Tom Adams

Jo-Jo My suggestion would be to take three CD's that represent what kinda music you generally like to listen to and spend some time listening to as many different types/brands of speakers as you can (except for Bose. You even consider listening to them and you're banned from this BB for life ). Let your ears decide. Naturally, all us Klipsch fanatics would tell you that Klipsch is the only way to go, but what we say don't mean squat if it doesn't appeal to your ears. As for Klipsch - well, listen to DwK's Heresy's and try to decide if you like that sound. Also, try to find a pair of RF-3's and see if that appeals to you. If the Heresy's are more appealing, and assuming you like the "Klipsch sound", then a used pair of Heresy's or Legends or Kg's or Chorus will have a "similiar" sound. OTOH, if the RF-3's appeal to you, then maybe go for a pair of those or RB-3's or RB-5's. Principly, take this opportunity not to just get a pair of speakers, but to learn about what's out there and what you like. Sometimes the journey is just as nice as the destination. <egads - that sounded like something HornEd would say > Tom Adams

Well - for anyone who cares...I currently own one mo'sickle - a Kawasaki ZX9R. Have owned 8 bikes in my short life and have ridden since I was 12. I'll not die on a bike, might go down (again), but not die. Don't ask me how I know, I just do. As for what I'm looking at, it's a BMW R1150RT. Ok - now for a follow-up to the RF5's. I spent almost an hour listening to them. Unfortunately, I didn't have any of my CD's and the stuff they have at the shop is rather limited (seems that the better CD's somehow sprout legs and walk off). Be that as it may, I got to listen to some traditional jazz (on Blue Note label), some decent vocals (Lyle Lovett) and some bluesy-rock courtesy of Greg Alman. The equipment was an ADCOM 2ch amp, some $1400 CD player, and a Denon 2ch reciever acting as preamp. The jazz recordings were nice, but lacked dynamic range due to them being originally old analog recordings. Still, the RF5's transformed themselves into a sax or a trumpet or a trombone. I was especially impressed with how they handled sax & trombone. Not sure why, after all, Klipsch has been doing this for years. Still, it was nice to hear how well the speaker handled the mid & lower mid sounds of the trombone. Being a trombone player, I'm well aware of what that horn sounds like live and the RF5 delivered. As an aside - that ADCOM ??? was a POS in it's ability to control the RF5's woofers and the result was a somewhat muddy bottom end. I told Mark that the RF3's bottom end sounded better and he said we really needed to hook up a different amp to the RF5's and that muddiness would go away. Mark opinined that they probably would sound better being driven by the Denon (so why didja hook 'em up that way Mark?? ) Maybe next listen with my CD's. As for vocals, the RF5 handled that very, very nicely. I thought the RF3 was good, but the RF5 is in another league. Can't imagine that a RF7 can be better. Imaging & soundstage was really good despite a less than optimal setup and we didn't move them around. I will say that they were bright, almost too bright to the point of being harsh. I think these speakers are very unforgiving to bad recordings/mixings. Mark agreed. Overall, I was very pleased with my inital listen and look forward to another session with my music and a better amp. I can probably see a pair of these in my HT next year - maybe...read on. Ok - now for what all you Heritage folks want to hear. When I got home, I sat down with my 20+ year old Heresy's, selected 2ch stereo on the Denon, turned off the KSW15 and gave a serious listen to several music selections that contained similar program material. And IMHO, my Heresy's passed the muster just fine being able to reproduce horns & vocals and big mids as well as what the RF5's did. The bass of the RF5 was deeper (and possibly a bit boomier) than the Heresy, but hell, I got a sub that'll take care of that thank you very much. Actually, the Heresy reminds me of a well damped Yamaha or dw kick drum versus a Premier concert bass drum. I will admit that the RF5 was more open & airy on top than the Heresy - but not by much. Personally, I think the RF5 is an excellent speaker and would work either as a main pair in a 2ch system or in a HT system (the nod going to HT). However, they won't replace my Heresy's cause they just didn't bring anymore to the table as far as my ears are concerned. I applaud Klipsch for being able to make a two-way system that rivals the traditional 3-way. But there's just something unique about my Heresy (maybe because it's paid for? ) and its sound. All I know is that I'd really like to have an all Heresy based HT. So - it looks like that new mo'sickle is back in the picture. Tom Adams

avman - Like BLOOMIS914, I too am looking towards a dish system and I'm glad he asked what I've been wanting to. Anyhow, I went to the Dish Network website and saw no mention of a DishPlayer 7200. There's a model 500 mentioned that sounds like what you're speaking about. Is that it? TIA Tom Adams

