Matching RF-5s for HT Surrounds

[Craigsttaa]

I recently purchased used:

 

RF-7(i) (x2) - L/R

RC-7 - Center

RF-5 (x2) - Surround

R-115SW (x2) - Subs

Pioneer Elite VSX-54VX - backup amp (not using but included)

12 guage wire and LFE cables included

 

I paid $2k USD for the lot, local pickup, so I'm hoping this was a good deal!?!

 

So far I am loving the setup, but now I am looking for another pair of floor speakers to complete the 7.2 setup as rear speakers. I'm looking thru the used market for floor speakers which should match the RF-5 reasonably well, so all four surround speakers will be balanced.

 

I'm looking through the Klipsch historical lineup:

RF-5 > RF-82 > RF-82ii > RP-280F > RP8000F

 

Of these options, are any not comparable to the RF-5s that I just purchased? Are these all basically the same, or is there daylight between the various models, or models to avoid? I am basically looking for the best used deal I can find to round out the set. I'm not sure if I should just wait for another RF-5 set to surface at a reasonable price (they seem to be more rare) so there is a perfect match, or if any of these models will fill in fine.

 

Any help / advice is appreciated.

 

 

[jjptkd]

51 minutes ago, Craigsttaa said:

I'm looking through the Klipsch historical lineup:

RF-5 > RF-82 > RF-82ii > RP-280F > RP8000F

 

Of these options, are any not comparable to the RF-5s that I just purchased? Are these all basically the same, or is there daylight between the various models, or models to avoid? I am basically looking for the best used deal I can find to round out the set. I'm not sure if I should just wait for another RF-5 set to surface at a reasonable price (they seem to be more rare) so there is a perfect match, or if any of these models will fill in fine.

 

Any help / advice is appreciated.

 

 

I'd keep an eye out for the RF-3 or the RF-35 personally until another pair of 5's roll along, you might find that they are plenty good for surround duty.

[Craigsttaa]

Appreciate the advice - I can add those models to the watch list as well.

 

There is a guy in my city with RF-5s for sale currently for $700...but that seems like way too much for 15+ year-old speakers that will get relegated to surround duty.

[jjptkd]

9 minutes ago, Craigsttaa said:

There is a guy in my city with RF-5s for sale currently for $700...but that seems like way too much for 15+ year-old speakers that will get relegated to surround duty.

 

I bought a pair in mint condition from the original owner a few years ago for $500 and was happy to pay it some of the best speakers I ever owned. 

 

For surround duty I think RF-3's would be just fine and you can usually find them for $150-$300 a pair.

[Zen Traveler]

1 hour ago, Craigsttaa said:

Appreciate the advice - I can add those models to the watch list as well.

 

There is a guy in my city with RF-5s for sale currently for $700...but that seems like way too much for 15+ year-old speakers that will get relegated to surround duty.

I'd offer him $500 if they were in good condition.

[billybob]

1 hour ago, Zen Traveler said:

I'd offer him $500 if they were in good condition.

Really good condition. Even if maple.

[Craigsttaa]

17 hours ago, jjptkd said:

 

I bought a pair in mint condition from the original owner a few years ago for $500 and was happy to pay it some of the best speakers I ever owned. 

 

For surround duty I think RF-3's would be just fine and you can usually find them for $150-$300 a pair.

Sounds like a great plan on the Rf-3's. The wife is already not thrilled with the amount of money spent, so if i could snag these for ~$200 to complete the setup, that would help to keep the peace around the house... any concerns with the age of these speakers? I am seeing the RF-3's date back to 2001 or earlier in same cases.

[jjptkd]

6 minutes ago, Craigsttaa said:

Sounds like a great plan on the Rf-3's. The wife is already not thrilled with the amount of money spent, so if i could snag these for ~$200 to complete the setup, that would help to keep the peace around the house... any concerns with the age of these speakers? I am seeing the RF-3's date back to 2001 or earlier in same cases.

Just make sure all the drivers are working they are the same age as the rest of your speakers so I wouldn't worry too much crossovers are fairly simple and cheap to rebuild and there's usually plenty of used replacement drivers on eBay. The RF-5's, RF-3's and RC-7 all use the same woofers the RF-5 and RF-3 use the same tweeter diaphragm. 

[Craigsttaa]

16 hours ago, Zen Traveler said:

I'd offer him $500 if they were in good condition.

Cool insight on the value...I was a bit uncertain given these speakers are well aged at this point. I don't think this particular guy is coming down. I offered him $600, and his starting price was actually $800, and has since offered $700. I'll honor the $600 if he wants to do a deal, since I already offered it...but yes definitely not going any higher. I'm a patient buyer and can wait

[Craigsttaa]

12 minutes ago, jjptkd said:

Just make sure all the drivers are working they are the same age as the rest of your speakers so I wouldn't worry too much crossovers are fairly simple and cheap to rebuild and there's usually plenty of used replacement drivers on eBay. The RF-5's, RF-3's and RC-7 all use the same woofers the RF-5 and RF-3 use the same tweeter diaphragm. 

awesome you know a lot about this speaker line, appreciate the help! I was having trouble finding reliable info online given their age.

