Hey Alex, I just purchased RF-82 II's ( and an RC-62) and could not be happier.Like you I am new to the forum and klipsch community/family, and Like you I researched a ton and auditioned many speaker brands and after quite some time I chose the RF-82. They are amazing, the Veener is simply an asthetic extra,as quite honestly when I auditioned the RF-82 II there was a pair of Black ash RF-7's right next to them and the difference in looks was not very apparent from a short distance.
In short: GET THEM!