wes8398 Posted November 24, 2017 Share Posted November 24, 2017 RB-51 / RB-15, RC-52 / RC-25 - Are the newer models worth the extra money? I see a significant change in the cross-over frequencies, but most other surface details seem fairly comparable. Does newer necessarily mean better, in the case of these speakers? Here's some background if you're interested... I'm helping my step-Father rebuild his home theatre system. 20+ year old Boston Acoustic bookshelves have basically all bit the dust, and his similarily-aged Pioneer receiver... is clipping and randomly shutting down. His criteria for me: - 5.1 system - No floorstand speakers - Bookshelves as close to his current speaker's size as possible (8x5x7 -ish) - ~$1000-$1500 budget, including a new receiver. My Plan: - 4 bookshelf speakers - RB-15's or RB-51's (*began by looking at the newer R-15s and think I talked myself out of them after some research) - Center Speaker - RC-25 or RC-52 (*see note above) - Sub - R-12SW - 5.1 receiver - Really, no idea yet. Room details: - ~25x25 room, opening to another room behind the TV - A/V / Seats set up diagonally from corner to opposite corner (not my choice, but this is how he wants it) - drywalled 3/4 basement room with carpet, blinds, curtains, leather and cloth furniture... lots of sound deadening. Ok, I think that's the end of my 1st post. Hope I followed all the rules, and included all the relevant information. Thanks in advance, guys and girls. Wes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The History Kid Posted November 24, 2017 Share Posted November 24, 2017 The "new reference" isn't reference at all. The equivalent line is the Reference Premier. Don't waste your time on the R series. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wes8398 Posted November 24, 2017 Author Share Posted November 24, 2017 Isn't that why I'm NOT considering the r-15m and it's family? The RB-51 and RB-15 aren't the "new reference" line... are they? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted November 24, 2017 Share Posted November 24, 2017 Just now, wes8398 said: The RB-51 and RB-15 aren't the "new reference" line... are they? The RB-51 is Ref IV and RB-15 Ref III. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oscarsear Posted November 24, 2017 Share Posted November 24, 2017 I have owned 2 pairs of new Klipschorns that were decades apart in age and the newer ones did not sound as good as the older ones. Perhaps Klipsch is doing like most industries and seeking to squeeze more profits from cheaper built products? These forums have gone from deeply respected customer relationships to commercial banter and shallow PC dialogue. Sad to witness good traditions go rusty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivernuggets Posted November 24, 2017 Share Posted November 24, 2017 27 minutes ago, oscarsear said: These forums have gone from deeply respected customer relationships to commercial banter and shallow PC dialogue. Sad to witness good traditions go rusty. With generation gaps nothing stays the same. Post more often....steer us back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wes8398 Posted November 24, 2017 Author Share Posted November 24, 2017 35 minutes ago, willland said: The RB-51 is Ref IV and RB-15 Ref III. Bill I already understand that the 51 is newer than the 15. I'm looking for guidance regarding whether it's worth 40% more money to go with the IV over the III. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted November 24, 2017 Share Posted November 24, 2017 34 minutes ago, wes8398 said: I already understand that the 51 is newer than the 15. I'm looking for guidance regarding whether it's worth 40% more money to go with the IV over the III. Got it. Both have 5.25" woofers and are rear ported correct? Crossover frequency is pretty much the only mechanical change as far as I know. I say go with which is the best bang for your buck. If both are in great condition, the RB-15's are the way I would lean. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woofers and Tweeters Posted November 24, 2017 Share Posted November 24, 2017 57 minutes ago, Rivernuggets said: 1 hour ago, oscarsear said: These forums have gone from deeply respected customer relationships to commercial banter and shallow PC dialogue. Sad to witness good traditions go rusty. With generation gaps nothing stays the same. Post more often....steer us back. I agree 100% and we start a thread in the lounge about it, again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The History Kid Posted November 25, 2017 Share Posted November 25, 2017 The wording of the original topic and the R-12SW is what I think made me have the impression you were misguided. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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