kskull

Thank you all a lot for the great input and also the nice video comparison between the Forte and the Reference Line. The Forte seems a lot warmer and not as clear and maybe not punchy enough for my music. I found a store who had the RP-8000 and had a chance to listen. It's a nice and very dynamic speaker, but it is not a match for my current system (as I expected). Especially I am surprised, how much pressure the F-25 are producing with their huge bass membrane, now that I compare them again with another speaker. The Ki-396 seem to be awesome, but sadly, I have neighbors I will look out for the RF-7 iii now; maybe I have to make a trip to Germany to find a retailer where I can listen to them. Thanks for your support!!!!

Hello Klipsch friends, after 14 years of Acoustic Research Chronos F-25, my eyes and ears demand something new. Klipsch has been recommended to me for my taste in music, which is mainly metal music (death/black/heavy you name it; less rock, more the harder stuff). I don't need the volume super loud, but I want it very dynamic with a crisp bass. I'm planing to use a NAD amplifier and CD-player. So far, the RP-8000f, the RF-7 mk iii and the Forte III have gathered my interest, but I am unsure, which one too choose. My main concern is, that the RF-7 or the Forte III can't shine in my room: the room has roughly 25m² and the listening distance will be around 3 to 3.4 meters. However, several listeners of the RF-7 recommend at least 4m distance, better 5-6m. Below, the sound seemed to "stick" too much to the speakers. 1.) What minimal listening distance is acceptable for the three speakers by your experience? 2.) What would you recommend for metal? Does the Forte differ a lot from the RP/RF soundwise? Does it appear more "live"? 3.) Due to the small room size, I am tempted to go with the smallest option, the RP-8000, but I am not sure if, this is a real upgrade to my old AR F-25, which retailed around 2.5k 14 years ago. Does anyone of you use the RP-8000 for metal music? Sadly, I am from central Europe and can't really test any of these models. So I am somewhat risking a blind buy... price wise, the RF-7 costs three times as much as the RP-8000 here, and the Forte is an additional 300€ more. Thanks a lot, I am looking forward to your help!