CopperCone

I can speak to the various center channels. I currently have an RC-3 and an RC-64 II, have had an RC-7 thinking to replace the RC-64 II with this past month but sold it, and have had an RC-64 for a few months last year, and also had a WC-42 for six months prior to going to reference series (not worth mentioning it's attributes here). Surprisingly, I sold my RC-7 after two weeks when it didn't sound nearly as balanced as the RC-3. I was thinking bigger is better regarding the drivers and the 8" horn. I was wrong. Vocals seemed to come from the right side of speaker during movies and music and it was really noticable. I'm thinking this has to do with the 'tapered array' technology. If so, I am not a fan. I bought it on CL and quickly sold it. In addition, I thought I may possibly replace my RC-64II based on all the props the RC-7 has received on this forum and due to the rarity of this speaker's availability online, I felt fortunate to find after several months of looking for one. I swapped out my RC-64 II to watch parts of several movies (Avatar, Batman, Pandorum, Knight and Day) and immediately noted that the sound from the speaker had a 'radio' like quality about it and definition with musical instruments was gone. The RC-64 had tapered array but since it had four woofers I suspect it was why it was more balanced/symmetrical with vocals compared to the RC-7 for which the low crossover point (550hz) on the left 8" woofer was rarely employed during movie vocals. I was glad I did not sell my RC-64 II! The RC-64 II has the lowest crossover point of all the speakers and NO 'taper array' so that all four woofers output all frequencies up to the 1400hz crossover point for the tweeter. This results (IMO) in greater and more balanced output, absolutely beautiful voice and instrument reproduction and transitions, and somehow still seemlessly blends the center stage with my RF-3 II's (1950hz high crossover point). Of all reference center speakers mentioned the RC-3 is the best bang for the buck and strangely enough I was not pleased at all with the RC-7 given the hype, specs, drivers etc.. and given the choice if offered for free my selection order would be : RC-64 II, RC-64, RC-3/II, RC-3. If cost were a factor: RC-3, RC-64, RC- 64II, RC-7 (actually I would not buy it again for ~350-400 and would instead get the new RC-62 II). Perhaps I was already spoiled having had the RC-64 or RC-64 II over the past 6 months. With all this, everyone's ears and sound perceptions are different and so other's may have differences in opinion. What I did was make certain that I tried all of the on par contendars in the Klipsch reference series released over the past 10 years and it lead me to the right choice for me. Fortunately I was able to turn over some of the speakers I didn't like on CL and didn't take a big hit and basically broke even money wise as I bought low enough initially. If I were to sell the RC-64 II I would likely take a hit but I wouldn't do that now as it's a keeper for years to come

