So yesterday was the big day. Finally had a chance to drive some 600km to hear the klipsch palladium 37 , the RF7II, and last but not least the LaScala II.
Brought my C220+MC275 along with me, as well as some music.
The Palladiums were a bit of a deception. I expected more from them. I was able to A/B them with the RF7. And boy, that last one - although sharper and edgier and in the medium not so expressive - was so much more live and enjoyable (to my personal taste, and very much to that of my father who accompanied me - he brought Muse with him
). Even though the Palladium were more easy on the ear, the weaknesses (if you can call it that) of the RF7 were quickly forgotten compared to what the Palladiums had to offer.
Guess it is the esthetical modern appealing design concept of the Palladiums that just cannot weigh up to the basic concept of the 'big' box of the RF7, when it comes to sound reproduction. It's all about physics in the end. No magic there. Clear winner was the RF7, by a big shot. I think the low/med/high combination that the RF7 delivers, also would be gread in home theater setups - but for music it also really shines and gives a real live feeling. But in the end, a bit to expressive sometimes to my tasting, on some occasions, for some music I brought with me. But damn good nevertheless, and so much cheaper than the Palladium. But yeah, not so good looking, but I couldn't care less there
.
Then drove further to listen to the LaScala. Was nervous all day. I hoped not to be disappointed as much as I had been with the Palladium. First was the appearance: wow. Big. But real cool. Then the sound. In medium and high it was just the perfect balance between RF7 and Palladium. Bit more expressive/forward than the Palladium, but a bit less hard/edgy than the RF7. Really, really :tresbon: The bass... clearly not on the RF7 level. Disappointing? No. There is bass. Just not going as deep, which makes the sound not as 'warm' as with the RF7. But less bass than the Palladium 37? No, didnt sound like it and am not going the look it up on the data sheet.
Now it is all about taste and flavour. My father was won for the RF7. He was completely blown away by them actually. I hesitated. TheRF7 would have cost half of the LaScala. But by the impression and the feeling I experienced with the music, and most importantly for me: the real sweet medium and high (and really: really the opposite of harsh) I gave a down payment for the LaScala
, even if the bass was a bit lacking (compared to the RF7!). But the punch you experience with every kick of the drums, pick of a snare on the guitar...oh boy. I did not mention that yet...:thmbsp:
In the end: the LaScala won, I think merely on personal preference (perhaps also because I adore the looks of them, and I can always save €€ for the MEN220 to integrate my sub sometime (dreaming out loud here, think I will have to lay low for a while now:yes
. But for the same, it could have been the RF7 perhaps, they were really good. But never ever I think a go back to something else but horns. They just make music so real and lively. Lovely
So I hope this is usefull for some of you out there. If you are interested: go listen to them. They are real good value (RF7 and LaScala). But I can understand completely some may find the LaScala lacking too much in the bass region to ever want to consider them. It is all about taste.
Have a good one !
And thanks all for the many replies - vintage Cadillacs are real cool yeah. So are Dodge Chargers etc etc etc etc etc
cheers,
Juan