Need more information on RB-5 II

[have_5_kids]

Hey everybody,

 

I'm new to the Klipsch Community and I recently acquired a pair of Klipsch RB-5 II's that are new in their original plastic bags, packing and box.  I was unable to find specs on the klipsch website (might not have looked in the right place) and couldn't find much on the original price or the value today.  I was wondering if anyone could help me with that and maybe give me an idea what the value might be if I were to sell them.  These were stored for many years and I purchased on CL from a person that received them to settle a debt from the original purchaser.  They have been removed from the box and they appeared to have been handled over the years but have never been put into use.  Of coarse I tested them to just make sure they weren't damaged as my intent was to resell them (not so much after the testing phase though).  Just because of the short production run (3 years I believe) and my inability to find much on the rarity of RB-5 II's listed for sale, I thought I would seek the assistance from a group that care's what goes into their ears.  Thanks in advance for any input.

[The History Kid]

$850 was their original MSRP.

$300-400 is their current asking price in very good condition.

[BusaDude]

During a recent website update, most of the pages, "specs", etc, (for the discontinued models) were not retained, were lost or still haven't been updated... depending on who you believe.

Unfortunately the only place to see that information now is a web archive page...

https://web.archive.org/web/20120425015803/http://www.klipsch.com/rb-5-ii-bookshelf-speaker

[have_5_kids]

Thanks for the info.  I did see one thread somewhere that was a review with the RB-5's and those were MSRP'd at $800 and further on the article it referenced the upcoming II's to be $50 more.  Oh and thanks for the link, that's the specs I was looking for.  Other than the handling fingerprints and a little dust from being stored, they pretty much are in mint condition.  I may hang on for my surround system as sides (have KLF-20 towers for mains, KLF-C7 center, RS-7 rears and a pair of RW-12d subs all in black) but I've never had the 7.2 system fully and don't really think will or could enhance what I already have for speakers.  They might be better off in my den (cave)!  At any rate thanks again, and I'm leaning towards keeping these, they seem like they are getting harder to find.  Plus I believe they fit in with my RS-7's era (lord only knows how long I searched for those!).  Attached photo is of bottoms, and these bookshelf speakers having no feet, well that kinda tells a story of if these went into use or not (unless they used coasters).

 

I guess it won't let me add the photo
 

[The History Kid]

The RB series did not come with any "feet." The speakers were usually presumed to be on stands that had their own padding. Neither my RB-5MA's nor my RB-3CH's have feet, nor did my RB-25's.

The RB-5's are probably still the best value speaker out there when they're available, simply due to the fact that the market dictates them in the range around $300. The only thing I really know that might be better in Klipsch's arsenal at that price point is the RP-160M's at $100 more.

I'd only part with them if I had access to the RB-75's.

Edited June 7, 2016 by IbizaFlame

[have_5_kids]

Yeah, the 75's are sweet, a little taller but with the port in the front definitely worth it as far as placement versatility.  Oh and the reference to the bottom of my RB-5 II's was to show how unscathed they are.  Sound wise they do hit hard in fact did a side by side sound check with an AR-58s (not fair since this is a 3-way) and they sounded great together with the AR only slightly pulling out some mids the Klipsch might have been missing.  And for the size, I would have to declare the RB-5 II's areal power house and winner in the bookshelf category.

[The History Kid]

The larger 1.75" driver also boasts a bit more demand on the 75's.

Glad you enjoy the 5's, and hope you continue to do so!

[mattSER]

I'm not sure if you'd be able to sell those for any more than $300. I've bought multiple pairs of RB-5ii's and paid around $160-180 each time.

I think a mint pair with boxes will max out around $250-300...at least in my market.

I did really enjoy them though! They are SUPER smooth. Nearly too smooth, almost to the point of being a bit dim.

I always appreciate the Klipsch models that have a distinctive sound. Those are the ones you never forget. It's because of this that the RB-5 absolutely trumps all other RB models with the sole exception of the RB-75.

The RP-160m is such a drastically different design, it's hard to compare to the older tractrix horn RBs. I definitely do find it to be superior to the RB-5 though.

[The History Kid]

If you ever find a pair in that price range, buy them for me straight away.

I should also have mentioned that finish would play a role in pricing too. The Mahogany ones are just......sexy.