RogerG Posted May 15, 2001 Share Posted May 15, 2001 First off, thank you Klipsch for changing the website; much better looking and easier to navigate. One(many) questions though. Looking at the specs for the new Reference RF-5 doesn't mention if it is a 2 1/2 way design(maybe it's not). Also, the woofer model number(k-1083-SB) is the same for the RF-3 and RF-5. The manual for my RF-3's has woofer model # K-1038-S. Has Klipsch changed (upgraded) the woofers in the rf-3 since it's introduction? (I bought mine when they were first introduced in 1999). By looking at the specs on the website, the only differences I can see between the rf-3 and 5 are the tweeters and cabinets. Any input would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbobo Posted May 15, 2001 Share Posted May 15, 2001 I can't answer your? but I also notice the power handling is now 150 watts instead of 225. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boa12 Posted May 15, 2001 Share Posted May 15, 2001 roger, don't know on the specifics of the woofers, but i have heard the new refs for one will have a different network - the tapered array variety like in the rc-3. hence the 2 1/2 way moniker. it does say that in the product(s) description on the site. i just saw that they're also using monster Z wire in the new ones. 1st i've heard of any joint ventures w/ monstercable. think the site's a work in progress ------------------ Klipsch KLF 30 (front), KLF C-7, Cornwall I (rear) Velodyne HGS-18 sub woofer Monsterbass 400 sub interconnects & Monster CX-2 biwire & Z-12 cable Marantz SR-8000 receiver Sony DVP-C650D cd/dvd player Sony Trinitron 27" stereo tv Toshiba hi-fi stereo vcr Technics dual cassette deck Scientific Atlanta Explorer 2000 digital cable box Boa's Listenin Lounge: Klipsch RF-3 (front), RC-3, cheap little Technics (rear) Monster MCX Biwires Sony STR-DE935 a/v receiver Kenwood KR-9600 AM/FM stereo receiver (vintage 1975) Roussound AB-2 receiver switch to RF-3 Teac PD-D1200 5-disk cd changer Technics direct drive turntable Sega Genesis game player Sub: None yet rock on! This message has been edited by boa12 on 05-15-2001 at 08:10 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JimG Posted May 16, 2001 Share Posted May 16, 2001 The power rating of 225 watts for the RF-3 was a mistake made in the literature that has permeated itself all throughout the company. Also, the 1038 model number was a transposition error (1083) made in the lit that also made it into the manual that then people thought was right. I changed both of those things on the spec page for the RF-3 to show them correctly. No changes have been done to the RF-3 to lower its power rating. Simply a marketing mistake that has lived a long life. We apologize. The RF-3 and RF-5 both use the same woofer. None of the Reference floorstanders (RF-3, 5 & 7) are 2 and half way designs. We had planned for the 5 & 7 to be 2.5's, but they simply sounded better when we voiced them as 2-way designs. (The RC-3 and RC-7 are both 2.5-way networks.) There are a number of differences between the RF-3 and RF-5, but many of them cannot be expressed in specs. Both share the same woofer and same tweeter motor, but the 5 gets the new 8" horn and therefore has much better imaging and soundstage presentation. The cabinet for the 5 is real wood and much larger and includes a new larger port with an internal flare. Those items add up to better low bass extension from the 5. The 5 is also better voiced thru the midrange. The 5 gets a new grille design and bigger feet and features the Monster Cable internal wire. As I said, many of the differences cannot quantified in specs - you will simply need to listen to them and decide for yourself. Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bensilb Posted May 16, 2001 Share Posted May 16, 2001 Jim or Bob, I noticed on the back of my RF-3s a power rating of 225. Is this a mistake? Is it really 150? What is the power rating of the new RF-5s? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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