Where can I see the most improvement ( system upgrades ).

[QUiKSR20]

Hey Guys, Havent been too active lately with a new baby but a member since 2001 or so.

Finally looking for some upgrades and was hoping I could get some ideas / suggestions.

I havent really made many changes to my rig in a long time, Was debating on a new receiver

with HDMI and a few more options, but then began thinking this may not be the weakest link in my setup.

All this would do is give me maybe a few more options I dont need and clean up my wiring ( could be wrong ), but
thats what this post is for.

My setup consists of :

• 
  
• Receiver - HK AVR-430 7.1
  
• Mains - Klipsch SB-3
  
• Center - Klipsch SC-1
  
• Rears - Klipsch Quintet ( something new soon )
  
• Sub - Klipsch KSW-12 ( no point it upgrading as I cant play super deep in Condo )
  
  
  

Eventually when I get a bigger house I will move to a better sub but with my current setup and situation im leaning towards

a new front stage. My receiver I would like to think is still good and has decent power.

What do you guys think would give me the best bang for my buck on doing some upgrades ?

Im thinking 2 new front bookshelves or floor standers and a matching center channel. ( Klipsch Ref current or older )

Please feel free to suggest anything as i'm looking for ideas as I continue to do research.

[QUiKSR20]

( double posted )

[Daddy Dee]

you are a regular old timer joining the forum in 2001.

congrats of the new baby. can't think of a better reason to not be spending time on the forum.

sounds like you have already identified what would be the best bang for the buck in upgrading your system. conventional wisdom would suggest putting your resources into the best speakers you can get. floorstanders would be among the candidates unless you really prefer your room sans floorstanders.

i'm not an HT person, so i can't offer any helpful advice on your receiver and how a receiver with HDMI would be better.

one question to consider would be how much you use your system for music vs ht. From your list, it looks like you've got a system that already offers excellent sound.

do you listen to music as two channel with your mains? or 2.1 mains and sub? or 5.1?

The Klipsch Ref series mains and center channels are very good choices. My son-in-law has a HT set up like this and it is very nice.

i'm sure your neighbors would thank you (if they knew of your considered courtesy) to not upgrade your sub in the condo! []

[QUiKSR20]

you are a regular old timer joining the forum in 2001.

congrats of the new baby. can't think of a better reason to not be spending time on the forum.

Thanks! Yeah I've been so busy in last few years but now im becoming more of a homebody I will definitely be on here more again.

Im sure its still a great forum.

My Klipsch's have kept me happy for many years and they were only synergy's, Horns from what ive learned can be picky with the power

you put to them and HK tends to work well. Cant wait for some new speakers.

sounds like you have already identified what would be the best bang for the buck in upgrading your system. conventional wisdom would suggest putting your resources into the best speakers you can get. floorstanders would be among the candidates unless you really prefer your room sans floorstanders.

i'm not an HT person, so i can't offer any helpful advice on your receiver and how a receiver with HDMI would be better.

one question to consider would be how much you use your system for music vs ht. From your list, it looks like you've got a system that already offers excellent sound.

do you listen to music as two channel with your mains? or 2.1 mains and sub? or 5.1?

The Klipsch Ref series mains and center channels are very good choices. My son-in-law has a HT set up like this and it is very nice.

i'm sure your neighbors would thank you (if they knew of your considered courtesy) to not upgrade your sub in the condo!

I would say I do 50/50 HT and 2 Ch music, Alot of times if im working from home or just enjoying some music it will be 2 channel but the rest of the time the system

is providing the sound for cable tv and any movies we watch.

My main choice will be deciding what mains to get ( replace bookshelves on the stands I already own ) or floorstanders.. Is there much diff in sound?

Whatever I choose ill just pick up a matching center channel.

Heres a current look at my setup:

[mustang guy]

You have one of the cleanest setups I have seen. Very nice to look at.

On the point of a receiver with HDMI. I would actually advise that as your first upgrade since about everything these days is digital. There are so many different digital source types these days, you almost have to have a late model DAC to properly convert some signals to the appropriate analog channels.

A simple HDMI from each component into the receiver, and a single HDMI into the TV would be a definite improvement in simplicity, picture quality and sound.

[dtel]

Great looking room.

The speakers you have were my very first Klipsch, SB-3 and SC1 center and they did sound very good. The only reason I changed was later we added on a bigger room and they didn't sound the same in the bigger room.

