Jump to content

Piece-mail update from -35 to -5 series?


ottscay

Recommended Posts

Hey all. I just got my new reciever, and I'm trying to plan my next steps. I currently have an rf-35 5.1 surround system, but with Neo:6 and Dolby PLIIX DSP 7.1 surround is finally getting somewhere I'm interested in. So I plan to sell my two rs-35s and get four rb-35s for the rears.

I'm cool with that decision, and it'll let me enjoy surround music much more since the rb's are fuller range speakers than the rs, and I won't be scarificing movie surround with four of the bad boys and Dolby PLIIX. What I am concerned about is when I upgrade to an rf-5 or rf-7 based system. I figure I need to get an rc-7 first and foremost, and then probably upgrade the floorstanders (probably to rf-5s; the 7s are still a bit out of my price range). Will the rb-35's still sound ok with the bigger floorstanders? It'll be some time before I could afford to replace them with rb-75s.

That's it, I just want to know if it'll throw off my system timbre if I mix and match -35, -5, and -7 speakers? Thanks!

Scott

Link to comment
Share on other sites

IMHO timbre difference between 35 and 5 would be minimal. 5's have a few differences you should know about. First of all, you'd be buying used, so might get a deal, they were made in REAL WOOD VENEERS (a plus), had the cheesy 'pin' type grilles that hang out (possibly a minus), and the port is on the rear (possibly a minus). I believe I've heard more than a couple of members prefer the 5's over the 35's but can't articulate why.

The RC7 absolutely rocks, don't think there was ever a RC5 exact match to RB5 ever made. WIth a 6.1 or 7.1 my vote would be definitely to use RB, not RS. Others will disagree of course.

Michael

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have just upgraded to the RF-7's and RC-7. What a difference in sound. I listened to the RF-35, 5 & 7 before I decided. I thought that the difference between RF-35 and RF-5 was minimal compared to the difference between the RF-5 and RF-7. So if I were you, I would buy the RC-7 now and wait until you can afford the RF-7.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey guys, I really appreciate that! I've heard the rf-7s, and love them, but my local UE doesn't stock the rf-5s, they have to special order them. I'd assumed that the rf-5's split the difference in terms of sound quality between the -35s and the -7s, but it appears that isn't the case, so I will save up for the 7s. Back to my original question; will a bunch of rb-35s for surround keep up ok with the rf-7s and rc-7, or am I going to be dissapointed if I can't afford to upgrade the whole thing at once (e.g. get rb-75s at the same time)?

Thanks again, I really appreciate it!

Scott

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've actually contributed a few times to Bchild's thread. It does perturb me, but I go to Soundtrack, which is part of the UE corporation, but from which I've recieved nothing but excellent customer service and good prices. I also have a good relationship with a few of the sales people at that store. Finally, it's the only Klipsch authorized dealer within 2 hours of me. So for the time being I'm sticking with that particular store, although I'd certainly be hesitant to recommend other UEs to people.

Scott

Link to comment
Share on other sites

When I got my RF7s I also got a pair of RB35s for surround duty. My reasoning was that surround wasn't as important to me as getting the best 2-channel system I could afford at the time. After I finally found an appropriate place to put the RB35s, I was pleasently surprised to hear how well they performed with movies. I use set them up as small speakers and cut the low frequencies to the sub. I don't feel like I'm mising out on anything at all when I watch movies.

Keep in mind that balancing the system will mean that you have to either bump up the RB35s or lower the RF7s, but once you do that - and find the right spot for the surrounds - you should be good to go.

Again, though, surrounds weren't my priority and I figured the RB35s would do just fine for reproducing bullets or other effects. I was happy with the match, I saved a little money and I was thrilled with the RF7s.1.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One thought here. As I am sure you are aware the 7's are markedly more efficient than the 35's. RF7 ~ 102db, RC& ~ 98db and RB 35 ~ 96 db. This will present you with a requirement to adjust your channel levels to balance your system. I would recommend you adjust your 35 to equal each other and adjust your 7s down to match/balance. It introduces less distortion into your preamp section. Just a thought you may want to consider getting RC7s for your surrounds as well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm sure I would LIKE to get rf-7s for a surround system, but it will be some time in 2037 when I can afford to get 6 of them (for a 7.1 system). Perhaps I can get four rb-75s by 2007. In the mean time I'll probably have to go with the rb-35s and just make the appropriate adjustments. It'll be next year before I can upgrade my rf-35s to rf-7s...hey, maybe I could use the rf-35s are surrounds?

Anyways, thanks for all the feedback!

Scott

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...