Donald1800

My C3 system includes a Ray Samuals 'The Predator' portable amp, so the noted "problem" is inherent in the C3, not the quality of the amp used. You will never get a response from Klipsch that any of their products requires 'equalization' - they are always perfect, and the "problem" lies elsewhere. Donald1800

I agree with "the Thump's" recommendation. I personally own the Ray Samual's "The Predator" amp and an Asus Dolby 'headphone' encoder/audio processor with my C3s, and I have never used a quieter, cleaner amp for headphones. Donald1800

While playing with my headphone amp. equalizer compared to my Spectrum Analyser adjusted speaker system, I discovered that the problem you mentioned is caused by a C3 audio output with a slight bell curve emphasizing the mid range. Try cutting the mid range gently 3-6db from 500hz to 5khz centered around 1khz, and I think you will like the balance much better. Donald1800

I don't think that the impedance is causing any effects. 32 ohms is considered a medium impedance, I believe. The effects you describe most likely are caused by the inherent device sensitivity and accoustic frequency curve. Donald1800

I believe that the C3 impedance is 32 ohms. Donald1800

I too wear glasses while using the Custom 3s and haven't discovered any problems or discomfort. What specifically is the problem? Donald1800

Now that I've lived with the new Custom 3 eadphones for several days, ripped many CDs and post processed with 'Dolby ProLogic II' and 'Dolby Headphone', and learned how to use the Xonar U1 external USB Audio 'Card', I can now honestly say that after using the Xonar U1 Equalizer to remove the "Muddyness" and resonances, these headphones ae putting out sound of a quality I have not heard before from ANY headphone, and MOST speaker systems. Trully outstanding audio quality. Here is what I did to get this performance. If you have this card or have access to an equalizer with your sound card, try duplicating these settings and see what you get - I can switch between the Default 'Flat' and UserDef curve I labled 'HP Correction'. The difference is nght to day. I clicked the 'EFFECTS' button on the bottom, clicked on the 'MORE OPT' button on the left, selected 'Padded Cell' from the drop-down menu, set the equalizer to the following settings: 30hz +4db, 60hz -4db, 120hz to 1Khz -8db, 2Khz -4db, 4Khz 0db, 8Khz +4db, 16Khz +8db. I've tried these settings with many kinds and styles of music, and I haven't found any adjustments from these settings that produces better quality. Give it a try and let us know your results and/or preferences. Love these 'phones. I guess that even headphones can benifit from an equalizer. Donald1800

I got them yesterday. Spent the appropriate period of time to get the seal and confort right, then proceded to test them out. The mid range was clear and smooth - nice. The bass was a little subdued and 'muddy' compared to my Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 with stacked subs. They lacked the tightness and impact in the low frequencies. I had to boost the 30hz and 16khz bands +6db and the 60hz and 8khz bands +3db to approximate my current system. I do recommend these headphones while listening to 'Dolby Headphone' post processed music for the best sound. Before people jump all over me about a "poor fit", let me say that I started out with the smallest gels which were too small - no seal, no bass. The mediums sealed and delivered the bass as described, as well as the largest double flange model. I had trully subdued ambient background noise (plugged ears) and no ear discomfort. The next size was uncomfortable to insert, let alone wear for an extended period. Donald

I got them today. Spent the appropriate period of time to get the seal and confort right, then proceded to test them out. The mid range was clear and smooth - nice. The bass was a little subdued and 'muddy' compared to my Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 with stacked subs. They lacked the tightness and impact in the low frequenceis. Before people jump all over me about a "poor fit", let me say that I started out with the smallest gels which were too small - no seal, no bass. The mediums sealed and delivered the bass as described, as well as the largest double flange model. I had trully subdued ambient background noise (plugged ears) and no ear discomfort. The next size was uncomfortable to insert, let alone wear for an extended period. Donald

Oh Oh! Where is my FedEx tracking number? Hasn't my order shipped yet?

The Xonar U1 does all of the post processing from stereo to simulated DD5.1/Headphone from my ripped CDs, replacing the original stereo file with the converted simulated DD5.1/Headphone file. It also converts REAL DD5.1 from DVD movies to simulated DD5.1 'Headphone' output. My computer is a Sony Micro-Computer VGN-UX490N/C with an external 19" LCD monitor, external 100GB hard drive and multi-format CD/DVD reader/writer through a port extender. When I travel I remove the computer from the port and plug in the Predator Amp to play my ripped music in simulated surround sound through the Klipsch Custom 3s. It is a rather expensive MP3 player, but superior in sound quality and versatility doubling as my home computer. It also does triple duty as a superior GPS unit with DeLorme Topo maps with 3D display of the map contours while backpacking with my solar charger/Li-Ion battery system that keeps all of my electronics up and running.

