Jump to content

Need advice on RP-150M /RP-160M


MeloManiac

Recommended Posts

For many days now I have been reading about the Klipsch RP-150M (or the RP-160M) speakers. I'm still not sure if these speakers are enough of an upgrade compared to my current set up, and for that reason I ask your advice.

  • In my listening room, I have a Denon D 41M +DAB microsystem. It comes with its standard speakers.  (https://www.whathifi.com/denon/d-m41dab/review )
  • In my living room, I have a 'vintage' Onkyo system dating back to the 1980s. This is the system I grew up with. It comes with large, floor standing speakers that have a nice, full sound (type: model s-05, max power handling 20W, 8 ohm). The amplifier is Onkyo A-05).

 

I'm no specialist, but I'm very curious about how the Klipsch speakers would sound on both systems. Both amps are definitely not high end, so  I'm just afraid of being disappointed when investing in these Klipsch speakers, and it turns out there is little improvement in audio quality.

 

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Edited by LeftEyeShooter
added reference to the RP-160M
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Replying to my own post... I love this. 🤨

Today my RP160Ms (new), were delivered. These are my first thoughts.

  • Does the Denon M41 DAB microsystem drive the RP160-Ms well? Oh, yes it does! This little micro system is only 70W (2x35W), but I've been listening at volume 12 to 18, while it goes up to 40. This is more than enough for me! The Klipsch speakers are more than double the size of the original Denon bookshelf speakers that came with the microsystem. They make them look like dwarfs, and the Klipsch speakers are so overwhelming accoustically... I don't even dare to connect the Denons again. The Yahama subwoofer, which I bought to give the denon  speakers more punch, is redundant now...
     
  • Do the RP160Ms beat my old 'vintage' Onkyo system? Yes and no... Some instruments, like a contrabassoon,  are better reproduced by the Onkyo system, certainly when playing at low volume. I will try to connect the Klipsch speakers to the Onkyo amplifyer too, to hear what they sound like. I will report back here when that is done.
    UPDATE:  I hooked up the Klipsch speakers to the Onkyo amplifier. The sound is disappointing in the low frequencies. No wow-factor here. No improvement when turning up the volume. So I quickly connected them to the Denon M41 again. This little microsystem makes the Klipsch shine: rich in low and high frequencies, much better sound stage.
    It seems the Onkyo amp and the Onkyo speakers work well together, while the Denon amp matches well with the Klipsch speakers.

     

Do I like the Klipsch RP 160 Ms? Yes I do. These are very powerful speakers. More than enough for my household! They do need to be placed apart by a couple of meters at least, so I did need to rearrange some of the furniture. Now I need to find  a cabinet or so to put them on. They are too large for bookshelves... For now, I put them on the carpet, which is not ideal.

 

My listening experience: 

These speakers certainly have their own character and once I started listening, I couldn't stop for the next two hours. They are revealing, and some recordings turn out amazing, while others, surprisingly, don't. I 've been playing CDs and for streaming music, I have used the Qobuz app on my Amazon Kindle (mp3, 320Kbs).

 

U2's Achtung Baby, one of my favourite albums ever, was 'just ok', while Pearl Jam's Ten and Lenny Kravitz' Let love rule were very impressive and exciting. Porgy and Bess (Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong) again was 'just ok', while Bill Evans' Sunday at the Village Vanguard... well it was like I was really there with the bass position on the left, and the piano to the right. Michael Jackson 's Thriller sounds absolutely brilliant, and so does Pink Floyd's Meddle. Michael Hedges' Aerial Boundaries sounds just right.

I'm not sure what this mixed listening experience means. Perhaps the albums that are 'just ok' were mixed/edited in a bad way (hard to believe for some of them, though), while the others, the Klipsch speakers make them shine?

 

Conclusion:

I 'm so glad that my little Denon micro system works so well in combination with these speakers. No regrets!

 

DSCF4466.JPG

DSCF4468.JPG

DSCF4472.JPG

Edited by LeftEyeShooter
update on Onkyo amp
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 7 months later...

update

My current setup: Klipsch rp160m, pro-ject essential III, marantz pm5005. With source direct engaged, this is the best sound quality in my home! Remarkable bass and 3d soundstage.

 

Compared to the Denon amp, the marantz is more mellow, warm and laid back.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...