon to 7.1....You may really need to start thinking about another amp for the RF-7 pair. Good luck!! and enjoy! Roger

I have enjoyed this thread....got a lot of good ideas here. Here's a sleeper that I found by accident (don't remember if it's already been mentioned): Santana & Shorter, Live at the Montreaux Jazz Festival-1988. This is Carlos (Santana) and Wayne (Shorter) in a "pick-up" band for one tour. It did not appear on either's discographies. It is typical of the 80's jazz-fusion sound done in excellent fashion with other notables such as Patrice Rushin (keys), Chester Thompson (keys-organ), Alphonso Johnson (bass), and good percussion. The video is 4:3 but looks OK. The camera work displays the artists quite well and is not "hectic". There are a couple of interviews interspersed in the show; however, they don't overlap any music and you can skip them easily if you want. Here's the treat: The audio is in excellent 96/24 DTS in both 5.1 and 2 channel (for the stereo snobs). It sounds great! Enjoy Roger... BTW...I can't remember who recommended them, but I really enjoyed Lucinda Williams (live at Austin) and Richard Thompson (also live at Austin). Two very good DVD shows already mentioned in this thread.

Not an SACD but an interesting find in Jazz: Santana & Shorter (Carlos and Wayne) Live at the Montreaux Jazz Festival (1988). You don't see this on their discographies because this "band" was not "official" which included the likes of Chester Thompson, Alphonso Johnson, Patrice Rushen playing a jazz fusion typical of those musicians at that time. Video is OK (not wide-screen but filmed well); but the audio is excellent. I mention it here because it has your choice of 2 channel or 5 channel DTS, both in 96/24. It sounds great on my system....better than some of my SACDs.

By trial and error, I've staked out my own patch of 2 channel bliss by adding a Rotel RB-1080 (2 channel) to my HT system: Yamaha RX-V2600, RF-7, RC-7,RF-5(for surround),RSW-10. I've been so pleased with the overall improvement with the amp added that it forces me to consider where this goes in the future. I'm music first and HT second. I really like what I'm hearing in 2 channel now. The RF-7 finally are paying the 'dividend'. So, naturally, thinking ahead to separates the question relates to pathways: a) do a dedicated 2 channel application with a 2 channel pre-amp and use switching to go back to HT on the Yammi? or move up to 5 channel amps and 5+ channel pre-amp processors such as the Rotel RSP-1068--or other equivalents, sell the Yammi to take away some of the hurt. The real question is: if I went 5 channel in separates as an example described above, will I be giving away sound quality when used in 2 channel? In one way or other I will be keeping HT playback alive in my system because I like it. But I really want the best quality 2 channel I can do in a "hybrid" system of some sort. I'm sure that there are good opinions about this out there.... Thanks, Roger

I was running a 5.1 system with RF-7 mains powered with a Yamaha AVR with 130wpc. Other forum members suggested more (or dedicated amp) for the RF-7. I tried out a Rotel 200wpc in the system for my fronts and left the rest on the Yamaha. Pretty nice difference. I think I can safely say: go up to at least 200wpc for the RF-7. I'm sure the Outlaw will be a great addtion. Roger

I have a Yamaha RX-V2600 based HT system to which I added RF-7 speakers for front L/R; moved the smaller RF-5 pair I already had to surround; added the RC-7 center and still could not get a satifying improvement that I expected. Not even in 2-channel "pure direct" mode. Following comments on this board...I opted for the Rotel RB-1080 to run the RF-7 pair and left the rest to the Yammi. Best bang for the buck that I've had so far. I would have considered tubes but I just didn't have a "market feel" for what I was doing. The Rotel (or likely any quality SS 200wpc amp) really got my RF-7s singing for 2 channel and improved my HT. I like having both. Roger