I got my order in at 5PM west coast time. I was scared to death as I had been stuck on my computer since this morning trying to install a new version of SpyBot during the time my computer was still setting up from a shut down from the prior night, and McAfee was down loading their updates - everything got messed up and it wasn't untill 4:45PM that I had everything up and running again. The first thing I checked was my e-mail, and seeing the announcement and that it was nearly 5 oclock, I was expecting to see that they were all gone. But, my order went through without a hickup. I do hope that my order is truely confirmed with a notice of shipment tomorrow. I have been checking my e-mail, the Custom 3 site page and this forum many times a day for WEEKS hoping to see that they were finally available. And of all the days I monitored for availability, it had to be this day of computer problems to have it pop up. But fortunately I got them (I hope). I can't wait to try them with my new DD5.1 external sound card (ASUS Xonar U1 USB Audio Station). With it and my new EMMELINE 'Predator" Headphone Amp, I ripped my favorite stereo CDs, then converted them with ProLogic II and 'Headphone' post processing in anticipation of getting these new Custom 3 headphones. I like what I hear with my old Sony earbuds, but expect outstanding sound with the new Custom 3s.

Thank you for the clarification. Your "allotment" is seperate from the bulk sent out for distribution. "[Donald1800"]These retail distribution orders keep comming in AHEAD of our ability to get in line through 'Kipsch.com' "I'm uncertain why you have come to that conclusion, when in reality no Custom-3s have been shipped to anyone (or any dealer) yet?" The key word in my statement was "orders", not sales or delivery. Every business has to prioritize and allot backordered product based upon some criteria - usually based upon ORDER receipt DATE, order quantity and sometimes perceived importance/performance ranking of the business. Again, my concern was that these retail distribution orders are not STOPPED as are ours. Therefore, these growing backorders will, if nothing else, affect YOUR allotment for online sales. I know that you have no control over this proccess of allotment. I just wanted to know how the policy of not allowing a preorder list will affect the availability for online sales. I can now see that the affect is severe.

You are dancing very agilly around my question, but "This delay is not the focus of my concern. My concern ONLY is about how fulfillment will be prioritized. " To put it as plainly as possible, WHERE does a 'Klipsch.com' online order from a single customer fall within the high volume of retail distrubution oders comming in every day.? These retail distribution orders keep comming in AHEAD of our ability to get in line through 'Kipsch.com'. WHEN we do get in line, WHERE does our order sit? PLEASE answer this question directly - no more dancng around it. "Enquiring Minds" and concerned customers want to know! If you don't know, find out.

I understood about the production difficulties surrounding the Custom 3s. This delay is not the focus of my concern. My concern ONLY is about how fulfillment will be prioritized. That is why I'm just a little confused with your reply. I have been monitoring both the Custom 3 product/order page, this forum AND my e-mail, and I NEVER saw an opportunity to place my order for the Custom 3s. Yet both some posters here and your reply indicate that SOME people did manage to get on some preorder list. How did THEY do it, and how can I? I would sure feel better if I knew where I stood (order number) in the fulfillment line. Right now I have absolutely no idea not only WHEN I will be able to order, but WHERE my order would be in the line and IF my order would have any priority over retail distribution orders. There has been no policy statement about this. And unfortunately your reply does not clarify the policy regarding my concern.

My concern is that while we Kipsch supporters that have been sitting by quietly and patiently waiting for notification of availability AND without any way to get on a purchase waiting list, dealers/distributors have been sending in orders for normal retail distribution. If this is so, Klipsch will have such a back order that it may be 2009 before we will be able to order direct from klipsch with the promised introductory price. I would have been happier to have been able to get on a waiting list than what we are facing now. I just hope that Klipsch has OUR intrests in mind while this delay continues.

I know - I've been checking this forum and product page every day with ATM card in hand. Any day now.

When will the Custom-3 Headphones become available? These look like just what I've been looking for for years. Can you give an estimated time frame for availability? Donald1800

I am sure that you realize that your connection to the receiver is NOT the way Klipsch instructions clearly suggest. If you still have the instructions, please re-read them. As the PM 5.1 and PM ULTRA 5.1 are 'primarily' a PC audio system, they were designed as a self contained AMP/Speaker system with the "Decoded 5.1" signals routed to the sub inputs located on the sub plate and the speaker amps outputs located on the sub plate wired to the speakers. This is how they MUST be connected if you expect the system to function properly. As I understand it, the sub LF come from (are derived from) the L & R channels and the .1 special effects (movie) LF are sent seperately to the sub from the 5.1 SUB channel. As a result, the sub will ONLY reproduce the .1 (movie) special effects as now wired. - NOT the entire LF available. If you insist on wiring the satalite speakers to the receiver amp outputs, you must still also send the R & L channel with Bass Management set to 'Large Speakers' to the sub R & L inputs so the the signal includes the LF that the sub can use. If you do this, your sub will now function properly. Be sure that you are still using the sub Control Module connected to the sub as it is the 'remote gain' adjustment module for the sub. It MUST be connected and functioning in order for the sub to also function properly. Donald

The year Digital HD is mandatory and analog TV is cut off, I will purchase one of the new Toshiba SED wide screen HD sets. It should have been out a year by then and all of the bugs corrected. It will fit in nicely with my Klipsch home theater 5.1 audio system. The timing of the arrival of the SED technology is perfect. Donald