Youthman, She's perty. I have a DD-15 gloss black and LOVE IT! Came with the remote and microphone. I printed the user manual off the velodyne website so I could tweak the built in EQ to fill 'holes, crossover slopes (db), and phase settings for room correction. I first purchased the Velodyne Optimum 12" for $1100 after being disatisfied with my Klipsch sub-12 with music playback. Though the sound was tight, the 12" just didn't seem to fill the room very well, and even at mid-high volumes did not have the sonic punch in movies as the Sub-12, yet was markedly better with music. After a month I found a DD-15 on craigslist and negotiated asking price from $1500 down to $930. I then tested the two subs one at a time and the difference was immediate. The DD doug deeper and with ease at lower volume settings than the Optimum (28 vs 52 out of 99!). Perhaps some of this difference was due to the physics of a much larger woofer moving more air. I'm thinking the DD-12 may be a little tighter than the optima due to the servo, but am thinking that you will probably notice it has to work harder than your HGS15 to achieve similar volumes during movie playback. BTW, I use a monster LFE cable from my Onkyo to the red LFE input jack on the far lower right of the back wall of sub. I tried a Y cable and didn't notice any difference, so stuck with the one LFE cable and returned the Y as it wasn't needed. The SMS-1 is really cool and worth spending the time to get to know the video display and many settings. I have my sub on the left side of my entertainment system for Wife=factor reasons and only a few inches from the wall. With SMS-1 I was able to achieve settings that allow the sub to sonically disappear from the room. In addtion, I muted the sub and used the SMS-1 to deliver the test sounds through my front RF-3 II's. I discovered that my front speakers don't fall off until 29 hz at the 76DB recommended volume test settings ! Klipsch rates the RF3-II speakers 37-20kHz and mine actually dipped much lower. Of course this could be due to speaker placement and other room dynamics. My Martin Logan Prefaces fell off at 33hz which was still better than the rated 35-20kHz. A nice tool to verify bottom end of all your speakers. Perhaps try this on HGS-15 to see response down to 15hz? BTW, I found it easier to use the DD remote for calibrating and the harmony one for quick Jazz/Pop/Movie/etc.. setting for when I switch from watching movies to listening to music. I don't need to ever adjust the DD volume as I've already synced up with my Onkyo Audyssy. In the DD SMS-1 settings I lower the servo setting to 3 and bump up the db's a few points to 33 for explosions and for music I increase the servo to 8 and volume down to 31 for muscial accuracy. I also set the 'action' setting to really loosen up the servo down to 1 (of 8) and jack up the volume to 36. On the harmony one I simply choose the 'Velodyne' device and choose the action setting for immediate dramatic affects to shake the walls and give unsuspecting guests a chair massage! I haven't heard the dd-12, just the optimus 12. I did hear the DD-10 demoied at an audio store and it wasn't even close to the DD-15 and just shy of output from the optimum 12. Enjoy the new toy and let us know if you decide to keep it! I am very interested in the HGS-15 for my second room and have found one on craigslist locally for $500 and I may jump on it.

Came across this when looking for Black RF-7's on craigslist. This setup is Cherry so I'm not interested. However, thought may be of interest to others on the forum. Asking prices seem a bit high out of the gate though. http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/ele/2300776708.html

I'm not sure what these go for, but I think I got a really good deal as I was looking to add new RS-41's to use as rear channels and those are $330/pr new. I plan to use the used RS-3's which are in good shape with only defect of some vinyl receeding on all edges. Thinking of applying black paint around all the edges. Anyone familiar with vinyl repairs on speakers? The guy wanted $500 for RF-3's, RC-3, 2xRS-3's, and a KSW-10 sub. I only needed surrounds, and the RF-3's had some dents in the cones, so I asked what he would take for the center/surrounds only. He asked $200 and we settled on $150. He demoed them for me and they really kicked! I don't need the center channel but figured if I just negotiated for the rears I may have also spent $150 anyhow. I may end up selling the center channel as I prefer the output and wood veneer of my current center channel. The woofers/tweeters all perfect condition. I used black permanent marker to darken the 1/8" exposed MDF on many of the edges for now. If anyone has more ideas please let me know.. I've seen some white vinyl RC-7s for sale on ebay recently and was curious if revinyling speakers may be a do it yourself type of task. I'll be wiring the RS-3's up this weekend and hope they play well with my RS-62 II's.

The ability to set my TV on top of this speaker was the primary reason I chose it over the RC62 No vibrations at all, even with center crossover set at 50Hz. Was a perfect solution given my entertainment center can't fit a center channel wider than 18" inside of it. This speaker is big and weighty itself and handles the TV with no problems. The height of the speaker is just right for listeners seated on the couch 10 feet away from it. BTW, note the reflection in the TV screen which gives it away as a plasma vs an LCD Just make sure your TV stand attachement is not deeper than 12.25" for the RC64II and 13" for the RC64.

Thanks for your quick impression of the 82 II's vs the RF-7 II's. How would you compare the bass/mid response between the two? Makes you wonder if the larger compression driver option was available on the 82 II's if that would have made up all the difference you heard? Alas, that's not an option