Just called Mark at Audio Wharehouse and he said he's got a pair of RF-5's - YIPPEE!! Oh boy-oh-boy-oh-boy I can't wait to hear them. Wait a minute, what about that new motorcycle you're looking at Tom? Screw-it! I'm jonesin' for another pair of Klipsch's!! Tom Adams

kenratboy - Something that might also aid us in offering you our suggestions would be what you intend your new electronics for - i.e. are you interested in home theater or are you looking for quality 2ch sound. Personally, a Denon 3801 reciever or it's Onkyo or Yamaha or Marantz equivalent would do just fine. Let your ears decide. On the separates side, NAD would be a nice choice. As for eBay - I'd have to agree that it might not be the wisest choice for a first time plunge into the world of high-end separates unless you really know your equipment. The good part is that you get to do all this shopping and comparing! I mean, how nice is that?? Tom Adams

From one Heresy owner to another.... Nice system. I've never had my Heresy's sitting that high before - interesting. Your floor appears to be tile, if so, that must be a fairly live room, eh? Or have you done something to quash it? The comment about the phone made me recall last Saturday night when we had some folks over to our house and one of the folks there mentioned their son had gone to an Edwin McCain concert. No one seemed to know this guy or his music. So the wife says, "Honey, you've got one of his CD's, why don't you put it in and show them who he is." So I did and while the music was playing, I commented that this wasn't how he sounds in concert and someone bit by saying, "Oh yeah, how does he sound?" The wife sees me grab the remote and immediately vacates the area about the time I say, "He sounds like...... T H I S ! Tom Adams

Some of you may remember me posting a message earlier this year concerning my Denon 3300 automatically shutting itself down in the 5ch stereo & surround mode. Well, when I tore down my system in order to introduce my latest HT weapon (Mitsu 46" widescreen), I took the opportunity to trouble shoot any possible problems with my in-wall wiring. I did a basic continuity check and ensured that the wall plate wiring was ok. I also performed a 9V battery test to ensure correct polarity to all speakers. To my comfort everything was fine and as it should be (of course it was Tom, you did the install and we all know you're perfect. Shyeah - right ) The next step was to install banana plugs on all my fat monster cable speaker wires to ensure there would be no stray wires touching other binding posts. I know, it's next to impossible for that to happen, but I wanted to eliminate any possibilities. I do all my hook-ups, power everything on, check to make sure everything that's suppose to make sound does and presto - everything is working fine. After shoving the reciever into it's temporary home, I stuck in a CD, turn the volume up and CLICK - it shuts down! So I turn it off, turn it back on, and quickly select 2ch stereo. The unit plays fine all the way up to ear-bleed level. So I turn the volume all the way down, select 5ch stereo and start bumping the volume up a little at a time. Everything is cool all the way up to a -30 volume setting, but at -28...CLICK, it shuts itself down again. ARGHHHH!! After performing this test several times with CD's, DVD's, tuner, etc. (and getting the same results), I pull the Denon back out and do what I did the last time this happened. I swap the + & - surround speaker cables - i.e. the + leads are connected to the Denon's - terminals and the - leads are connected to the Denon's + terminals. Turn everything back on and guess what? Everything works fine. No auto shut downs at any volume setting with any input. What the *^#%@% - over???? I know - you're all thinking I quite mad and looney. Hell, I'm thinking that way too cause it defies all logic. All I know is that everything is playing correctly. Tom Adams

My $.02 worth... I too think this would be an excellent idea. My Heresy's have been longing for some company of the Heritage variety. You know, like Aunt Belle and cousin Cornwall. And while I can understand the nervousness with regards to legal questions, I can't help but wonder how an on-line "For Sale" section of this BB would be any different than a printed version in a newsletter or newspaper. So quitcher stalling legal dept. Thanks Klipsch for supporting an excellent suggestion. Tom Adams

Recently I was at my local Klipsch dealer (Audio Warehouse) and my saleman friend Mark & I were discussing the reference line and Klipsch speakers in general. When Mark & I were chatting about Klipsch, he commented that he had a helluva time keeping the RF3's in their main high-end listening room. Said that everytime he put them there and came back from a day off, they'd be back out on the floor. He also said that the other two salemen and the owner (Phil) were so prejudice that they refused to really listen to the speakers. Instead, they steer folks towards their B&W, Tannoy, ADS line (thankfully they don't carry Blose). Mark has even tried to get them to do a double blind listening test but said they refused. Mark's convinced they're afraid they'll pick the Klipsch speakers. And get this - Mark said that last year he asked Phil to order as many RF3's as he could get. Phil said no cause he didn't think they would sell and instead ordered a boat load of ADS towers. Well, Mark can't get RF3's fast enough and the ADS's are still in the warehouse gathering dust. Mark said he was trying very hard to get Phil to consider carrying at least the Heresy's along with the RF line. He told me that Klipsch rep would be in this week and was hoping the rep would show his fellow salesman and Phil the light. I think the only person more frustrated than you HornEd is Mark!! Tom Adams This message has been edited by Tom Adams on 06-29-2001 at 02:05 PM

