Scrappydue Posted September 16, 2016 Share Posted September 16, 2016 I say try the 701's out for music. If you like them use them In a seperate music only setup then buy you a nice sub. Movies are much better with a sub. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BusaDude Posted September 16, 2016 Share Posted September 16, 2016 (edited) 23 hours ago, AccessDenied said: You've got $500. You want better music audio - wife wants better movie audio. Needs to be a single system for both. What do you purchase next? A sub? Center? Mains? New receiver? The room is roughly 15'x20' if that matters... Try to be specific! Personally I'd start upgrading with either the subwoofer or the mains... Subwoofer - For $500 you can find a good entry level sub that would take a huge load off of the RB-35's. But you have a good size room and a $500 sub may not provide the "impact" you're expecting... compared to something in the $800-$1000 range. But, here are three choices from a couple of well known companies including Klipsch, (with return policies if you change your mind), that would be a good place to start. http://www.svsound.com/products/pb-1000 Or http://hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2mk4.html Or http://www.klipsch.com/products/reference-subwoofers#r-112sw Mains - You could get great "bang for your buck" if you're willing to search for some used floorstanding speakers. Any of these would be a great upgrade compared to the RB-35's and would satisfy both the music and home theater request. The Forte II is one of the most well respected Klipsch speakers and can literally do it all. You'd be set for quite a while with a pair of these and you can find them in the $500 range... https://web.archive.org/web/20120202130901/http://www.klipsch.com/forte-ii-floorstanding-speaker The KLF-20 is another model that will do both equally well. It can provide better low end impact and dynamics than the Forte II (just my opinion having owned both). So it would be a bit better for movies, while the Forte II is smoother and maybe the more musical of the two. https://web.archive.org/web/20111208093703/http://www.klipsch.com/klf-20 Both of those are older models, but are relatively easy to find on Craigslist and eBay. And they are both 3-way designs with a big Tractrix midrange horn... Which, (again my opinion) I think sounds better than any of the current Klipsch 2-way designs. If you wanted to stay closer to what you have, then a pair of RF-5's (2-way) from the reference line would be a good upgrade. But I don't see those available on the used market as often... https://web.archive.org/web/20130128102525/http://www.klipsch.com/rf-5-floorstanding-speaker If you upgrade your mains, then move the RB-35's to the surround position, and move on to the sub or center channel. For the record... The KLF-C7 is the center channel match for the KLF-20's and works VERY well with the Forte II. https://web.archive.org/web/20120111110400/http://www.klipsch.com/klf-c7 Of course there are LOTS of options to choose from, so make sure whatever you get sounds good to you in your room. Edited September 16, 2016 by GPBusa 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AccessDenied Posted September 16, 2016 Author Share Posted September 16, 2016 1 hour ago, GPBusa said: Personally I'd start upgrading with either the subwoofer or the mains... Subwoofer - For $500 you can find a good entry level sub that would take a huge load off of the RB-35's. But you have a good size room and a $500 sub may not provide the "impact" you're expecting... compared to something in the $800-$1000 range. But, here are three choices from a couple of well known companies including Klipsch, (with return policies if you change your mind), that would be a good place to start. http://www.svsound.com/products/pb-1000 Or http://hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2mk4.html Or http://www.klipsch.com/products/reference-subwoofers#r-112sw Mains - You could get great "bang for your buck" if you're willing to search for some used floorstanding speakers. Any of these would be a great upgrade compared to the RB-35's and would satisfy both the music and home theater request. The Forte II is one of the most well respected Klipsch speakers and can literally do it all. You'd be set for quite a while with a pair of these and you can find them in the $500 range... https://web.archive.org/web/20120202130901/http://www.klipsch.com/forte-ii-floorstanding-speaker The KLF-20 is another model that will do both equally well. It can provide better low end impact and dynamics than the Forte II (just my opinion having owned both). So it would be a bit better for movies, while the Forte II is smoother and maybe the more musical of the two. https://web.archive.org/web/20111208093703/http://www.klipsch.com/klf-20 Both of those are older models, but are relatively easy to find on Craigslist and eBay. And they are both 3-way designs with a big Tractrix midrange horn... Which, (again my opinion) I think sounds better than any of the current Klipsch 2-way designs. If you wanted to stay closer to what you have, then a pair of RF-5's (2-way) from the reference line would be a good upgrade. But I don't see those available on the used market as often... https://web.archive.org/web/20130128102525/http://www.klipsch.com/rf-5-floorstanding-speaker If you upgrade your mains, then move the RB-35's to the surround position, and move on to the sub or center channel. For the record... The KLF-C7 is the center channel match for the KLF-20's and works VERY well with the Forte II. https://web.archive.org/web/20120111110400/http://www.klipsch.com/klf-c7 Of course there are LOTS of options to choose from, so make sure whatever you get sounds good to you in your room. Thanks for the links! There's actually a pair of Forte II on CL now not too far from me... $500 obo. I'll look into these. Also see a KLF10 for $425. I think from the same seller... Is that a good deal? Thanks again for the help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtr20 Posted September 16, 2016 Share Posted September 16, 2016 1 minute ago, AccessDenied said: Thanks for the links! There's actually a pair of Forte II on CL now not too far from me... $500 obo. I'll look into these. Also see a KLF10 for $425. I think from the same seller... Is that a good deal? Thanks again for the help! Both of these speakers are great speakers. Unless the klf 10 is in perfect cosmetic condition, I would value it on the lower side, like $300ish. I think the forte ii's are reasonably priced for a best offer a little lower, based on cosmetic condition as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrappydue Posted September 16, 2016 Share Posted September 16, 2016 Forte2 would be my choice if there are ones local to you. Klf-10 can't shake a stick at them 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimjimbo Posted September 16, 2016 Share Posted September 16, 2016 Forte II absolutely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnA Posted September 16, 2016 Share Posted September 16, 2016 You need to look at this as a build project. Subwoofers next. Something like 2 or these, 2, or 4 will give more output at lower distortion and spread out standing waves: http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1500-15-150-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-634 Can you build? 