Well, after a few upgrades I'm running a pair of RF-7 fronts on a rotel rb-1080 (along with my old RF-5 in surround and RC-7 center on a Yamaha RX-V2600). I have my old "left-over" RSW-10 for my Sub. I find myself frequently dialing back the bass level a bit. It sounds a little "over the top". Obviously, I'm getting very good lows from the RF-7. Mostly, I've thought that the excessive bass might be due to "over-produced" recordings because the bass level does vary. So, what are RF-7 owners running with these speakers? I know about the RSW-15 or the newer Klipsch models but will a larger sub really matter? Is it a quality or size issue?.....if so, what options...bigger sub or no sub?....lateral move to SVS or similar product? thanks in advance for your comments Roger

For no particular reason mentioning Chick Corea reminded me that I recently found and purchased a 2005 DVD release of Santana & Shorter Live at the 1988 Monreux Jazz Festival. This is a very nice show with a great band including the likes of Alphonso Johnson (bass), Patrice Rushen (keys), Chester Thompson (keys and organ--B3?--nice!). I know, some folks get tired of Carlos Santana doing the same stuff, but here he is with Wayne Shorter and it's really fantastic. Not to mention that this is produced in a 96/24 DTS 5.1 version.....unfortunately 4:3 video...but it's from 1988. The filming isn't at all bad....they do a good job of focusing on the musicians without too much razzle/dazzle. Roger

Iceman, I'm responding because I'm apparently a day and a dollar behind you in the same plan. I just got an RB-1080 last week (fantastic combo with RF-7) I have the Yamaha RX-V2600 in 5.1 mode with pre-outs to the Rotel driving my RF-7 mains. I too, contemplate whether going all separates is best. For now, I'm going to stay with the receiver. Here's why: I want to keep a good 5.1 system option. For the money, good receivers pack a lot of value in that they have resonably good processing for all modes and enough amplification just using it for the center and surrounds. In fact, I think the V2600 that I have uses Burr-Brown DA converters which are fantastic....check out yours before you decide to change. Buying the RB-1080 allowed me to have killer two-channel when I wanted and still have 5.1 (I listen to a lot of concert DVDs). A separate pre/pro which can deliver in 5 channel and be significantly better is likely to cost $$$, not to mention trading out the RB-1080 for a 5 channel amp. So that's where I am....A little compromise. If you go completely to separates for two channel, PM me what you did and how it worked. For now, don't ditch the 5.1 system because there are a lot of really good recordings out there that you need the play-back option for. I still have to remind myself that I'm not just collecting esoteric electronic equipment, but that I am using electronics to exploit playback of some very high quality artistic media (and a movie once in while doesn't hurt). Some people hang a lot of art on the wall....mine is in my ears.

OK, I came up through stereo..from the LP days...enjoying 2 channel etc... Now, after two years of penny hoarding I find myself in HT playing back conventional CD, DVD-A, SACD, and the DVD DTS 5.1 and DD, etc. mostly music and concert DVDs including pop, jazz and classical. I use RF-7 fronts, RC-7, RF-5 for surrounds, a decent sub. I use a Yamaha RX-V2600 for running my HT in the various 5.1 formats and enjoy my CDs in 2 channel quite often. My DVD-A sound is quite nice...I like the DTS stuff....and I do use it for movies but not my primary concern. Now....(question)....if I want to start improving this set-up...what is the next logical move? I would like to enjoy exceptional two -channel but continue using my 5.1 set up too. I gather that some combination of "separates" is desirable and that improving amplification may develope more potential from my RF-7s. Do I look for a two channel amp to run off my pre-outs from the Yammi?....Please help sketch out for me the likely set up: a. Will it be two channel only thru RF-7? b. Will the Yammi do two channel out to a separate amp for the RF-7 and then ALSO power the center and surrounds to complete a 5.1 ? c. Do I need to skip two channel amplification and get all out-board 5 channel amp? d. Am I missing a forum thread that discusses these issues? Thanks for any input and I'll be asking more as I see a path... Roger

Since the RSW-15 is getting hard to find...I may have to choose another. I've also looked at the Velodynes....in particular, the SPL-1200R.......anyone know how this would match-up? I'm also interested in the SVS line: pb12-plus/2....but this is a really big box. The SPL is a lot smaller. Comments?