Synergy F-3 and Reference RF-5

[bdto]

Hello,

I'm new to this forum. I own Klipsch SF-1 speakers and really like them. I would like to upgrade, though, and wondered if you could tell me how different the F-3 and RF-5 sound since I have never listened to either. I like the new RF-82's looks but it's way over budget.

Thanks

[LebanonKlipschFan]

the difference is like the difference between a ford focus and an SVT mustang cobra, you cannot even seriously consider the F3's in the same sentence with the RF5's. Save yourself the time and buy the 5's and sit back and enjoy

[RTTR]

the difference is like the difference between a ford focus and an SVT mustang cobra, you cannot even seriously consider the F3's in the same sentence with the RF5's. Save yourself the time and buy the 5's and sit back and enjoy

Are you saying the F-3's are crap? I sure enjoy mine.

[ancientdude]

I think LebanonKlipschFan did a little exxageration between the differences.

It is true that they are like comparing apples and oranges but its more like a

Mustang (stock) vs a SVT mustang cobra,

The differences are definately not close to 15 times!

[bdto]

Thanks for your answers. As the technical specs of both seemed pretty close and I read the F-3 was as good if not better than the RF-3, I wondered how far it was from the RF-5. The RF-5 is still quite a bit more expensive here in Europe than the F-3 hence my question. Is the RF-5 much more dynamic and precise, and how would there frequency response curves compare? Thanks again.

[SilverSport]

I haven't heard the RF-5s, only the RF-35s and the RF-7s and I have heard the F-3s...no apologies need be made for the Synergy line...I think the RF-5s are the "next step up " and the RF-7s 2 steps up. That being said and only MY opinion, that certainly doesn't make your F-3s bad...I like my Heresys AND my Klipschorns...even though the K'Horns are the "top of the food chain" for Heritage, that doesn't make me like my Heresys any less...certainly not after Bob Crites-BEC crossovers arrive!

Bill

[LebanonKlipschFan]

The RF5's by far are more open, and detailed in the upper range, the bass is cleaner and more detailed. The specs are only a small part of the difference. The F3's have a plastic cone vs. cerametallic cone. The latter being fay stronger, lighter and more rigid allowing it to respond far quicker that the F3 in all midrange and bass area's. There is a huge difference between them. From managing a store that carried both and hearing them side by side, yes it is that big of a difference. Thanks and good luck.

[bdto]

Thanks for your advice.

Aside from the financial aspect, my only problem with the RF-5s and also with the whole new Reference range as a matter of fact, is the rear firing port.

I can't leave much space behind the speakers at all and already have this issue with the SF-1s.

Even with little room behind them, do you still think the RFs will sound far better?

[MarkBK]

It will exagerate the bass - which to your ear, may be pleasant.

[tibbit]

One important aspect to keep in mind:

Always remember to keep things into perspective when individuals
use terminologies such as:

HUGE difference, blows it out of the water, knock your socks off,
orbits into space, leaves it in the dust, etc. Some changes to
the ear has an impact on some to over-inflate, dramatize, or get
over emotional in statements made. Often, even subtle difference
can cause this effect in individuals. I've come across this more
frequently than not.

Even though Klipsch F-series is more budget, it holds up very well.
Many have been very impressed with their performance, especially
in ratio to price. The RF-series upgrades you to better cabinets,
drivers, (bulid-quality) etc. It's really best to listen to each and
decide at what price point your ears is willing to spend to justify
what it hears. If you can, try and listen to each on the same equip,
even if you have to bring your own so you really get an idea what you
are hearing, say on your favorite CD you are very familiar with.
If the differences are great enough to you to justify paying more
for what you want, or you may find it's not enough to justify paying
more. A good way to start is to listen with your own hears and not
someone elses since the final enjoyment is what you like to what
point! Good Luck.

[DrWho]

I haven't had the change to AB them side by side so I can't make any

comparisons....though we did get to hear the F2's against a pair of

lascalas in a very large room at the mixer last year and I thought they

sounded better (or at the very least the same) at lower listening

levels....though the lack of power compression when they let things rip

made the lascala the obvious winner. The F3's are a step up from the F2

so I can only imagine they sound much better.

That said, I do prefer the RF-5 over the RF-7...and I don't like the

khorn. I say this just as a point of reference because I tend to be the

oddball on the forum []

On good amplification the synergy series really does shine - but again,

at lower listening levels than the other options. I think good room

acoustics would have a far bigger impact on the sound than the

difference between synergy and reference (heck, the two are practically

identical and will have many similiarities with voicing and inherant

distortions).

So if you have to go front ported, I would have no problem encouraging

you to move in that direction. But I would also remind you to keep your

long term goals in mind - perhaps making a sacrifice now so that you

end up with something better in the future without putting yourself out

a lot of money.

[bdto]

Thank you all for your advice. I will have to try and get around to listening to the F-3s.

Has anyone heard the RF-82s yet? Are they less "boomy" than the RF-35s? Closer to the RF-5s?

(In my first post I had confused their price with that of the RF-63s)

[ProStereo]

DrWho said:

"I do prefer the RF-5 over the RF-7...and I don't like the khorn. I say this just as a point of reference because I tend to be the oddball on the forum"

Not the only oddball here, I found out the very same after I went to the RF-7's, still amazed with it's performance by far than my Klipschorn's were in several areas when the RF-7's are given what it needs to truely shine at it's best. Never thought I would do it, but I ended up selling my Klipschorn's from not listening to them anymore, so it nows has me in the Klipsch Reference line preferer.