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.

I would also recommend the SVS PB10 ISD in the $450 range, HSU Research STF 2 for about the same price, or SVS PB 12 ISD for $600 plus shipping. These are good alternatives to Klipsch subs, but not necessarily better. I have extensive personal experience with my SW 12, a KSW 12, Sub12, and SVS PB10. The PB 10 has the best low end, the SW 12 is the most musical and smoothest sub, and the Sub 12 appears to have the most output for movies of the bunch. THe KSW 12 is lacking compared to the rest. The Sub 12 is a big leap forward in my opinion. You should also consider bookshelf speakers. The RB 35's I believe have a better overall sound than the RF 35's. Give them both a good listen before you decide.

Yes, they will be better than your KG 4's. I used to have 4.5's and now have KLF 10's and trust me, they are a better speaker. After having bought my KLF 10's I listened to a pair in a local shop next to a Pair of RF3's. I walked away knowing I had the right speakers, especially considiering I had purchased them new for $450 and the RF's I couldn't get for less than $700.

Ouch, sounds like a problem with the rear center amplifier! I can fortunately say that I have not had any problems with my Onkyo, which is better than I can say about my previous H/K's. I have a coworker who had a similar problem with his left front channel on a H/K and he brought it back to our dealer (after the warranty had expired). They took it and checked it out to verify a problem with the amp. Once it was diagnosed, the unit was sent back to H/K and a new updated model was replaced at no cost by the factory. See if you can work some kind of a deal like that. If you have a 501, you may still have some time left under warranty...take advanatage of it.

Natgun, Price and some pictures would be nice. I've never seen your add for these.

Klipsch suck?!?! Here's a quick little story. A friend of mine was going over to our local hifi dealer last week to pick up some furniture for his HT and invitied me along. The place was pretty slow, about 45 minutes before closing on a Wednesday and we got talking to one of the salesmen. I was asking him about the 60" JVC HDILA they had in one of the rooms and how they liked them (how were they selling). They were all fairly impressed and proceeded to pop in a DVHS tape of Master and Commander. The gentleman was trying to show off the HD capability of his own personal deck in reality, and the system was hooked up to an RF7 package. Once he popped that in and turned it up, I swear we were all transfixed by the system. A couple of other customers came in and were immediately drawn into the display. I'll tell you what, that combination was a showstopper in the store, absolutely impressive. I know my friend, who owns Paradigm speakers, discovered a new level of respect fro Klipsch since he couldn't stop talking about it afterward. No fast talking, no Bull****. Put up or shut up!!

I have the Onkyo 700 with my Legends and really enjoy it. The setup features are great (and easy to use)and the "pure audio" ability is nice on music.

I've been searching the DIY forums on the net for a few months for something exactly like this. Please put me on the list for parts list and schematic. Thanks.

Nice setup.

Try turning up the volume on the receiver for a few seconds and the sub will probably kick on. The sensitivity on the "auto on" circuits for many subs are pretty lousy IMO. If this doesn't work, possibly you have your speaker settings set to large, and therefore your sub is not receiving a signal when on cable? I doubt it, but it's possible. What are your speakers, and what is your avr? What mode are you in with cable? Do you have it set to stereo, surround, what?

DON, What are you talking about? Of course this dvd player has surround capabilities. The 3960 is indeed an excellent second rig for cd's AND dvd's. It has a coaxial digital out instead of optical. It sounds to me like you forgot to change your input setting on your receiver to coaxial digital and therefore you weren't getting a signal. Heck, for just over $50, you get a progressive scan dvd player that many people believe sounds great with just plain ol' audio cd's. SOme $200 players can't say that. THERE is your bargain!