Michael Hurd: The existing RSX5 wall bracket contains a keyed stud with a ball on the end. What I proposed was an extra cost retrofit "Side Wall Mounting Kit" which contains 1 ea. right and left stud/ball with a 50 deg. bend in the stud and keyed for right or left use. This keeps everything Klipsch and people needing this type of mount is paying for it. My attitude may seem harsh to you. That causes me no concern. I am the one that has spent the time researching and listening to the available products out there anywhere near the price I could spend. For nearly all of my buying points, the only choice was the RSX4 or 5. I had to wait many months before I got the deal that allowed me to get them. I chose the more expensive RSX5 (actually exceeding my budget). I previously purchased the RCX4 center channel speaker and love it. Not being able to use them now that I finally have them has broken my heart (dramatic soulful music playing in the background - possibly over RSX5's). There is nothing out there at my price as good as these that I would want to replace my PM ULTRA 5.1 speakers. It may be harsh to you, but true to me. Speedball: Try to believe me when I say that speaker stands were already considered. I've used them before with another speaker system, even in this home before the wife changed the layout and front wall contents for better audio/video performance. They can not be used now. I think what disturbs me more than anything is Klipsch: 1. Didn't provide a flexible mounting system for the RSX line that would allow for side wall mounting. 2. Do not have the inhouse capability to provide their customers that are willing to pay for the service special order components that allows use of their products when a serious limitation is found. I actually expected more from Klipsch. Donald

After many e-mails from me to Klipsch, the results are not good. They refuse to acknowledge the market need for even an extra cost side wall retrofit kit. They (very nicely) suggest changing the room layout to allow front wall/ceiling mounting ('Look, this is what we've got, take it or leave it'). Omnimount does NOT have a solution either. So far they haven't even replied to my enquiry as to a possible fix. I currently use 4 of the Omnimounts for my side wall mounted PM ULTRA 5.1 speakers. So far I have come up with only 2 options: 1. Have locally made 2 steel plates with hole (4) patterns to mount on the bottom speaker ball/socket area with a 1/4-20 clearance hole in the middle with a welded or brazed 1/4-20 nut on the plate 'inside' of the socket. Now the standard 'Omnimount 10.0' short (3") 90 degree ball arm and lock nut will screw into this plate facilitating side wall mounting just like my PM 5.1's. 2. Give up on using the RSX5's in this home at this time and sell them on ebay. I don't want to use another speaker system - I chose the RSX5. If I can't get Klipsch OR Omnimount to support this 'normal' mounting option, I will go no further in upgrading my system, nor will I recommend this product to anyone. Under the circumstances, I've decided (for the moment) to try option #1. It seems to be a viable option that KLIPSCH could/should have already done. Another Klipsch option was a set of 2 extra cost ball/studs with a 50 deg. bend as a retrofit kit. They're not interested in helping us. If you try this, let me know how it turns out. I'll have to hold off for a while as my funds were 'tapped out' with the RSX5 purchase and Christmas. It's a bummer having these excellent speakers and not being able to hear them. Donald

I'm trying to replace my living room HT front/main side wall mounted PM Ultra 5.1 speakers with a pair of RSX5 speakers. Besides reported superior sound, they are advertised coming with ball/socket wall mounting brackets which allows "Flexible" mounting. I was shocked to discover upon trying to mount them on my side walls in the same place my PM speakers were mounted that the ball/socket mounts only have a small angular movement from straight out, and that it is impossible to mount them on the side walls in the front and angle them towards the listening area. Has anyone solved this side wall mounting problem? Does Klipsch have a retrofit kit which allows mounting this way? It seems strange that Klipsch didn't set up a mounting system for these speakers that allowed more flexible mounting options for their customers. I am sure that I am NOT the only customer that is unable (for various reasons) to place/mount these speakers in/on the front wall or ceiling! Surely Klipsch has a solution for properly mounting these speakers on the side walls and face them towards the listening area? Donald

Check out this link for setup info. Donald http://forums.klipsch.com/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=68978&sessionID={D661EBAF-DD63-48C0-9331-FC11A7B4895C}

Now your talking! This is the upgrade I am in the process of doing with my ULTRA 5.1 system. You do know, however, that the old, discontinued SWS subwoofer is NOT the performance equal of the 5.1 sub, don't you? Why not consider using a 'reclaimed' 5.1 sub from ebay and setup as found in my forum post http://forums.klipsch.com/idealbb/view.asp?topicID=65547&forumID=98&catID=21&search=1&searchstring=&sessionID={AA1DEF61-3430-4DD5-8436-05C8D8F83CAA} You will be astounded by the ultra low freq. support provided by the doubled transducer area closely coupled - about the same as a corner loaded 15" sub! Look for an ebay offer for a 5.1 set with the satallites non-op but fully functioning sub. You can usually get one for $125 or less (~$65 for bad sub + $65 factory repair). You will need to do this twice, plus your RSX5/RCX4 purchases. Your system will be excellent for the price. Another consideration is to use the new SUB12. I have heard rave reviews about this sub. I don't think it has the other sat. amps, so a receiver will probably be needed. Good luck. Donald Good luck