DrQ Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Hi All...this is my first post as I just joined the "Community." I am upgrading my home system you see and can use your help. I will be using my system for music and home theater as well. I am running the Denon AVR-1912. So...I am undecided on the Icon W-35's or RF-82 II's. I love music and want the best possible sound...that is my goal. Thanks in advance, Q Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cornfedksboy Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Welcome to the forum! Why not both? A little more info would be helpful. What size room? Do you plan on getting a sub? Is this 2-channel only or will you be adding a center and surrounds? Is there a significant other that will have a say in the room decor? What type of music do you listen to? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cornfedksboy Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Here's a comparison I did about 8 months ago: http://community.klipsch.com/forums/p/147454/1516843.aspx#1516843 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FSUBALES Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Hi All...this is my first post as I just joined the "Community." I am upgrading my home system you see and can use your help. I will be using my system for music and home theater as well. I am running the Denon AVR-1912. So...I am undecided on the Icon W-35's or RF-82 II's. I love music and want the best possible sound...that is my goal. Thanks in advance, Q The RF-82II are half the price. The W-35,s are up there with the RF-7II Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cornfedksboy Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 The RF-82II are half the price. The W-35,s are up there with the RF-7II newegg.com has them at $1000.00 per pair regularly with weekend sales as low as $600.00 per pair. The Klipsch.com price is incorrectly lister as each. $1500 is per pair. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrQ Posted November 9, 2011 Author Share Posted November 9, 2011 Thx Corn! Good questions...let's see. The room is about 20x30 but opens to the kitchen and rest of the house. I plan on having a center, sub , and surround. My wife is cool with whatever...however I think the Icon Ws have a more aesthetic finish for my house (rustic/Spanish). I love just about all music with exception of country (however I love Johnny Cash). I am particular to classic rock, classical, aucustic guitar with great passion for bands like the Who, Mana, Gipsy Kings, to AC/DC. I love a clear real life listening experience. Let me know if you need more info. Thx, Q Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrQ Posted November 9, 2011 Author Share Posted November 9, 2011 Thx! That was the RF 82s not the RF 82 II right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cornfedksboy Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Thx! That was the RF 82s not the RF 82 II right? Correct. Very, very similar but not identical. Also, different rooms and possibly amps will change the sound some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cornfedksboy Posted November 9, 2011 Share Posted November 9, 2011 Here's a second opinion on the WF-35s: http://community.klipsch.com/forums/t/154550.aspx Note the OP is comparing them against huge RF-7s (original) but has had several Reference towers previously. You've got a big room, but I doubt either speaker would give you trouble filling it. You'll want a sub either way, but if you go with the Icons, you'll need one. That space is too big and the Icons don't dig deep enough. The off-axis response from the Icons is better than that of the Reference which means the Icons will offer a better listening experience at more listening positions in the room. Both speakers throw a deep and wide soundstage but the Reference is more detailed. This is paticularly noticeable in the low and high frequencies. In the mid-range, which is where I'm a sucker for good sound, the Icons were far superior. Accoustic strings and vocals were much more evenly balanced with the low and high end. That's why I've got my WF-35s set up as 2-channel and my RF-82s set-up in the home theater. For movies, the RF-82s have an equally high edge over the Icons, mainly due to the center and surrounds. The Icons might be a little more sensative to placement due to the softer low end, but they are smaller than the relatively large RF-82s. As to the looks, the Reference series is very aggressive and attractive, but the veneer is high quality vinyl woodgrain. The Icon's have a beautiful fit and finish with no seems and the wood veneer is equivalent to that of a luxury automobile. I've got mine set-up in the formal front room. In the end, I don't think you'll be disappointed with either speaker and it simply comes down to a matter of taste. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuBXeRo Posted November 11, 2011 Share Posted November 11, 2011 Bang for the buck here would be the wf-35's on sale at newegg. The reference line has a much more refined low end, far crisper and never muddy. If you do get the wf-35's, make sure your receiver has the ability to alter the crossover, you may want to up it a bit to prevent any muddy bass from occurring especially if you have a sub running. You certainly have a toss up here. To be honest, i would probably get the RF-82 II's in this case. The RF-82 II's have a low end that destroys the WF-35's and the low end should be crisp and clean without ever sounding muddy (i'm basing this assumption on the rf-3 II's i owned which were never muddy). They also have a higher output and should create a broader soundstage and this will definitly benefit you when it comes to home theater. The W series is great because of its looks and small footprint. Most people dont need huge speakers but when it comes to home theater, bigger is better sometimes. I now have the icon w center and bookshelfs to complete the set if need be. Either choice you make is good, you are buying a quality product and it should last you years upon years Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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