Me to my RFII's should be in my house by the weekend and the 64II to follow THAT'S AWESOME!!!! Let us know how they sound together and please post some pics. Were you able to get a break off the List price for the these speakers? It looks like Audiophileliquidator.net carries the RF-7 II's for $2293.20/pair and the RC-64 II for $917. Looks like shipping would be ~$450 and $101 respectively. I've never actually used this web store (not sure if authorized reseller, though they seem to have the newest klispch stuff pretty quick!) but have used the prices listed to bargain with a local retailer. http://www.audiophileliquidator.net/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=klipsch+rf-7+II&osCsid=1ce3a7cb7fccffafb1a345b58560504a http://www.audiophileliquidator.net/product_info.php?products_id=12158 Yes I was, from my local shop was 2500 delivered to my door even though there local theres no way they'd fit in the back of my GTI. I dont mind paying a little more within reason to support my local HT shop and they've treated me good everytime i've gone in there and spent a lot of time with me and no pressure and very helpful .. BTW Audiophileliquidators i've heard a lot of bad things about them and some good but I dont feel comfortable with them I sense danger. Good deal! Yes, I would agree on the Audiophileliquidator.com. As I mention, I have never actually ordered from their as I want to make sure I get the full warranty from Klipsch. I just use their prices as a reference point when bargaining locally.

The Bass delivery on the new center is really good and tight, all four woofers driving frequencies up to the tweeter crossover point. In fact, I've been toying with the idea to buy speaker stands and buy two more of these to use as fronts vs getting two RF-7 II's! My sealed velodyne handles all the low-end below 60hz and so I wouldn't really need the two 10" wooofers on the RF-7 II to push the low end. The center has the same compression driver as the RF-7, except the horn housing is smaller and is not crossed over quite as low. May also improve WAF for me with such a small, sleek presence up front, yet high output, and especially given the slim RF-63's are no longer produced.

Me to my RFII's should be in my house by the weekend and the 64II to follow THAT'S AWESOME!!!! Let us know how they sound together and please post some pics. Were you able to get a break off the List price for the these speakers? It looks like Audiophileliquidator.net carries the RF-7 II's for $2293.20/pair and the RC-64 II for $917. Looks like shipping would be ~$450 and $101 respectively. I've never actually used this web store (not sure if authorized reseller, though they seem to have the newest klispch stuff pretty quick!) but have used the prices listed to bargain with a local retailer. http://www.audiophileliquidator.net/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=klipsch+rf-7+II&osCsid=1ce3a7cb7fccffafb1a345b58560504a http://www.audiophileliquidator.net/product_info.php?products_id=12158

Thanks wuzzzer! I was copy/pasting the HTML code - My bad!

{UPDATE: Looks like some of my pics did post down below in this thread. THANKS wuzzzer!!!} Here's a link to the speaker pics. I don't think this forum allows you to insert photos from photobucket as I tried twice. I posted pics of my RC-64 II and RS-62 II's. http://s1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc459/coppercone/

I will try to post some pics up.

Here you Go: IMG]http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc459/coppercone/DSCF3110.jpg[/img] http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc459/coppercone/DSCF3138.jpg http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc459/coppercone/DSCF3132.jpg http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc459/coppercone/DSCF3127.jpg http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc459/coppercone/DSCF3123.jpg http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc459/coppercone/DSCF3118.jpg http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc459/coppercone/DSCF3113.jpg http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc459/coppercone/DSCF3112.jpg http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc459/coppercone/DSCF3111.jpg

You will be happy! A week after using this new center and I'm still discovering nuances when re-watching my DVDs. Music sounds awesome through this and I'm using it with the 'Studio-Mix' option when listening to Pandora through the Onkyo. The vocals are amazing! The new tweeter kicks!