2 of these: http://www.parts-express.com/powered-eminence-8-with-dual-passive-radiator-200-watt-subwoofer-kit--300-7108 Maybe one of these. Multiple subs are better. http://www.parts-express.com/klipsch-r-12sw-12-200-watt-powered-subwoofer--247-2031 Next you will look for a center speaker. A single RB-35, or the Klipsch center that matches. Your 2 RB-35 could be used as dual centers (or rear surrounds, eventually) and R-24Fs added as mains. Rear surrounds add some cool stuff, but little enough they can be added last. Finally ANOTHER $500-ish for rear surrounds. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BusaDude Posted September 17, 2016 Share Posted September 17, 2016 19 hours ago, AccessDenied said: Thanks for the links! There's actually a pair of Forte II on CL now not too far from me... $500 obo. I'll look into these. Also see a KLF10 for $425. I think from the same seller... Is that a good deal? Thanks again for the help! A couple of things to consider regarding price... both the KLF and Forte II are covered in wood veneers. Those that are finished in satin black paint, will be at the lower end of the price scale, as opposed to the oiled walnut, oiled oak, medium oak or mahogany finishes. So if the Forte II's are in satin black start your offer closer to $400-$425. Of course, a mint pair in Walnut Oil, with no scratches, dings, water marks or issues with the grilles (no holes, snags, broken pegs) would be worth more. The KLF10 is a really nice speaker as well. And with the dual 10" woofers it will thump right along with the KLF 20 on the low end. However it is a 2 way design... https://web.archive.org/web/20120101175029/http://www.klipsch.com/klf-10 So it doesn't have a separate midrange and tweeter, and crosses over much higher (2300 Hz) compared to the 3-way designs of the KLF20 and Forte II. And unless it happens to be finished in Mahogany and in perfect/mint condition (with original boxes) then it's not worth $425 in my opinion. If it's black satin it's closer to the $300-$325 range. I think nearly everyone would agree that the Forte II is the "better" speaker. And assuming both are in good condition with no issues, it would be my choice between the two. But if both are for sale locally and you can listen to them, and happen to like the sound of the KLF 10, then don't discount it. Particularly if you can get it for $300 or so. And it would still be a huge upgrade from the RB-35. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woofers and Tweeters Posted September 17, 2016 Share Posted September 17, 2016 Forte II 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjptkd Posted September 17, 2016 Share Posted September 17, 2016 Forte II's for sure and that's the direction I'd move in if I were you. A nice, full-sized set of mains will give you not only significantly better sound quality but more volume and a ton more bass. If the forte II's are in good shape grab them up, you and the wife should be very pleased with the results. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woofers and Tweeters Posted September 18, 2016 Share Posted September 18, 2016 Forte II have more for the money than most others. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted September 18, 2016 Share Posted September 18, 2016 What the above all said. I own three pairs of forte IIs. You will never find better overall for the money. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woofers and Tweeters Posted September 18, 2016 Share Posted September 18, 2016 Use the receiver that you have, along with the RB-35 (great speaker) and add the sub, center and someday towers for a HT. If you can score a pair of Forte or Forte II and an old school receiver or integrated amp (such as Yamaha, HK, Sansui, Marantz, etc or (the Holy Grail) McIntosh) and use it for 2 channel you and whoever else experiences it will be another addict. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AccessDenied Posted September 19, 2016 Author Share Posted September 19, 2016 Well, looks like the Forte IIs I was looking at sold to someone else over the weekend... The search continues for a set of towers to pair with my RB-35s! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woofers and Tweeters Posted September 19, 2016 Share Posted September 19, 2016 That happens. There will be more, trust me. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzydog Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 On 9/15/2016 at 11:59 AM, AccessDenied said: Here! I'll throw in a wrench... My dad just told me he has a pair of Bose 701 floorstanding speakers for me when I move into the new house. I really don't like Bose, and I wouldn't want to sell my dad's speakers. These could work temporarily though while I save up for some RF-7s. Thoughts on the Bose 701s with the Klipsch RB-35s? Would I move the RB-35s as rears? I've not heard the 701s, but I grew up listening to my dads 901s powered by Harmon Kardon which I thought were great for casual music listening (go ahead...flame on). I wouldn't sell my dads speakers either. That being said, I would not pair them with Klipsch in a system. They're incompatible IMO. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AccessDenied Posted September 20, 2016 Author Share Posted September 20, 2016 14 hours ago, FuzzyDog said: I've not heard the 701s, but I grew up listening to my dads 901s powered by Harmon Kardon which I thought were great for casual music listening (go ahead...flame on). I wouldn't sell my dads speakers either. That being said, I would not pair them with Klipsch in a system. They're incompatible IMO. I appreciate your honesty! I don't know what to do with them... If you google Bose 701 classic - I guess I'll plug them in and see... If they are that bad I'll ask my dad if I can sell them to replace with some Klipsch - He might be okay with that?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woofers and Tweeters Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 I've had a few pair of Bose. Never had any of those. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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