speed3

I'm pretty sure those are not black vinyl. They should be black painted oak speakers. Typically, if a speaker had a blemish or the oak didn't look "right" they painted them black. I had black 4.5's. They were great speakers. I now have KLF 10's in medium oak. They are similar to the 5.5's but have a more refined top end. Your kg's are a better speaker than most of the current reference line. Be happy with your purchase!

What's the finish?

That is what I expected to hear. I think it's unfortunate that Klipsch is not offering a higher end bookshelf speaker. I looked at a review of the RB 81 and the Paradigm Studio 20 v.4 (by the same reviewer). They are closer in sensitivity than you might think, only seperated by 3dB. I realize this still means double the power for the same SPL, but it's better than a 9 dB difference that the specs show. If I can find some 75's to audition, I may go that route, but I think the 81's are a bust. I've never been overly impressed by the RB 5 level in the Ref. series. Thanks for your help.

I'm curious as to whether the RB 81 is as good as the RB 75. It appears to me that the RB 81 may be a derivative of the RB 5/RB 35 level as opposed to the 75? I have been told that I must relegate my KLF 10's, etc to the "mancave" and replace them with some bookshelves and inwall surrounds in the family room. The room is 24'x24' with vaulted ceilings. Sub duty is performed by a 15" Rythmik Servo as my SW 12II quit on me last year. I like the efficiency of Klipsch, especially in this size room, but I've not been a big fan of most of the Reference line. I have found the RF 7's to my liking, and figure the RB 75 should be close to that. If the RB 81 is more like the RB5, I think I'll have to switch to Paradigm Reference even with the greatly reduced efficiency.

I need to purchase a pair of surround speakers to go with my KLF fronts. I have been using a pair of bipolor floor standers but my wife now wants them out. She would prefer in-walls, but I have only been able to find 2 pair of inwalls that Klipsch makes and one is only rated for 50 watts and the other is $1,500. Has anyone used either of these and can shed some light on the low power rating/high price ($700 for the cheaper pair)? Should I look at something else as an alternative? I should also mention that the room they are in is 6,300 cu ft.

It is the driver in my SW12 II subwoofer.

Is there a way I can find this info?

I will check the lead, but I'm not very hopeful. It sounds like the repair would be $240 plus shipping. How do you like your Hsu sub? I may consider them as a possible replacement. How does it compare to your RSW 10? I am concerned that many new subs, especially in the $500-1000 range are not very musical.

My SW12II decided to retire this weekend. It appears to be an amplifier issue. Any idea if this is an easy fix or not? I would like to repair it if it wouldn't cost an arm and a leg.

Even without pictures, at least tell everyone which finish they are. Are they black, mahogony, oak? The reason I ask is that I, unlike many others, live somewhat close to your location and have been waiting for you to respond to my interest.

The finish of the speakers and prices would be helpful.

I have the Onkyo TXSR 700 which is an older Onkyo version of the Integra 6.X series. It's a great receiver and I've had no issues with it. I'd say that Denon is just as good as the Onkyo or the Integra. BTW, the Integra is a rebadged Onkyo. They claim to upgrade some components, but I'm not convinced. J&R.com can sell you an Onkyo at a great price.

FOr the price range you are looking at, you may want to consider a BRAND NEW Outlaw Audio 990 preamp. For $900, you get an incredible preamp with updated features and a warranty.

I have a pair unmodified with the Ei tubes. I got them a couple of years ago when they were being discontinued. For the price I paid for the pair ($169 as a demo model) they are incredible, but certainly you can purchase better for more money. For me, they are all I need for now. I don't know if I'll ever get the itch to upgrade to a better tube amp, but you never know. With the modified caps they're supposed to be much better than stock. They are definitely a great introduction to tube amplifiers.

Pearl Jam has some great songs, but their recording makes my ears bleed. Every speaker/amp combo I've ever heard them on has given me the immediate urge to shut everything off, Klipsch or not.