Question about purchasing Klipschorns

[doshi99]

I was offered a pair of Klipschorns (build date 1989) from a friend for roughly $2000-2300 (not sure on final price). Big fan of Klipsch sound for movies and music.

I am mostly a home theater fan, but would love to branch into music and was wondering if these would do everything and more for me? I have been using my RF-5's for stereo, and as great as they are, they dont (for music) match the same sound I heard from a B&W set I heard while at a local dealer. I am not saying that I would prefer the B&W sound to the Klipsch, just something I remember about 2-channel stereo.

For the home theater I am running a rc-7, rf-5, rb-5, rs3 package running from a rotel 1080/sony da4es system which I really enjoy. For my money, nothing beats my Klipsch line for movie playback (except maybe the rf-7).

If I were to pick the Klipschorns, I would run them mainly on the Rotel 1080, even though its overkill. I dont see myself getting a tube amp anytime soon (especially if I purchase the klispchorns).

I do however have a large room (dimensions including ceiling) and two great corners for them.

I guess my real question is, other then for collectible reasons, would I hear a big sonic difference between the rf-5 and klipschorns running them both off the 1080 solid state amp. I know with a tube amp it would different, but I dont have another 2K to drop on a tube right now.

Let me know what you think. Any feedback is more then appreciated.

doshi

[DrWho]

Well if they're coming from a friend then perhaps he will let you have a listen for yourself in your own room. Many here will claim that the khorn will blow your RF-5's and B&W out of the water for both HT and Music.

[Deang]

"...would I hear a big sonic difference between the rf-5 and klipschorns running them both off the 1080 solid state amp."

Yes, very much so. The sonic signatures between the two are very different.

[Daddy Dee]

That's a good price on those Khorns, too.

[3dzapper]

The closest anology that I can come up with is:

"You call that a knife?....This is a knife!!!"

When you get your Khorns, you'll know what I mean.

Rick

[garymd]

No comparison. Khorns are king. They'd be great in a big room and do well with both HT and music. The tube amp can wait until next year.

[Colin]

I heard super-sensitive walnut-oiled Cornwall 1s, with their B2 crossovers, in my own home, with the same music and equipment, for over a decade. I heard Reference series loudspeakers briefly over the years in the local Sound Advice/Tweeter audio boutique. I also had a chance to listen to a FR7 pair before Dean upgraded their crossovers with a number of different amplifiers at preacherman Daddydees May 2004 Klipsch gathering in Little Rock, Arkansas. We listened to tube amplifiers and classic Klipsch corner Khorns. Although I love what the big ole horns do with music, I have to admit being very impressed with the upgraded RF7s, for the money and size. There is now ay I would ever part with my Khorns, only continue to make them better. I love what the big ole horns can do, even if you are NOT a tweaking audiophile seeking the best watt in flea-powered amplification. As mains for a HT, I think you will love them and be blown away.

[Guest Anonymous]

if you can afford them buy them thats all i can say

[edwinr]

Buy the Klipschorns, you won't be disappointed. They will run fine with any decent solid state or tube amplifier. Amplifier quality is more important than the old tube v solid state debate.

[fgarib]

Doshi,

Yes, you will most definitely hear a sonic difference in the speakers you mentioned as opposed to the KHorns. And I'm sure you'll find the difference better sounding also.

However, the Rotel 1080, imho is not a very good match for these speakers. Having used them for a little while with my 71 Khorns, I just was not happy with their sound. Very tiring very quickly. Almost boomy.

Regarding your reservation about not being able to afford tube amplification, I think there have been an enormous number of threads about inexpensive such amplifiers which might be a good place to start.

Good Luck and buy them already!

-F

[fgarib]

Doshi,

Yes, you will most definitely hear a sonic difference in the speakers you mentioned as opposed to the KHorns. And I'm sure you'll find the difference better sounding also.

However, the Rotel 1080, imho is not a very good match for these speakers. Having used them for a little while with my 71 Khorns, I just was not happy with their sound. Very tiring very quickly. Almost boomy.

Regarding your reservation about not being able to afford tube amplification, I think there have been an enormous number of threads about inexpensive such amplifiers which might be a good place to start.

Good Luck and buy them already!

-F

[Parrot]

Welcome Doshi,

I'm not sure if you're talking about putting the Khorns in your home theatre set-up? If you do, they'd sound great for two channel music or movies, but you'd find that your other speakers don't work as well in the system as a whole anymore for multi-channel movies. You'd at least want to get a center that fits well with the Khorns: a Belle Klipsch, La Scala, or Cornwall.

[doshi99]

Thanks to all for all the great info....now comes the job of trying to get the speakers.....I will let you guys know....

as for were the speakers would be placed, I was thinking of using them only music. In all honesty, I love my setup for movies and in the end doesnt it all come down to how the stuff sounds to the end user?

I want to get more into the music and believe that these would be the best fit for what I like. Like you guys mentioned, I think I should try and get the speakers and worry about the amp later...you never know when you might run into a tube amp..

thanks

doshi