billybob Posted November 25, 2013 Share Posted November 25, 2013 After looking at the specs on both of these, I wonder how much of a difference there is really between the 2: http://www.klipsch.com/rf-3-floorstanding-speaker/details#specs http://www.klipsch.com/klipsch-classic-rf-5-floorstanding-speaker/details#specs Looking like there are small differences but, maybe a whole other world of sound. In other words, is an upgrade to the RF-5 worth it? I am still discovering the RF-3's...and liking it alot. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philly0116 Posted November 25, 2013 Share Posted November 25, 2013 In my opinion its worth it. The RF-5 is not only taller, it has the same horn as the RF-7. Ive had the 3 and the 5, the RF-5 had a much bigger presence to me. Better soundstage as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted November 25, 2013 Author Share Posted November 25, 2013 In my opinion its worth it. The RF-5 is not only taller, it has the same horn as the RF-7. Ive had the 3 and the 5, the RF-5 had a much bigger presence to me. Better soundstage as well. Alright thanks! Was thinking that may be the case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wstrickland1 Posted November 25, 2013 Share Posted November 25, 2013 I don't think the RF 5 and the RF 7 have the same tweeter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philly0116 Posted November 25, 2013 Share Posted November 25, 2013 (edited) I don't think the RF 5 and the RF 7 have the same tweeter. They have the same 8" 90 x 60 horn, the tweeters are different, yes....Horns the same. RF-7 has a 1.75" tweeter, RF-5 has a 1". The larger horn on the 5 being larger than the horn on the 3, though makes it worth the upgrade, to me anyway, having heard both side by side. The RF-5 has the edge on the low end to....thats not just my opinion, its a fact. Edited November 25, 2013 by philly0116 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted November 25, 2013 Author Share Posted November 25, 2013 That difference in the Tractrix in the RF-3 and the 5, is a nice upgrade if looking and comparing. Four pounds weight diff. Larger presence. And then the RF-5 has the same Tractrix as the 7. If correct in my understanding of what was said. Now that is significant. Thanks for helping you all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philly0116 Posted November 25, 2013 Share Posted November 25, 2013 I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone, who has heard both the RF-3 & RF-5, that would say dont make the upgrade if you have the chance. The RF-3 is a great speaker but there is an audible difference between the two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuBXeRo Posted November 25, 2013 Share Posted November 25, 2013 Hands down worth the upgrade. The RF-5's have a more distinguishable low end that goes deeper than the 3 does and the presence is larger as well. Overall, it is a refined speaker and I love it! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldenough Posted November 26, 2013 Share Posted November 26, 2013 Bought a pair of RF-5's when they first came out, never felt the need or the itch to get rid of 'em, also have the RB-5's another real gem. ..the 5's have seen la Scala's, Kg4's, Tangent's, and Heresy's come and go. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich_Guy Posted November 26, 2013 Share Posted November 26, 2013 (edited) Yes, I am the original owner of my RF-5's never had an urge to replace them even though everything else in my system has been upgraded several times. I love the sound of the RF-5's I think they are one of the most balanced and natural sounding speakers. The RF-5's sound considerably better than the RF-3's, better bass and much more refined detail. The RF-5's have the larger horn as mentioned. The tweeters in the RF-5 are different than the RF-3 as well, (same size but not the same). The crossover of the RF-5 is different than the RF-3. The cabinet of the RF-5 is larger than the RF-3. The RF-5's have real wood veneer as opposed to the RF-3 having vinyl. The RF-5's are made in the USA in Hope Arkansas, I am not sure if the RF-3's were or not, I think the Klipsch speakers in vinyl finish may all come from China. Edited November 26, 2013 by Rich_Guy 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philly0116 Posted November 26, 2013 Share Posted November 26, 2013 I at one point, and may still in the future, wanted to sell my RF-83's and buy a pair of 5's and pocket the extra cash for another amp or something. The RF-5 to me is that good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich_Guy Posted November 26, 2013 Share Posted November 26, 2013 I at one point, and may still in the future, wanted to sell my RF-83's and buy a pair of 5's and pocket the extra cash for another amp or something. The RF-5 to me is that good. And a nice amp really brings the RF-5's to life! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted November 26, 2013 Author Share Posted November 26, 2013 Appreciate all the feedback. Was not aware of the following of the RF-5. Nice endorsements. If then they are all that, that may be my next acquisition, instead of moving to the 7's next. The Reference line have read alot about here with interest. Listening to the RF-3's for a short period, and from what is said, the RF-5's may be the next logical step for a Reference upgrade. Indeed, glad I asked. The RF'5, I was not fully aware of. Thanks some more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted November 26, 2013 Author Share Posted November 26, 2013 Appreciate all the feedback. Was not aware of the following of the RF-5. Nice endorsements. If then they are all that, that may be my next acquisition, instead of moving to the 7's next. The Reference line have read alot about here with interest. Listening to the RF-3's for a short period, and from what is said, the RF-5's may be the next logical step for a Reference upgrade. Indeed, glad I asked. The RF'5, I was not fully aware of. Thanks some more! Guess the next is, are there any happy/content RF-3 owners' who feel no desire to upgrade? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackGTS Posted November 26, 2013 Share Posted November 26, 2013 Appreciate all the feedback. Was not aware of the following of the RF-5. Nice endorsements. If then they are all that, that may be my next acquisition, instead of moving to the 7's next. The Reference line have read alot about here with interest. Listening to the RF-3's for a short period, and from what is said, the RF-5's may be the next logical step for a Reference upgrade. Indeed, glad I asked. The RF'5, I was not fully aware of. Thanks some more! Or you could jump from the 3s to the 83s like I did. Just try and find a pair and listen to them first. I have heard them side by side with the RF-7IIs and there is a difference. I haven't ever heard the 5s but I would think that they would have to be an upgrade over the 3s. Ron 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted November 26, 2013 Author Share Posted November 26, 2013 Was just looking at the pics of the RF83's side by side the RF3's. Congrats and hope you enjoy and enjoyed your roadtrip. I try sometime to keep a progression so that I can check out what I want/need for my use. I am listening to 2 channel with my RF3's. You have heard the RF83's along with the RF7II's? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackGTS Posted November 26, 2013 Share Posted November 26, 2013 Was just looking at the pics of the RF83's side by side the RF3's. Congrats and hope you enjoy and enjoyed your roadtrip. I try sometime to keep a progression so that I can check out what I want/need for my use. I am listening to 2 channel with my RF3's. You have heard the RF83's along with the RF7II's? Right next to each other at Youthman's house. Both are exceptional speakers but they are different. Ron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philly0116 Posted November 26, 2013 Share Posted November 26, 2013 For me personally, if I had to have one pair of speakers with all things taken into consideration, size, etc....I would go with the RF-5. Thats me personally. I like the sound. That may not be the case for others though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackGTS Posted November 26, 2013 Share Posted November 26, 2013 For me personally, if I had to have one pair of speakers with all things taken into consideration, size, etc....I would go with the RF-5. Thats me personally. I like the sound. That may not be the case for others though. That's a pretty big endorsement considering what you've had. Ron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philly0116 Posted November 26, 2013 Share Posted November 26, 2013 All things considered. Size, price, etc. The RF-5 is a comfortable speaker size wise, not to big, not to small, great size horn and great lows. Very impressive soundstage and can be bought for half what the RF-83 can be bought for. I love the 83's and clearly they are a great speaker but theres a lot of places they wont fit mainly due to the depth of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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