Impressions: Klipsch KG 3.2 vs Boston HD10

[Stogz]

Well, I'm not a seasoned audiophile like a lot around here, but I'm trying to get a little more out of my music so I'm starting to roll some vintage speakers for fun. Right now, the best sounding configuration I've put together is also the cheapest. I have about a $200 into this system with the laptop being the bulk of the cost:

• Luxman R-113
• Boston HD10
• FiiO E07k Andes (set flat)
• Chromebook running Google Play Music

Pretty ghetto, I'm sure, compared some rigs running on this board, but it is quite literally the best sounding and effortless configuration I've had in my possession for the kind of music I listen to most often. The Boston HD10s seem to be the secret sauce that makes it all work. Nice deep bass, maybe a bit boomy in my cruddy small space, lovely high end that has finally taught me what non-fatiguing means. I had to refoam the passive radiators, but that was simple and came out ok for a first-timer. These speakers also do not sound boxy and image very well. They do a great job of almost completely disappearing. Never had a set do that to the degree these are able.

Today I came into possession of a set of Klipsch KG3.2 in oak through a trade. I've been DYING to get a hold of a set of KGs. They are essentially the same size and same concept as the Bostons. The HD10s have a 6-inch 2-way and the KGs have a 8-inch 2-way. Both have 10 inch passive radiators. The Klipsch of course has horn tweeters.

However, they sound nothing alike. And frankly, in my limited first impression listening today, the Bostons are much more to my liking. This was surprising because I know the Boston's are not highly regarded and I was super stoked for the Klipsch. Maybe if I still had my tube amp the Klipsch would be a better fit, but for my low-power Luxman, the Bostons are a much better fit.

Here is what I don't like about the Klipsch and maybe you guys could tell me if this is the Klipsch sound or if these are in need of a good refurb.

• WAY too bright. Like all tweeter. Almost instantly fatiguing.
• Sound boxy in the mids. Constrained would be another word I'd choose.
• Nice bass, but feels a little light here. The knock on the Bostons is they can be boomy at times, I think the Klipsch a better in this department, but could have a touch more beef.

I'm going to hook them up to my Realistic receiver which is not nearly as punchy as the Luxman and see how they do. But for now, my favorite setup is the Luxman R-113 plus Boston HD10. Superb!!

 

[Blue Shadow]

The Klipsch do have a sound to them and it appears you prefer the sound of something else. I always wanted Klipsch...until I heard them. They have some good models but I'm not seeking them out, just spending time looking at other speakers. Not that they are wrong, many like them. Different speakers for different folks.

Enjoy what you have and if you can't get the 3.2s working, swap em for something else. there is always something else out there.

 

[blue72]

My experience is similar. I have a pair of HD10s and a pair of KG 5.5s. Personally, I can't really stand the horn sound for music listening. The HD10s win hands down for that one, very non-fatiguing. That's why the Klipsch are now my home theatre speakers.

 

[Stogz]

Thanks for the feedback.

I always put Klipsch on a pedastal because of all the great things I've heard about them without actually having heard them. So glad that I finally got a set to audition. I'm going to swap them in and out for a while and see if anything clicks. If not, pretty sure I can move them for something else pretty easily. I've not tried to do home theater at all. We listen to TV through the built in speaker like god intended.;-)

I'll keep and eye out for a 5.1 receiver and if one falls in my lap cheap I'll audition the KGs there too. But I agree, there is NOTHING wrong at all with the Klipsch. Just seemingly not my thing.

But also wanted to sing the praises of the HD10s. I have yet to find a genre that sounds bad through them. Just a really engaging speaker. Whatever house sound they have, its what I like. Any suggestions for any models that sound similar, but better? Polks? The older Boston A series? I've got my eye on a Luxman R-115 locally. I suspect the higher power would help open any speaker up and help them to sound their best. Maybe my R-113 is too weak for the Klipsch?

 

[Blue Shadow]

The Klipsch play loud, don't they? They should with 94dB/watt/meter sensitivity. Probably play louder than the HDs. So no the 113 is not too weak for them.

 

[JoeESP9]

IMO/E there is nothing else that sounds like Klipsch speakers. They make me want to cut off my ears and run away.

 

[ddevera]

Well, I'm not a seasoned audiophile like a lot around here, but I'm trying to get a little more out of my music so I'm starting to roll some vintage speakers for fun. Right now, the best sounding configuration I've put together is also the cheapest. I have about a $200 into this system with the laptop being the bulk of the cost:

• Luxman R-113
• Boston HD10
• FiiO E07k Andes (set flat)
• Chromebook running Google Play Music

Pretty ghetto, I'm sure, compared some rigs running on this board, but it is quite literally the best sounding and effortless configuration I've had in my possession for the kind of music I listen to most often. The Boston HD10s seem to be the secret sauce that makes it all work. Nice deep bass, maybe a bit boomy in my cruddy small space, lovely high end that has finally taught me what non-fatiguing means. I had to refoam the passive radiators, but that was simple and came out ok for a first-timer. These speakers also do not sound boxy and image very well. They do a great job of almost completely disappearing. Never had a set do that to the degree these are able.

Today I came into possession of a set of Klipsch KG3.2 in oak through a trade. I've been DYING to get a hold of a set of KGs. They are essentially the same size and same concept as the Bostons. The HD10s have a 6-inch 2-way and the KGs have a 8-inch 2-way. Both have 10 inch passive radiators. The Klipsch of course has horn tweeters.

However, they sound nothing alike. And frankly, in my limited first impression listening today, the Bostons are much more to my liking. This was surprising because I know the Boston's are not highly regarded and I was super stoked for the Klipsch. Maybe if I still had my tube amp the Klipsch would be a better fit, but for my low-power Luxman, the Bostons are a much better fit.

Here is what I don't like about the Klipsch and maybe you guys could tell me if this is the Klipsch sound or if these are in need of a good refurb.

• WAY too bright. Like all tweeter. Almost instantly fatiguing.
• Sound boxy in the mids. Constrained would be another word I'd choose.
• Nice bass, but feels a little light here. The knock on the Bostons is they can be boomy at times, I think the Klipsch a better in this department, but could have a touch more beef.

I'm going to hook them up to my Realistic receiver which is not nearly as punchy as the Luxman and see how they do. But for now, my favorite setup is the Luxman R-113 plus Boston HD10. Superb!!

I'm not surprized by your experience. At different times I've owned many Klipsch speakers, such as Heresy's (twice) , Forte's (twice), Belles and even a pair of Klipsch Horns. I've tried so hard to like them, I wanted to like them, but never could get use to their sound. I think it was the horns. Some people love the Klipsch brand, but I'm not one of them.