I just sold my RC-64 and upgraded to the RC- 64 II. Immediate impressions: It's a beauty! The plastic baffle in front of the woofers is gone and nothing but black wood veneer, black tweeter horn and copper cones behind the grill. I was hoping that with the extra money spent I would immediately notice a difference when I first fired up a movie and dolby HD music. Well, I absolutely did! First impressions and the 'wow' effect can go a long way to justifying a purchase. The vocals sound more effortless, crisp, and life-like .. sounds more "real", as if the charactors are in the room with you. I can detect more subtleties in the human voice (especially) as well as in music details. I attribute this to the larger compression driver, lower cross-over point and the fact that their is only ONE cross-over point at 1400hz which is perhaps less detectable. The previous center had two woofers crossed at 1150hz and two crossed at 1800hz (Klipsch Tapered Array Technology). Klipsch warned that this "eliminates acoustic interference between the woofer outputs, a flaw in conventional speaker designs that can severely impair sound quality at the sides of the listening area.". Therefore, It would seem strange that Klipsch would introduce this known 'flaw' into the new RC-64 II? Perhaps the flaw is eliminated with the one low cross-over point? So far as I know, on the new center all four woofers reproduce the same frequencies right up to the 1400hz cross-over point. I have not noticed any dialogue issue no matter where we sit around the speaker. All I can tell you is that everything sounds improved. The sound charactoristics are a night and day difference over the previous RC-64, which I wouldn't have known until I got the new edition, sounded a bit more mechanical and harsh. This new speaker delivers a warmer more theater like sound for sure and matches up nicely with my new RC-62 II surrounds. Measurments on Klipsch site for RC-64 II incorrect: see http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/products/rc-64-II-overview/ The measurements reported for Depth is 10" and 13" with the grill. The actual measurements for Depth is 11 5/8" and 12 6/8" with the grill on and at mid-grill (grill has slight curve to it). The actual measurements were very important to me as I rest my plasma on the speaker and the tv base is 12 3/8". Otherwise, with my current entertainment center, I would not have been able to upgrade. The reported length of 35 3/4" and height of 8" is accurate. I hope Klipsch updates this information on their website, which is also posted by their authorized retailers, is modified so customers realize the grill isn't really 3" deep and help make the decision of whether the speaker will fit in the intended space. RF-7 II Mention: I would like to upgrade to the RF-7 II's next, yet due to the big price tag on those will have to hold off for the time being. I saw the speakers on display but didn't get to hear them. They actually look more refined than the RF-83's or 63's. And the half-sized grill actually looks better in person than in the pictures. The speakers do have a huge footprint though, which is a refersal from the wafer-thin trendy look of speakers of late. May be a tough sell for some regarding WAF. The same 'ole wood veneer taken off the Klipsch parts shelf unforturnately. I would like to see a W-series reminiscent expresso version of the RF-7 II. Fortunately, the ML's I have and velodyne seem to complement and integrate in with my klipsch speakers nicely, especially for movie watching. For stereo music, the ML's and Velodyne sound great together.

Yes, I was stoked to see the new curved design as I had just recently upgraded from the curved WS-24's and enjoyed the friendly integration into the living room. The wife did not care for the V-shape or Pentagon shape of the first set of RS62's. I like how Klipshed flattened or planed down the front corner of the speaker (grill off). I also love how the side ports are now hidden as IMO they looked a bit cheap and glaring as far as living room integration. For the sound, they do sound warmer. I also lucked out as the retail on these went up $100 for the pair and the dealer didn't charge me for that []

I actually traded my RS-62's in for the RS-62 IIs with the dealer. I had just bought the older series a few weeks ago and the new one's came out a few days later. I called the dealer back and he worked out an even trade for me so I could have the newer one's. He has the new RF-7 II's in his store as of this weekend and I plan to go down and check 'em out either this week or next to see how they look/sound in person. The RC-64 II won't be in his store until beginning of October. I plan to get it and sell my old one for $700 (Just bought it in April). The last piece will then be the RF-7 IIs but I would need to sell the ML's first.

Hmmm.. not sure why pics aren't working. I just joined imageshack.com so I could post pics. I will try another free site to host the pics (photobucket?) and try again.

Vigiano, I am disappointed to hear the online dealer will not work with you and seems to be shady. Can you tell us who they are so the forums members can steer clear? Are they a Klipsch certified dealer? Can you RMA the product back or is their any kind of return policy if you are not satisfied with your purchase? I have been reluctant to purchase any of my speakers online for fear of everything you've just said. I'm sure there may be some reputable online dealers, but for me I've had better success with getting pricing deals and warranty by going to my local dealer (I actually drive 2 hours away). For example, one of the RS62's had Vinyl peeling on the top of the speaker when I opened the box. My dealer told me he would call his rep and get me a new replacement. I picked up the replacement a week later. Then I noted the new RS62 II was released. I asked my dealer if he would be willing to upgrade me for even trade. He said the new one's retail at $100 more a pair but since he neglected to mention the new one's were coming out he would agree to trade up even. He told me he values having a long term customer and treats customer's the way he would want to be treated as a customer. So, this is the kind of treatment you will be hard-pressed to get online or especially at Best-Buy (they allow 30-day return on items but with restock fee and definitely no price breaks!). If you live in the New England area then I can give you my dealer's name, phone, and store information. Otherwise, if you really want the new stuff you may have to sell your speakers and take a hit .. which is likely an expensive route to take. In any event, you DO have some high quality speakers which should provide an enjoyable listening experience.

Let me try to post the pics again - My old RS62 with the "V" shape grill and old WS24 are last pictures shown. http://a.imageshack.us/img42/2561/rs62iirightcornersmall.th.jpg http://a.imageshack.us/img687/839/rs62iigillfrontsmall.th.jpg http://a.imageshack.us/img530/7051/rs62iistandnogrillsmall.th.jpg http://a.imageshack.us/img713/1879/rs62corneroldsmall.th.jpg http://a.imageshack.us/img818/9121/ws24cornersmallsmall.th.jpg

Let's try these links for my RS62 II Pics:

I probably wouldn't put too much stock in what a technician told you regarding noticing a difference in the sound as intepretation of audio characteristics and acoustical nuances are quite subjective. Most people who have listened to both speakers would likely notice the difference between the 1300-2000 hertz range now being reproduced by a horn versus the woofer. Different sound characteristics especially since much of the human voice frequency falls within this range. I've noticed more pronounced vocals when listening to them in all-channel stereo mode. That said, if you are happy with the sound (and looks) of your current setup then I'd say just sit back and enjoy them. I've had both and they sound very similar except for some nuances and greater efficiency as well (I had to turn down each speaker signal 2 db on my Onkyo as they overpowered the center). For me I was going from the crescent shaped WS-24's to the obtrusive IMO looking pentagon (mostly V-shaped) RS62. I was elated when the new rounded version came out with the more aesthetically pleasing grill which is not only rounded but hides the side ports (huge WAF for me!). I wish I could post pictures but they get rejected by this forums moderator (?). If you're interested I'll just send you the links to the photos. The ones on Klipsch site, Vann's, crutchfield etc.. are limited and pretty weak []

willland, thanks for the correction.. I made the edit. It's the RS62 II that (still) has only a 1" compression driver. I was hoping the new surrounds would have a 1.25" or 1.75" driver to sonically match the RF-7 IIs and RC-64 IIs. I was also hoping the new surrounds would have a matching real wood veneer to match the the RF-7 IIs and RC-64 IIs. I would have paid a little extra for that []. However, I am pleased with the more aesthetic grill which integrates nicely into a corner of the living room.

Hi Vigiano, The new line has lighter woofer baskets (aluminum), updated speaker 'feet, updated grills, and new compression drivers. From Klipsch:" New Tractrix horn tweeters incorporate Linear Travel Suspension and titanium compression drivers, which work together to reduce distortion and provide an open, natural sound." Apparently technology handed down from the higher-end Palldium series. This allows the tweeters to handle more power and sound into the lower frequencies to which they are now crossed over at. Like you, I just recently purchased the last generation surrounds (RS62's) and a week later the newer and nicer RS62 II was released. I worked with my dealer to trade in my old one's for the newer ones (even trade) and picked them up yesterday at his store. I also got to check out the new RF82 II. Much cleaner look/grill than the old RF82, has new compression driver and horn and new 'higher-end' looking feet and at the same price as the old ones. I had the RS62's for three weeks and did alot of critical listening. The newer ones seem to deliver enhanced nuances from the music, especially horns, guitar, and evne more realism/crispness in vocals. All subjective of course but I could definitely notice a 'new' sound compared to the old ones. Also, the new RS62 II have a much nicer grill IMO and better WAF. I will be upgrading my newly purchased RC64 to the RC64 II when it's available in October as I expect the vocals in movies to be similarly enhanced going from the old 1.25" titanium driver to the 1.75" titanium driver with much lower cross-over point. I am new to this forum and had started a post last night with pictures of my new RS62 IIs but got a popup saying it needs to be reviewed by a moderator. Hopefully it gets posted today and you can check 'em out.