Jakeg123 Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 Hey everyone! I am kinda new to Klipsch and I could use some help. What are the differences between the Reference, Synergy, and Icon Series? Which is suppose to be the "higher class" series? Is one suppose to be better than the other? Are the horns or the woofers different? Thanks, Jake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuzzzer Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 Welcome to the forums Jake! In terms of class level: 1) Reference 2) Icon 3) Synergy There are different materials used in each series' tweeters and woofers. Some have real wood veneers. All will give excellent sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Youthman Posted October 26, 2009 Moderators Share Posted October 26, 2009 Icon was made to help with WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor). They look stylish, elegant and have a smaller footprint than the Synergy and Reference Line. If you can, go with the Reference Series. But as stated, all of them provide great sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jakeg123 Posted October 26, 2009 Author Share Posted October 26, 2009 Is there a very large difference in the sound quality? So the Icon V is better than the Synergy but worse than the Reference? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thaddeus Smith Posted October 26, 2009 Share Posted October 26, 2009 they serve different purposes. all sound great in their own respective purpose ... synergy is more of the entry level, mass-market (i.e. best buy) product offering that suits most of the people out there that wish to just setup a nice quick system and not have to worry about it. icon series has a higher aesthetic value and gives you that great home theater sound without feeling like you're surrounded by a ton of speakers. the reference level is geared towards those that don't care as much about size aesthetics (but may still want rich veneering,etc) higher volume performance and efficiency, and a healthy blend of both music and movie use. heritage is a step above them all, but comes at the cost of biggg boxes and less pleasing aesthetics ...it's all about the sound and the music. palladium is a mix of everything, but may not be enjoyed by mortals. i haven't listened to everything discussed here, but based on my reading and interpretations ..these opinions are relatively accurate. we might be able to answer your question better if you can give a hint as to which quality is more important ..sound? size? aesthetics? wife/girlfriend opinion? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jakeg123 Posted October 26, 2009 Author Share Posted October 26, 2009 they serve different purposes. all sound great in their own respective purpose ... synergy is more of the entry level, mass-market (i.e. best buy) product offering that suits most of the people out there that wish to just setup a nice quick system and not have to worry about it. icon series has a higher aesthetic value and gives you that great home theater sound without feeling like you're surrounded by a ton of speakers. the reference level is geared towards those that don't care as much about size aesthetics (but may still want rich veneering,etc) higher volume performance and efficiency, and a healthy blend of both music and movie use. heritage is a step above them all, but comes at the cost of biggg boxes and less pleasing aesthetics ...it's all about the sound and the music. palladium is a mix of everything, but may not be enjoyed by mortals. i haven't listened to everything discussed here, but based on my reading and interpretations ..these opinions are relatively accurate. we might be able to answer your question better if you can give a hint as to which quality is more important ..sound? size? aesthetics? wife/girlfriend opinion? Sound quality is what is the most important to me, but I am on a very low budget. I will be using it for mostly music and maybe a movie once a week. I don't really care all that much for size and aesthetics. I will most likely have to buy a speaker every few months and eventually have a full system. Right now I have a pair of old SF-1s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psg Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 Sound quality is what is the most important to me, but I am on a very low budget. Then the Garage Sale section of the forum is your friend (or Craiglist). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thaddeus Smith Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 and craigslist. my current setup has been sourced from both places (except for the ps3, bought that refurb'd from gamestop). you might also look around at stuff you already own that doesn't mean as much or get as much use as it once had. you'd be surprised at what people are willing to trade for and how perceived value for your things can help you get some good gear at little or no cost to you. (I traded an older laptop that wasn't being used for my receiver that now gets daily use.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 heritage is a step above them all Which IS subjective however.[] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thaddeus Smith Posted October 27, 2009 Share Posted October 27, 2009 heritage is a step above them all Which IS subjective however. Oh i agree Carl. SInce I've never heard anything from the heritage line (gasp, blasphemy), I'm forced to echo the popular opinion found on this forum. I personally love the reference series and it seems to hit a nice balance between sound, size, and aesthetics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jakeg123 Posted October 27, 2009 Author Share Posted October 27, 2009 Sound quality is what is the most important to me, but I am on a very low budget. Then the Garage Sale section of the forum is your friend (or Craiglist). Would I really be better off getting something used or would I be okay just getting the cheaper synergy series? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Youthman Posted October 27, 2009 Moderators Share Posted October 27, 2009 Would I really be better off getting something used or would I be okay just getting the cheaper synergy series? I love buying used gear. With the economy like it is, there are some crazy deals out there. I've picked up many myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jakeg123 Posted October 27, 2009 Author Share Posted October 27, 2009 So the the Reference is a lot better sounding than the synergy and icon-v? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuBXeRo Posted October 28, 2009 Share Posted October 28, 2009 the interpretation of "good" sound is subjective and indivdiual to each person. The best thing you can do is go out and listen to them at the store. Given thus far have been guidelines as to the quality and purpose of each line. Now, one thing that wasnt mentions is that there are different levels of the icon line, there is the best buy brand which is cheap but there is also the W and X lines as well. From what i have gathered, the refernece line is made with higher quality overall compared to the synergy series. Now, i dont know how this pairs up to the Icon W and X lines since they seem to be geared for different target markets but no matter what, you need to get what you think sounds best. Personally, i though the Icon W line had a wide sound field compared to the reference line but couldnt produce the bass footprint that the reference line could create, floorstanders that is. For me, my biggest choice is between the ref and Icon w lines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jakeg123 Posted October 29, 2009 Author Share Posted October 29, 2009 I would be comparing them to the Icon-V series... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuBXeRo Posted October 30, 2009 Share Posted October 30, 2009 the icon v is sold at bestbuy along with the synergy, different price points, different audiences, i def think that the reference blows away both the icon v's and synergy lines. But you know what, its what sounds best to you in the end! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jakeg123 Posted October 30, 2009 Author Share Posted October 30, 2009 Which do you think sounds better between the synergy and the Icon V? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vick's Pit Posted October 30, 2009 Share Posted October 30, 2009 The Icon, as long as you get a sub with it. I agree Reference is much better than both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuBXeRo Posted October 30, 2009 Share Posted October 30, 2009 again, sound is a personal preference, you really should go and listen to them. I have never listened to either of them, i have only heard the ref and icon w's so i cant really give you an opinion. My guess is that the synergys would sound better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill H. Posted October 30, 2009 Share Posted October 30, 2009 my selection would be Reference ICON Synergy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.