capta

I just finished building my first HT system: Klipsch KG3.5 mains, KSC-C1 Center, KSB1.1 rears. I purchased the Denon 2801, after considering as you did the 1802. There are some advantages to the 2801 I don't think others mentioned: 1) The 2801 has On-Screen-Display; the 1802 does not. 2) The 2801 comes with a learning remote, the 1802 does not (pretty sure). 3) The 2801's 90wpc vs. 80wpc is a good thing given that I have to really crank my 2801 to get it loud. I think 80wpc would be very marginal and I am glad I went with the 2801 in this regard. 4) The 2801 has pre-outs for all channels; the 1802 only L,R, C, Sub, if that makes any difference to you. 5) The 2801 has bananna plugs all around; the 1802 does not, if that makes any difference to you. I personally like it. 6) The 2801 is currently available for only about $30-$40 more than the 1802. I got mine from 6thAvenue, an authorised dealer, for $395 + shipping. Lowest (non-authorised BTW) price for the 1802 is ~$360. 7) I pass this on only as an "unsubstantiated allegation," but my local Denon dealer roundly criticised the 1601/02 and 1801/02. He said they were not built in Japan, but Korea. Said their quality was not up to Denon standards and he had had several returned with problems. Said the 2801s and up were quality products. For what it's worth. 8) In the 1802's favor, DPLII has gotten some very good reviews in another bulletin board I frequent (www.audioreview.com). Read through the HT message board and decide for yourself. I think the 1802 deserves consideration on that point, but otherwise IMHO the choice is the 2801, particularly given the current low cost. HTH, BrianM

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it.

I just got a pair of KG3.5s new from ubid. From the Klipsch site I see they are rated at 65 watts continuous. My receiver, a Denon 2801, is rated at 90 WPC. How concerned should I be about blowing the 3.5s? Do I need to be extremely careful with the volume, or is the 2801 rated a little high, as I have heard this elsewhere? Advice appreciated.

Here is my system: KG3.5 mains KSC-C1 center KSB1.1 rears Denon 2801 I'd like to get a sub but my budget is strained. I've looked at Klipsches, but even discontinued KSW-100s seem to go for nearly what a new KSW-10 goes for. Unlike the other discontinued models I bought, there doesn't seem to be any price break on Klipsch subs. What out there is a good under $200 sub? My room is about 12x12, but with a vaulted ceiling. Alternately, where can I get a discontinued, but NIB, Klipsch sub for a good price? Any advice is appreciated.

I called Klipsch and they said Ubid is a fully authorised dealer and Klipsch will honor the full 5-year warranty on any of their products sold by Ubid--so even if you can't return it to Ubid like you can with Costco, you are still covered against defective merchandise. I don't know what Ubid's own return policy is, actually.

Is that $299 each or for a pair? Because right now KLF-10s are available daily on Ubid for about $169-189 each. Yes, you will have to pay through the nose for shipping from Ubid, but given the price it's still an unbeatable deal. IIRC, shipping for the KLF-10s is $150, so grand total is $528 or $488 if you get them at $169 each. This against $598 + $xxx shipping from Costco. And Klipsch does honor its full warranty from Ubid, I checked. If I had the room and the cash I would buy a pair right now, but I just don't.

Thanks all for the replies. Bacevedo--I am now considering the 1802 as I have been told by some online dealers that the 1801 is already on clearance for about $310, while the price of the 1802 is only $360. TTK--I have not seen any *new* 2801s on ubid, and even on clearance online they are still outta my range. I've got my eyes open but I'd rather not wait too long. Doug--The 1801 and 1602 are very close in features I have found. The 1602 was boosted 5 watts per channel from the 1601, and so has only 5 WPC less than the 1801. The 1602 has only 1 optical input vs 2 for the 1801. And it has PLII while the 1801 does not. Those are the only differences I can find, but they seem to tilt the decision toward the 1602 or 1802. Unless online dealers substantially cut the price of the 1801 (which BTW they tell me they will not as I have called around) I just don't see buying it.

I am purchasing either a Denon 1801 on clearance or a 1602--my first HT receiver. I know you may or may not have first-hand knowledge of this, but comparing the two, which would be the better buy? On clearance the 1801 should be slightly cheaper than the 1602. Do you think the rather dramatic improvements you notice between the 3801 and 3802 also apply to the low-end models? Any advice or comparisons will be very helpful and appreciated.

Thanks, guys. I just purchased a two KG3.5s new at ubid for $79 each. Total with shipping came to $250. Still a great deal I think. I got the KSC-C1 for $89, coulda got it for $79 if I'd waited a little. Say, what kind of bass do the 3.5s put out? Can I get away with not buying a sub, at least temporarily? Thanks again.

I know this question has probably been asked, but once again... I purchased a KSC-C1 from ubid last week, and I'm looking at the KG3.5s for the mains. I will probably go with KSB1.1s for the rears as they are still fairly plentiful and cheap. What are your opinions on the use of the 3.5s in this setup? Does anyone out there own KG3.5s or have personal experience with a similar combination; if so how does it sound? Any advice is appreciated.

Yep, I picked up a KSC-C1 on ubid for $89, and I'm currently bidding on two KSB1.1s for the rears. For some reason KSB2.1s are extremely scarce on ubid/ebay. 3.1s are somewhat more common on ebay and the going rate is about $200/pr. I have not seen either 3.1s or 2.1s on ubid--only ebay. I have also not yet seen a Klipsch sub on ubid. Maybe I'll just call Vanns and offer them $200. Thanks.

I'm looking for two new pairs of these models to fill out my budget HT setup. KSB1.1s for rear surround and 2.1 or 3.1 for mains. Does anyone know a supplier that is still clearancing these models? I am watching ubid and ebay, but I'd prefer a regular (non-auction) purchase for obvious reasons. I've looked at Vanns, but the prices on their website seem high for discontinued Klipsch speakers. Suggestions appreciated.

...between the new Klipsch speakers vs their older counterparts, particularly the SB-2 vs the KSB2.1 , and the SC-1 vs KSC-C1? I am putting together a HT on a budget and the old models are cheaper. I just wanted to know what the difference in sound is. Thanks.

As in earlier posts, I'm putting together a HT system and I have some questions. The room is about 10x10, and the rear speakers have to be wall mounted. My use requirements are about 75% music, 25% HT. 1) Regarding the rears, I was considering going with 2 quintets for cost reasons. What is the benefit from switching to SS-1s? Can someone fill me in on this? 2)Same with the center, I'm looking at the SC-1. What is the benefit in going to the SC-5? 3)Furthermore, is there a large benefit in going from SB-1 mains to SB-2? To SB-3? Is there a concensus on the better choice between these? Thanks.

OK, so can someone tell me, in plain English, what the advantage is of the 1802 vs the 1801, and whether in your opinion it is worth the extra money/wait? Thanks, BrianM(newbie)