Klipsch RF-5 Speakers

[beachbound]

Hi,
Just wanted to know if anyone owns the Klipsch RF-5 series? I have a chance to purchase a pair of these in good shape at a thrift store. I heard that Klipsch can be "bright" and is great for HT. I own a pair of Polk Model 10's and really like them listening to music, etc. Wonder how they compare?

Thanks

 

[moray james]

You did not mention price. If you look below for comments on the RF3 you will get some idea on the impression these make on folks. The RF5 is a better speaker than the RF3. The horn in the RF5 is the same as used in the RF7. Check ebay to get an idea of the going used sale price of the RF5. Best regards Moray James.

 

[beachbound]

They are priced at $300. Have some minor speaker damage, a few small dents on the two woofers, dings on the cabinet (maple). No grill covers.

Thanks

 

[70WR]

I have the RF-3 and they can be bright at moderate levels. If those 5's are little smoother - will that thrifty store let you audition them? Everyone has their preference.

 

[beachbound]

Thanks. I'm unable to audition them. They look impressive and with the monster wiring, very eager to hear them. I run HT and music off the same receiver plus I enjoy some clarity at low volumes.

 

[Styx_II]

I have RF-3's and I don't find them bright at all. Wonderful speakers and I would imagine the RF-5's would sound even better.

 

[joebeadg]

I have the 5s and love them. Not bright, very smooth, big bottom, the'rye awsome! Great at insane volume with no fatigue too

 

[LAB3]

Are the woofers dents in the center? If so I have read where members used tape to pull them out. My neighbor has a pair of them(used) for his rear surrounds and they sound Great is his den. Offer them $250.00 and take them home. The grills will be hard to find used, and use that as a reason for a lower price.

 

[Susurus]

Had 3's, 7's, and have heard 5's. With a cheap 5.1 receiver or bad source, then RF-3s--yes all RF's--can indeed be brighter/harsher than a Polk 10 soft dome. Have to go with a good amp, Polks are forgiving (but still sound better with more power).

Go up the RF line and the bass gets better by a lot--but still they were designed for HT with the big sub.

.

 

[Rocko81]

I had the RF-5's they are a great speaker. Also had the RF-82's and Fortes. All ran with the same (Marantz 2015) receiver. I thought the RF-82's and the RF5's had a VERY similer sound. To tell you the truth I liked the 5's better the the Fortes. Hmmm now I'm missing them. I'd pull the trigger on the 5's in a second for $300.

Rocko

 

[Susurus]

... The horn in the RF5 is the same as used in the RF7. ...

Although the horn may be the same the drivers are different.

K-67-DV 1.75" in the 7's and

K-119-KB 1" in the 5's.

...

 

[Susurus]

Fortes upgraded with either of these tweeters? Hmmmm? Superior to the K-77 (not just because they're more expensive).

RF-5's and Fortes are so different it's amazing they came from the same company. Marantz 'two martini' sound might not be the best matchup for the Forte woofer.

I use K-67's on top of my Khorn clones; so there's the 3-reflecting internal woofer, deep 511B mid horn, and Tractrix horn on top. Better match to my ears.

 

[LAB3]

Had 3's, 7's, and have heard 5's. With a cheap 5.1 receiver or bad source, then RF-3s--yes all RF's--can indeed be brighter/harsher than a Polk 10 soft dome. Have to go with a good amp, Polks are forgiving (but still sound better with more power).

Go up the RF line and the bass gets better by a lot--but still they were designed for HT with the big sub.

.

I agree the RF need a sub and a AVR with more watts per speaker for head room on Bluray movies if that is your intention. I have mixed Heritage fronts (Cornwalls) and Reference Series for center and rears. And I still added two 12" subs for 5.2 Bluray. Pure Direct on the Corns work for my small room. Yamaha RX-V1900 HD 7.1 AVR and wish I had 5 200 watts Crowns etc for movies. I would not dare use it all, nice running 1/3 on the power for shaking the house on Movie night.