I think your on the right track going with the front 3 first, would a Heresy fit on your stands ? [6]

[Shodrewken]

First, welcome back to the forum! As others have said, you have a very clean setup my friend. I think a more recent AVR would do you well, as HDMI is the standard for HD cables now, and many brands have very useful room calibration features built in. Then following that a new front sound stage. Many deals can be had on Craigslist if you are patient, just ask Youthman he finds crazy deals all the time. If you are able to save up a bit and want to go down the brand new route, the newer Reference line is excellent at all price points. From the look of your layout its seem your room can accommodate floorstanders, so you will have a wide variety of speakers to choose from, which is nice. I love my RF-7 II's for 2-channel music, and they are equally as impressive in HT with the rest of the system. I guess the best advice I can give is buy the best you can, don't play the upgrade game because it will be more expensive in the end trying to satisfy the "what if" question lingering in the back of your mind. If you already know this than I apologize, but it happens more often then not. If you have questions ask away, this is probably one of the most helpful forums I've ever seen, and good luck!

[QUiKSR20]

You have one of the cleanest setups I have seen. Very nice to look at.

Thanks man, When I bought the place I tried to make it as clean as I could within reason

On the point of a receiver with HDMI. I would actually advise that as your first upgrade since about everything these days is digital. There are so many different digital source types these days, you almost have to have a late model DAC to properly convert some signals to the appropriate analog channels.

A simple HDMI from each component into the receiver, and a single HDMI into the TV would be a definite improvement in simplicity, picture quality and sound.

I agree it will fix the simplicity 100% but not so much sure it would improve the sound much ( I could be wrong again as im rusty ) but all components ie:

XBOX360 / Cable Box / are plugged into TV with HDMI and the Mac mini DVI ( receiver is not touching the video ) then all 3 have Optical Audio out into the receiver.

The deck is from 2004 and new was $700 ( I know its approaching 9 years old ) but has 7.1 DTS ES / DDEX/ full PRE-Amp outs etc

its 80w x2 RMS in stereo or 65x7 in surround ( I know HK rates there watts low / underated ) and this big hunk weights 39lbs

nothing like there new ones. If a new deck will help a ton I will def look into one in the future, Have to budget this out piece by piece.

Full Specs - http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/elect/htreceivers/avr430.html

Pics -

Great looking room.

Thanks!!

The speakers you have were my very first Klipsch, SB-3 and SC1 center and they did sound very good. The only reason I changed was later we added on a bigger room and they didn't sound the same in the bigger room.

I think your on the right track going with the front 3 first, would a Heresy fit on your stands ?

I have had the SB3 / SC1 setup since around 2002 and definitely got my moneys worth, They still sound good just looking for something a little better.

Hmm Heresy's maybe a little large I will have to look at the sizes of them.

So far I have only looked at Reference line 6.5 bookshelfs ( RB-81 II & RB-61 II ) & floorstanders ( RF-81 II & RF-61 II )

Not sure how much of a diff in sound a 6.5 vs 8 will make and also from a bookshelf vs floorstand. Continuing to read and pick peoples brains on here.

I am also not opposed to buying used as long as they are in good condition, Dont have to be the latest models either.

[mustang guy]

You have one of the cleanest setups I have seen. Very nice to look at.

Thanks man, When I bought the place I tried to make it as clean as I could within reason

On the point of a receiver with HDMI. I would actually advise that as your first upgrade since about everything these days is digital. There are so many different digital source types these days, you almost have to have a late model DAC to properly convert some signals to the appropriate analog channels.

A simple HDMI from each component into the receiver, and a single HDMI into the TV would be a definite improvement in simplicity, picture quality and sound.

I agree it will fix the simplicity 100% but not so much sure it would improve the sound much ( I could be wrong again as im rusty ) but all components ie: XBOX360 / Cable Box / are plugged into TV with HDMI and the Mac mini DVI ( receiver is not touching the video ) then all 3 have Optical Audio out into the receiver.

The deck is from 2004 and new was $700 ( I know its approaching 9 years old ) but has 7.1 DTS ES / DDEX/ full PRE-Amp outs etc its 80w x2 RMS in stereo or 65x7 in surround ( I know HK rates there watts low / underated ) and this big hunk weights 39lbs nothing like there new ones. If a new deck will help a ton I will def look into one in the future, Have to budget this out piece by piece. Full Specs - http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/elect/htreceivers/avr430.html Pics -

I was going to ask about the connection methods you were using. If you are using 100% HDMI for video, and toslink for audio, then you are getting as good of a picture as possible, and almost as good sound as possible.

You are using your TV as the receiver, and the receiver as the DAC and amplifier. Connected to a modern receiver and all HDMI's into it, and a single one into the TV, allows you to use the resources of the receiver better. Furthermore, modern receivers from Onkyo, Yamaha, etc, have automatic room correction, better DAC's, inputs for game consoles, blu-rays, computers, etc.

Don't get me wrong. What you have works very well. For better sound, you could spend your money on the LCR, and go with some reference floorstanders, and a large reference center, and definitely get it. You could also update the receiver and get some of the perks listed above, as well as better sound due to the room correction and the slight benefits of HDMI over TOSLINK. Of course that does depend on what receiver you buy.

edit: there is a big difference in the reference bookshelf speakers as compared to the floorstanders. Unless I miss my guess, the reference bookshelf speakers would compare to your current setup like the reference floorstanders would compare to the reference bookshelf speakers. It will all depend on your budget.

[QUiKSR20]

First, welcome back to the forum! As others have said, you have a very clean setup my friend.

Thanks! The bug has bitten me again so im sure I will be back posting questions, Helping where I can and enjoying the forums.

I think a more recent AVR would do you well, as HDMI is the standard for HD cables now, and many brands have very useful room calibration features built in. Then following that a new front sound stage.

I will def look into other newer receivers from ( DENON / HK / others ) I know Klipsch is picky and you have to be carefull with whats powering them to avoid harshness.

Many deals can be had on Craigslist if you are patient, just ask Youthman he finds crazy deals all the time. If you are able to save up a bit and want to go down the brand new route, the newer Reference line is excellent at all price points. From the look of your layout its seem your room can accommodate floorstanders, so you will have a wide variety of speakers to choose from, which is nice. I love my RF-7 II's for 2-channel music, and they are equally as impressive in HT with the rest of the system. I guess the best advice I can give is buy the best you can, don't play the upgrade game because it will be more expensive in the end trying to satisfy the "what if" question lingering in the back of your mind. If you already know this than I apologize, but it happens more often then not. If you have questions ask away, this is probably one of the most helpful forums I've ever seen, and good luck!

Oh I hear ya on the get the best you can, My synergy's have lasted me almost 10 years so I will def aim for the best I can afford. I am totally for used gear and I am

great at finding deals so I will keep my eyes open, I said it earlier in my post but ill mention it here too..

My current speakers are setup as ( SMALL ) in the deck so that the sub handles more of the bass Im assuming with larger fronts you can set them to large and offset some of the bass to the speakers and not leave it all to the sub.

Larger front stage and higher quality speakers will most likely bring me a more musical setup as I know HT isnt as picky as 2CH listening.

I was going to ask about the connection methods you were using. If you are using 100% HDMI for video, and toslink for audio, then you are getting as good of a picture as possible, and almost as good sound as possible.

You are using your TV as the receiver, and the receiver as the DAC and amplifier. Connected to a modern receiver and all HDMI's into it, and a single one into the TV, allows you to use the resources of the receiver better. Furthermore, modern receivers from Onkyo, Yamaha, etc, have automatic room correction, better DAC's, inputs for game consoles, blu-rays, computers, etc.

Don't get me wrong. What you have works very well. For better sound, you could spend your money on the LCR, and go with some reference floorstanders, and a large reference center, and definitely get it. You could also update the receiver and get some of the perks listed above, as well as better sound due to the room correction and the slight benefits of HDMI over TOSLINK. Of course that does depend on what receiver you buy.

edit: there is a big difference in the reference bookshelf speakers as compared to the floorstanders. Unless I miss my guess, the reference bookshelf speakers would compare to your current setup like the reference floorstanders would compare to the reference bookshelf speakers. It will all depend on your budget.

Thanks for the reply!!!!

Cool so pretty much the improvement from my current speakers to ref book's would be an improvement as equally big moving from ref books to ref floors..

Looks like I should just shop for floors and do it once! Is there a huge difference with say 6.5 vs 8" woofers when a sub is present? Will bigger Front Woofers

be more musical? The RF 62 II's looks they would fit the budget pretty good ( although the 82's are nice ).

A new receiver will definitely be in the cards in the future just looking to see where Ill see the biggest improvement first. [ Darn Budgets ] hahah.

[wuzzzer]

My advice regarding floorstanding speakers - you've had your current setup for over 10 years so it doesn't sound like you're like a lot of us on here who change every 10 months instead of every 10 years! I'd get something that you will be happy with for the next 10 years. There is a very large difference in 6.5 to 8" woofers. Much more dynamic sound, much more detail, more room-filling sound, greater sensitivity among just a few. Your SB-3 speakers were top of the Synergy bookshelf line at the time they were made. The RF-62s are several steps down from the top floorstanding Reference speaker.

My vote would be for the 82s at a minimum.

[QUiKSR20]

My advice regarding floorstanding speakers - you've had your current setup for over 10 years so it doesn't sound like you're like a lot of us on here who change every 10 months instead of every 10 years!

Yeah kinda set it and forgot it with the speakers ( changed a few receivers ) Then had a kid bought a house and forgot about my system upgrades.

At heart im one who usually likes to try different setups and tinker.

