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Klipsch RF-7s or RP-280Fs

Mamrak1

Mamrak1

Super Member
I am considering replacing my current speakers with either the Klipsch RF-7s or the RP-280Fs. The negatives are both are big square boxes. Not exactly pleasing to my eyes. The RF-7s are cherry wood while RP-280s are a laminate, something I am not fond of. I like that both are efficient. I would be buying two pairs and cost isn't an issue.

I would like to hear from owners of either of these speakers for your opinions. There are no local dealers so I can't go and hear them for myself. I would be buying blind, so to speak. Thanks.
 
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Mamrak1 said:
Can you elaborate?
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larger compression driver diaphragm more efficient with lower distortion
larger woofer diaphragms are more efficient with lower distortion
Larger horn mouth will hold polar patterns to a lower frequency for lower distortion
system will move far more air and play far louder and have far greater peak output capacity all with lower distortion
lower distortion
go listen to both and make up your own mind just what balance of compromises works best for you.
 
As I stated, there are no local dealers where I can listen to either speaker. I won't be modifying anything. Somehow my post got hijacked into replacing networks etc. Whatever arrives in the box is what I will be listening to. Nothing more, nothing less. Please stay on topic. If you have either speaker I would like your opinions.
 
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go for a drive this is important. People on line can't decide what kind of water makes for the best taste in your Scotch so how is it you expect that they can provide you with information that will be of use? If you like clean sound either will do if you like to play loud the RF7ll will roll over the smaller speakers.
 
moray james said:
go for a drive this is important. People on line can't decide what kind of water makes for the best taste in your Scotch so how is it you expect that they can provide you with information that will be of use? If you like clean sound either will do if you like to play loud the RF7ll will roll over the smaller speakers.
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You shouldn't be watering down good scotch. A few drops will do. There's the problem!
 
I had RF7IIs. I really enjoyed them and kind of regret selling them. I only did so to try other speakers not because I didn't like them. Also they were really good looking. I am talking the RF7II not the original RF7.
 
I am leaning towards the the RF-7 IIs mainly due to the real wood veneer as opposed the cherry laminate.
 
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I think that Klipsch RF-7II are an excellent value (particularly given their current sale price), and are capable of great sound when paired with the right amp. I listen to classical music and opera (plus occasional big band), and the RF-7II can deliver the dynamics. I can employ a Klipsch R-115SW subwoofer in my system with the RF-7IIs, but the sub isn’t needed for most music (except perhaps the lowest pedal notes of a pipe organ).

IMO the RF-7II and tubes go together like peanut butter and jelly. The RF-7II can sound a bit bright, and therefore tone controls can be useful. (With careful selection of an amp and tube complement, it is possible to achieve good tonal balance without tone controls. I like 6L6GC variants.) I can drive the RF-7II to satisfying volume levels with a 10 wpc single-ended pentode amp that is driven directly by the variable output of my Oppo universal player (i.e., no pre-amp). I also have 7189, 7591, EL34 and KT88 based amps in this system with the RF-7II and all are capable of good sound. (I also have a Marantz 2325 solid state receiver in this system, which at 125 wpc is over-kill.)

IMO the aesthetics of the RF-7II are inferior to the Palladium towers – however Klipsch recently discontinued the Palladium line. My RF-7II are black; I image that the cherry veneer would be much better looking.

Good luck – and please keep us posted.
 
Thanks robert_kc for the valuable info. I got away from tube amplification (Rogue Stereo 100) and I am using a Parasound A21 amp. That may soon change however. I was worried about brightness from the RF-7s. My preamp is a McIntosh C52 and does have tone controls.

The aesthetics of the RF-7s do trouble me. They are large square boxes. They tend to stick out like a sore thumb in my estimation. This is something I will need to think about.

The RP-280s cherry color does match the rest of my furniture. They are cheaper by a half than the RF-7s. However, I would prefer a wood finish over a vinyl laminate. These are all points I need to consider. Choices, choices!!
 
I owned both the RF-7IIs and the RP-280s. The 7s are better, but not by much. They definitely look better with the real wood veneer. The two are suprisingly similar in sound, with the 7s having a bit of a deeper tone and a layer of more detail. The 280s are smoother though.
 
Grizzog said:
I owned both the RF-7IIs and the RP-280s. The 7s are better, but not by much. They definitely look better with the real wood veneer. The two are suprisingly similar in sound, with the 7s having a bit of a deeper tone and a layer of more detail. The 280s are smoother though.
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You said you owned both RF-7s and the RP280Fs. Did you sell both? If so, why?
 
I replied to your message, but I figured I'd put this here for anyone that would like to see why as well:

I originally purchased the 280s because my wife wanted newer looking speakers in our TV room. They had replaced a set of Quartets. The 280s are more open sounding than the Quartets, but don't have the mid range of the 3-way. I then came upon a deal I couldn't pass up on a set of RF-7II, so out the 280s went. The 7s have more of everything that the 280s provided, although I have to say the 280s are smoother. The 7s are more detailed, and have a deeper tone.

The 280s and 7s are fantastic for movies, but it turns out we use the room for about 70% music, 30% movies. The 7s had a bit of brightness that I didn't prefer, and wanted a bit fuller mid range for music. Some people don't hear the brightness at all in the 7s, whereas some do.

I then came on a deal of Fortes with original boxes. Since getting those, I've brought the finish back to life, replaced the crossovers, and added titanium tweeter diaphragms. For me, they are just as good with movies as the other two, but better with music. They don't have the bass or outright power of the 7s, but I don't mind that. I've got the R-115SW to fill in the bottom anyway. So out went the new style speakers, and I'm back to the extended heritage line.

My reference system has Altec 19s. I guess I'm just always searching for that type of sound in a smaller package in other rooms. The fortes give me some of the magic of the 19s and I love it.
 
My MC-252 Power Guard lights are flashing a little to SRV's Voodoo Chile I think I can hang in there because Damm it sounds good!
 
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