I've re-read the original post a couple of times and I guess I'm missing something..... Why are (have) you gotten rid of your surround stuff? I mean, there's this little button on my Denon remote called 2-ch. stereo. Push it and presto, I get vanilla stereo. Heck, I can even turn off my sub. Did your previous system not allow for you to turn off your surround? Personally, that's what I like about my system - it's flexibility. If I wanna listen to vanilla stereo, I can. If I want explosions and helicopter fly-bys and earthquakes that piss off the neighbors, I can have that too. Heck I can even enjoy 5-ch stereo. Anyhow, just curious..... Tom Adams

I'm sorry to go off-topic, but BobG's post triggered a thought.... Is it just me, or does that sound like a cool job to have? You know, the speaker engineer/designer/packaging dude comes to you with his latest creation and the first thing you do is to start dropping it from different heights. Followed by some slams & drop kicks. Once you're done, you call them to come "pick up the pieces". Would that be fun or what!? Sorry - guess I'm just sick in that way. :-) OTOH, I hope Klipsch realizes that they can save money by not having anyone in-house to do that kinda testing. Seems to me that FedEx and UPS is doing that for them now. :-))) Tom Adams

There are obviously more folks here that can speak to the technical side of dampening factors than I, however, I feel it's an important spec to look for that gives an insight into the build quality & design of the amp. Back in college, my Heresy's were hooked up to a friends Crown DC300A from time-to-time (frat parties typically required confiscation of stereo gear) and it was amazing how tight the bass was. The Crown had a dampening factor of >1000:1. Equally amazing was how one could hardly see the woofer cone move, yet the bass was pounding you in the chest. OTOH, when my speakers were hooked-up to another guys' Kenwood, the bass was muddy and the woofer cone quivered to the point of me being scared to watch it. Before my Denon 3300, my Heresy's endured being driven by a Sony reciever and the Sony would make the woofer quiver at elevated volumes. However, it is much less pronounced with my Denon and, once again, the bass is much tighter with the Denon than the Sony. When I got started into the wonderful world of audio, my mentors pointed out dampening factors as being a good thing to look for in a quality amp. And I believe that to be true. Tom Adams

Was channel surfing this past weekend and stopped on MTV to check out Tommy Lee's <ahem> crib. Anyhow, he's showing off this place and gets to his HT room. As he's describing the A/V set-up he remarks, "...and I got me some big 'ol Klipsch's in front to rock the house..." YEAH BABY!! :biggrin Tom Adams

I was hoping by now that a couple of other Moderators would've lent their ear-pinions cause I'm very interested in how the RF5's stack up to the RF3's. As for the RF versus Heritage debate...hey, start your own thread. Thissun's mine. ;-) Seriously though, it would be a rather interesting listen to how a Khorn would fair against an RF7. IMHO, even if the Khorn bested the RF7 (I'd be willing to bet only slightly), the RF7 makes up for that in being a more flexible speaker. I mean, not every home has perfect corners for Khorns. Having said that, does this mean that I've substantiated an apples & oranges thing?? Anyhow, for the Moderators that are moderating, I just want you to know that I was so not ready to hear JimG's comments. I mean, I was all convinced that RF3's would do just fine in my HT. But noooooo, now this RF5 comes along and threatens to further body slam my wallet. Damn you JimG. <mucho big grin> Seriously though, I'm looking forward to hearing the RF5's side-by-side with the RF3's. Thanks for the input. Tom Adams

PhilH - Got this just for you <grin> from the Liquid Soul Website: CHICAGOANS, we haven't forgotten about our old stomping grounds! Home-town gigs are booked for Sunday May 27 at the DOUBLE DOOR and Sunday June 3 at 115 BOURBON STREET in Marrionette Park. Plus we're playing a special benefit concert on Wednesday May 30 (venue changed to NEVIN'S LIVE in Evanston) to raise funds for riders in the Heartland Twin Cities AIDS Ride. JUST ADDED: NORTH CHICAGO/Great Lakes Music Festival, Sun. June 17. If you go, I be jealous. :-) Tom Adams

In recent posts, our friendly moderators have given us their ear-pinions about the sound of the new Reference series speakers. However, I've noticed that whenever these new speakers are talked about, the only one mentioned is the RF-7. Can I ask for some insight into the RF-5's as well? More specifically, what would one notice if they a/b'd the RF-3 against the RF-5? Tom Adams

PhilH - Just saw your post about my Liquid Soul recommendation. Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Did you also get their first release? The title is just "Liquid Soul". Personally, I kinda like it better than their second CD. Anyhow, I'd love to see these guys live - especially the trumpet & sax dudes. Can they wail or what?? Shifting gears, for those of you into computer generated graphics mated to well scored music, check this site out: http://www.odyssey3d.com/store.html I've got a couple of DVD's and they're sa-weet. Tom Adams