I'd get something that you will be happy with for the next 10 years. There is a very large difference in 6.5 to 8" woofers. Much more dynamic sound, much more detail, more room-filling sound, greater sensitivity among just a few. Your SB-3 speakers were top of the Synergy bookshelf line at the time they were made. The RF-62s are several steps down from the top floorstanding Reference speaker.

My vote would be for the 82s at a minimum.

Wow 82's? Although the best option they may push my budget my room isnt too too big, well its big enough but I rarely crank it really loud

I dont know if I would be able to take full advantage of them. Personally I would love 82's just cant afford them currently.

I could afford either RF-62 II's or RB-81 II's ( which would sound better 8" bookshelves or dual 6.5 floor standers ? ) From what im reading and hearing

the 62 floors would be the better choice.

Im all ears though and looking for which will sound better, I have a 12" sub to fill in on some of the low end. If I was in a larger house ( a few years ) I would

def wait and splurge for the 82's but thats a few years out.

[wuzzzer]

http://allentown.craigslist.org/ele/3580858908.html

[QUiKSR20]

http://allentown.craigslist.org/ele/3580858908.html

Wow not a bad deal, Probably not looking to buy just yet but very shortly... Trying to sell my SB3's + SC1.

[mustang guy]

Size matters...

wuzzzer is right on.

When you buy a receiver, you will be buying one for large speakers. If you buy a receiver now, you better buy one powerful enough for the large speakers you will eventually buy. Watts also matter!

[QUiKSR20]

Size matters...

wuzzzer is right on.

When you buy a receiver, you will be buying one for large speakers. If you buy a receiver now, you better buy one powerful enough for the large speakers you will eventually buy. Watts also matter!

Totally understood, I could always add an amp to my receiver for more power ( has full pre-outs ), My receiver is 80watts per channel RMS and supposedly they are

underated.. I am still in a condo so not trying to get too crazy...

Even with my current setup if I crank it im going to have neighbors bangin down my door, With that being said would you go with RF62 II's

( dual 6.5s ) or RB81 II's ( single 8 book shelf )?

To my under standing dual 6.5s would pretty much emulate an 8" or so and sound better due to the bigger cabinet etc.

[Scrappydue]

The rf-62's will have a fuller sound as they have a lot more cabinet. Also you can contact panacea engineering on here. He is a forum member and a dealer so he can get you the best pricing around probably. So don't think on budget until you really know what you will be paying for. But I would shoot for the rf-62's amd rc-62 to match. That will surely get you buy for 10 years. I just picked up rf-62's. had a few sets before but the wife hates them! I have one big theater for myself and the small living room one for her. I keep buying rf-62's and trying to swap out the rf-42's but she always seems to notice! Lol oh well. Still got the man theater. That one is staying.

[Scrappydue]

Also maybe take a look on newegg at the icon w line. The wf-35's are my favorite speaker I own for music! The center isn't on par with the rc-62 but it a

So cost half has much. The wf-35 tower is right there on par with the rf-62's so something else to look at. Plus they are super wife friendly speakers. Gorgeous finish!

[QUiKSR20]

The rf-62's will have a fuller sound as they have a lot more cabinet. Also you can contact panacea engineering on here. He is a forum member and a dealer so he can get you the best pricing around probably. So don't think on budget until you really know what you will be paying for. But I would shoot for the rf-62's amd rc-62 to match. That will surely get you buy for 10 years.

Cool Thanks! I will def contact them, I think the 62's will be a huge upgrade from what I have now and would be about as large as I would want to

go in this room. I would also grab a matching RC62 center.

I just picked up rf-62's. had a few sets before but the wife hates them! I have one big theater for myself and the small living room one for her. I keep buying rf-62's and trying to swap out the rf-42's but she always seems to notice! Lol oh well. Still got the man theater. That one is staying.

Thats too funny swapping out the bigger boys for the 42's, They definitely always figure it out thats for sure (ive tried similar in the past).

Also maybe take a look on newegg at the icon w line. The wf-35's are my favorite speaker I own for music! The center isn't on par with the rc-62 but it a

So cost half has much. The wf-35 tower is right there on par with the rf-62's so something else to look at. Plus they are super wife friendly speakers. Gorgeous finish!

I will take a look thanks,

[Wrinkles]

Welcome Back and congratulations on the new arrival.

From your pictures I see alot of nice tall items.

When your baby begins to pull itself up on things like speaker stands and pole lamps, then you will need to watch the toddler more carefully. Voice of experience talking. Toppling over of stuff happens. One of my kids climbed a CD display rack in an audio store as high as he could go until it came crashing down.

So, I would go with speakers with a larger base that cannot be pulled or pushed over easily.

Your HK is close to the floor, always check that volume knob before turning it on. Youngsters seem to love buttons and knobs.

Enjoy.