• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

In a Pinch: Vintage Polk Audio Speakers or new Klipsch R24s?

J

jstrong3

New Member
I was waiting on buying a Klipsch system because of their reputation for quality, but after a few months I got impatient. I bought a pair of vintage Polk Audio RTA-12B floor standing speakers (I paid $150 but they retailed at about $1000 30 years ago). I also have a 12 inch Jamo subwoofer that I got for $150.

Lo and behold, less than a day after I put this system together a steal of a deal on a Klipsch setup went on sale. Two Klipsch R24 floor standing speakers and the Klipsch 10 inch subwoofer all for $400 shipped. I couldn't resist clicking the order button.

Now I'm debating whether or not to open the box of the Klipsch speakers and set them up, voiding my ability to return them. I've heard that the reputation of these speakers is that they are very "bright," which concerns me because I listen to a bunch of heavy metal (not the 80s stuff where loud treble is ideal, but death and sludge which is bass heavy, with 16th note drum beats) and hip hop at parties. "Bright" doesn't sound like the sort of thing that would be ideal for these genres. The sub that comes with this is also smaller than my Jamo 12 inch, which sounds amazing.

I also have this hooked up to my tv for home theater purposes.

I could also maybe turn around and sell the Klipsch setup since I got them for such a good deal and I imagine these will hold their value. I could also maybe combine this setup--make the Klipschspeakers the rear surrounds? Would that sound bad? But then I have an extra sub...either the Klipsch 10 inch or the Jamo 12 inch. Would the Jamo 12 inch sub balance out the brightness of the Klipschspeakers? Would a center Klipschspeaker help?

The clock is ticking on me to return the Klipsch speakers. Any suggestions for how to decide would be appreciated!
 
Register to hide this ad
Go to a Klipsch dealer and have a listen. A lot of big box stores sell Klipsch. It won't be the same as listening in your room with your gear, but it may help you to decide.
 
I was disappointed with the RTA-12c and pretty much all of the RTA series.
They were out the door almost as soon as they were in the door.
I think I expected more and preferred the M7 and M10 sound, for instance.
Picture 1019.jpg
 
bberkom said:
Go to a Klipsch dealer and have a listen. A lot of big box stores sell Klipsch. It won't be the same as listening in your room with your gear, but it may help you to decide.
Click to expand...

The only place around me is a Best Buy and it's really hard to tell for all kinds of reasons. The farthest you can stand from them is like 4 feet in the aisle, it's embarrassing to really crank them in the store, they only have one or two rock songs, and if I recall correctly, only had the bigger more expensive models, etc. I might go back just to see if I can figure out why they have a reputation for being "bright."
 
I found them a bit boomy, boxey and unidimensional, sort of in your face ymmv.
I haven't heard them but go check out the Klipsch, you may dig them right off the bat?
 
The RTAs weren't Polks best effort, but some folks like them. I was impressed when I listened to a pair.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom