shimman Posted June 12, 2006 Share Posted June 12, 2006 my dad wants a new pair of speakers; last year i gave him ifi as a gift, and he loved it, but he wants something that has better mid-range & room filling sounds. (it will be used for hearing music rather than movies) i looked for a pair speakers, and i am not sure what to buy. i can get rb-35/61 around same price (350usd) & rb-81 for 550usd. while rf-10/15/52 are like 450 to 750usd. smooth sounds are what my dad is looking for, and i am not sure whether floor standing speakers are smoother than bookshelf speakers. are newer models better than old ones rb-35 vs rb-61 even though the newer model is using smaller woofer speaker? how about rb-81 vs rf-10/15/52? are they drivable by klipsch ifi amp? i am a newbie in audio world, so go easy on me thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WolfsBane Posted June 12, 2006 Share Posted June 12, 2006 The newer models in the reference line have improvements over the old one in both the drivers and the cabinets. The horns are much smoother in sound and transition. The RB-81 and RB-61 are sweet bookshelves... very nice sound and imaging. But the floorstand give you better downward extension, presence, and better dynamic range. For music, you might be able to use the floorstands without a sub to handle the lower range of frequencies, but with the bookshelves they are almost a must. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rlr267 Posted June 12, 2006 Share Posted June 12, 2006 i can get rb-35/61 around same price (350usd) & rb-81 for 550usd. while rf-10/15/52 are like 450 to 750usd. smooth sounds are what my dad is looking for, and i am not sure whether floor standing speakers are smoother than bookshelf speakers. are newer models better than old ones rb-35 vs rb-61 even though the newer model is using smaller woofer speaker? The new Reference IV line is much smoother than the line it replaced and almost anyone on this forum will tell you the Series III line was superb. So, yes, the newer models are better, improved tweeters, and the speaker boxes themselves are different dimensions which unlike automobiles, is not just an asthetic change to make your model "the old style". You cited some prices, those are list. You can buy for less than list with some shopping. As an example, you reference $750 for a pair of RF-52s; I paid $720 for a pair of RF-82s. I had to call every dealer in town, but it was worth it. I have also heard other claims of similar deals. I love my RF-82s and think they are excellent for music. My application is 90% music in fact. If your dad has the room for floor standing speakers, I would highly recommend the RF series over bookshelfs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shimman Posted June 12, 2006 Author Share Posted June 12, 2006 thank you for sharing your thoughts @rlr267, is your price reference of a pair rf-82s including s/h? the only store that carried klipsch speakers closed a month ago, so local shopping is not possible unfortunately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay481985 Posted June 13, 2006 Share Posted June 13, 2006 Where do you live? check the "find a dealer" above left side to see dealers close by. Most do not charge delivery if it is in store pickup. It does get expensive if you do shipping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rlr267 Posted June 13, 2006 Share Posted June 13, 2006 Yes, the price I paid was for a pair of RF-82s. My dealer is just a few miles away and has to pass my neighborhood to get home, so I got real good service. He did not have them in stock and had to order them in for me, so when they arrived, he called and brought them to my house on his way home. I don't expect all dealers to act that way, and I am sure this one does not do that for everyone. Check for local dealers in nearby towns if you have to, but don't buy from unknown sources. You can get legitimate equipment with a little shopping for the same price as on-line (questionable equipment) if you consider the shipping cost. Here is what I did after I decided I had to have Klipsch. I auditioned a pair at a local dealer that has a good inventory, but not so good prices. Then I shopped around until I met Kelly (the dealer I bought from). Kelly told me that he would match or beat any legitimate price. I explained that I could buy from an unauthorized seller on-line for X price plus shipping. He grabbed a calculator and told me he could sell me speakers and save me a few dollars. Even after sales tax, and a higher sale price, my total came out a few dollars less than buying on-line and paying shipping. Plus, I have legitimate speakers, no B-stock, full warranty, and a dealer to talk to if a problem occurs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay481985 Posted June 13, 2006 Share Posted June 13, 2006 that is oh so true, I got my rf-83 for the price of what some unauthorized dealers are selling their rf-7 non authorized speakers for Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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