I apolgize for this being off-topic, but these speakers really have my curiosity meter pegged. I wonder what Klipsch's thinking was with this layout of drivers versus the "standard" layout? And were the two driver layout variations of Cornwalls offered at the same time? And what about the price? And the specs? C'mon Bobg...inquiring minds want to know. :-) Tom Adams

Thanks guys for all the great info (as always). As for the subject of absolute polarity....while I certainly don't possess a "golden ear", I also don't have a tin ear. (side bar: last hearing test I took had the audiologist asking me if I come running when someone uses a dog whistle. I said no, but I do roll over on my back when my belly is rubbed). Anyhow, having had my Heresy's for many years and listening to certain songs, there have been times recently with my latest speaker set-up that something just didn't seem right. Maybe it's just a perception thing. Then again, maybe not. But my gut (ear?) tells me that all is not quite correct. And yes it's more prominant with 2ch. recordings (which due to 5ch. stereo I listen to less & less). Add to this my anal retentive nature and you get the picture - a nagging thought about whether everything is precisely hooked up. Some how I get the feeling many of you reading this know what I mean. So, in order that I'm able to sleep at night and to save my marriage from certain doom (ok, so I'm overly dramatic), I'm probably gonna go back thru all my wiring (especially the in-wall stuff I did during new construction) and all the speakers. Using a 9v battery. For an instant. :-) Thanks guys. Tom Adams

Many moons ago I came across a trick to determine speaker polarity using a 'D' or 'C' cell battery. If the + & - side of the battery was connected to the + & - taps of the speaker, the speaker cone would move outward. However, if the + & - of the batery were connected to the - & + of the speaker, the cone would move backward. I believe I'm recalling this correctly. So, my question is this, can the same type test be done to my RS-3's without doing harm to the horn? The reason I ask is that I have a sneaking suspicion I've got the polarity wrong albeit wrong on both speakers (I hope that makes sense). Anyhow, I am planning to tear my system down in order to introduce my new Mitsu widescreen TV into the fray and would like to make sure my in-wall wiring job is correct without having to take my RS-3's down. TIA Tom Adams

Thanks Ray. That's something I hadn't considered - the acoustic energy - and it makes sense. And now that I've thought about it more, I'll probably not do it. Besides, it'll leave more room in the cabinet for the new 5ch. ATI amp. WHAP! Ouch...that hurt honey. I didn't know you were listening. :-) Tom Adams

Can anyone give me some advice about putting a sub inside of a cabinet? I'm in the process of designing a custom A/V cabinet and was wondering how the performance of my sub (KSW-15) would be affected if I located it inside the base cabinet. The reason I'm considering this is in an effort to get the sub on the same wall/plane as the front mains. It's certainly not to hide it for I like it's big black menacing look. Gives the room a manly-man feel and harkens back to my days as a bachelor. Anyhow, I digress.... If someone has some input (Tom Vodhannel - are you listening?), I'd appreciate it. Tom Adams

So we're out doing some erands this past Saturday and I said, "Honey, I'm gonna swing into Audio Warehouse for a second to pick up an powered FM antenna." She says no problem, but that I can't stay in there an hour yakking. We go inside and I tell Mark I need a Terk antenna and THAT'S ALL. He starts ringing it up and Trudy says, "Hey Mark, is Mitsubishi running another 12 months same as cash deal again?" He says yes and asks if we got their sales flyer in the mail. We say no and he proceeds to tell us about this sale on Mitsu HD TV's and blah, blah, blah. So Trudy says, "Mark just give us the bottom line." Mark punches his calculator and says, "Ok, delivered & set-up, two sets of component video cables and a loaner TV stand...I can do it all for $2500." The next thing I know I'm signing the paperwork for a new Mitsu 46807 widescreen TV. I tell ya dat Mark is a vwery, vwery evwil man. Tom Adams

Like Erik - I too have mine "hung" using the supplied keyhole brackets its worked just fine. And PhilH is right, you'll need to make some kinda template to get hole spacing and orientation right. I used a piece of cardboard to simulate the "footprint" of the speaker and the location of the keyholes. Then using some small finishing nails, I temporarily attached the cardboard to the sheetrock to measure placement and for orientation/level. Once the alignment was correct, the location of the keyholes were transferred to the sheetrock. BTW, be sure your screws are into something solid. Hey PhilH - what does this tell you? A simple template would be nice. You know, like what you guys were nice enough to supply in my SCW-1's. <hint, hint> Tom Adams

I'll stick my neck out on this one... For an interesting mix of jazz/fushion/funk/hip-hop/rock, try Liquid Soul. The recording is a combination of studio and live. The horn section brings a tear to me eye. Brings back those Tower of Power happy days. :-) Tom Adams