[jjptkd]

Just now, Craigsttaa said:

awesome you know a lot about this speaker line, appreciate the help! I was having trouble finding reliable info online given their age.

Yeah I've owned several sets of this line over the years they truly are a great set the RF-5's are one of my all time favorite Klipsch speakers think they're really hard to beat for their size and price point 

[billybob]

There has been a pair of RF-3 for over 2 months now at 300

on a local Craigslist. Yes, check the woofers for dents/creases.

☕

[Zen Traveler]

I just noticed you didn't have RB-75s on your list. Fwiw, if you are lucky enough to find a pair they should go to the top of your list! They are a bookshelf speaker but were voice-matched and designed to go with the RF-7s. Wood veneer and made in Hope, Arkansas. 

[Craigsttaa]

17 hours ago, Zen Traveler said:

I just noticed you didn't have RB-75s on your list. Fwiw, if you are lucky enough to find a pair they should go to the top of your list! They are a bookshelf speaker but were voice-matched and designed to go with the RF-7s. Wood veneer and made in Hope, Arkansas. 

Thanks for the note. After taking a look at their specs, I will keep these on the watch list as well. I was looking for floor standers, but to your point this is another possibility that could implement well into the system. I also like the front ported design. In the theater, they would likely be on or close to the back wall. I actually do have bookshelves in my main living room, so if I got them I could keep looking for floors and have the ability to repurpose them to the shelves.

[Craigsttaa]

18 hours ago, Zen Traveler said:

I just noticed you didn't have RB-75s on your list. Fwiw, if you are lucky enough to find a pair they should go to the top of your list! They are a bookshelf speaker but were voice-matched and designed to go with the RF-7s. Wood veneer and made in Hope, Arkansas. 

Zen - What crossover setting do you use for your setup, if you don't mind my asking? My AVR limits me to either 80hz or 50hz for all speakers (no ability to set for individual speakers). I have read 60hz might be the sweet spot, but I don't have that option.

 

I do use the system for music listening, and I am finding after limited trial and error that 50hz seems to sound better for music.

 

For home theater, I can't tell to much of a difference. My only concern is the strain on the AVR running the RF-7s, RC-7 and the RF-5s all together...maybe I don't need to worry too much. My dual R-115SW are only turned up half way on the gain, otherwise they shake my drywall too much.

[jjptkd]

1 hour ago, Craigsttaa said:

Thanks for the note. After taking a look at their specs, I will keep these on the watch list as well.

The 75's are great speakers but good luck finding a pair for less than $600-- in fact lately they've been selling for $800+

[jjptkd]

1 hour ago, Craigsttaa said:

I also like the front ported design. In the theater, they would likely be on or close to the back wall. I actually do have bookshelves in my main living room, so if I got them I could keep looking for floors and have the ability to repurpose them to the shelves.

A much cheaper option for a front ported bookshelf would be the RB-35's-- can find them sometimes for around $150 or so great little speaker if you're trying to stick to a budget. 

[Zen Traveler]

1 hour ago, Craigsttaa said:

Zen - What crossover setting do you use for your setup, if you don't mind my asking? My AVR limits me to either 80hz or 50hz for all speakers (no ability to set for individual speakers). I have read 60hz might be the sweet spot, but I don't have that option.

RF-7s at 60 Hz and the rest (other than heights) at 80 Hz. You should be good at 80 Hz for the whole system.

33 minutes ago, jjptkd said:

The 75's are great speakers but good luck finding a pair for less than $600-- in fact lately they've been selling for $800+

Yep. I consider them the best bang-for-your buck Klipsch speaker. They are excellent as mains and keep up with the RC-7 in clarity and can be used as surrounds/rears with any generation of RF-7s. 

[Craigsttaa]

On 12/8/2021 at 10:58 AM, billybob said:

There has been a pair of RF-3 for over 2 months now at 300

on a local Craigslist. Yes, check the woofers for dents/creases.

☕

I am seeing a pair of RF-3 listed for $350. The seller claims they are in very good condition with no dents/creases on the woofers. He is also 2 hours away from me...

 

I might jump on them if they are still available this weekend, as that is the soonest i could make the drive. I'm still debating if I want to be more patient and wait for a pair of RF-5s to come up, so all of my surround speakers match. But the RF-5s seem pretty rare and the asking price is generally pretty high

[billybob]

Yes, for that distance look at how long they have been listed.

2 hours one way, seller maybe able to cut you some slack.

The grilles if important to you tend to break where they attach to speaker.

Maybe a demo if you decide.

Yes, same here on the 5s.

Good pics help, but are not definite. 

Your decision to commit to make the trip or, sleep on it.

In this length of time, who knows if he has those foot 

stands for them, which are 

important to some.

Another is, if decent enough 

condition, you may be able to recoup some funds if some 5s

do pop up in future. 

@Craigsttaa 

Have I missed anything?☕