Original RF-7’s in maple

[Jenkster]

A friend of mine offered me his original RF-7’s in maple finish for a great price. I have had some experience with RF-7’s in the past and my impression was mixed. I hefted them into my room, they are heavier than a dead hippie, and hooked them up to my restored McIntosh MA 6100. Whatever reservations I had about the RF-7’s were either misplaced or the result of ancillary equipment I had at the time. The RF-7’s reproduce accurate highs and midrange with solid and tight bass. I really like the maple veneer which is in excellent condition. Lots more listening to do but, so far, I’m a fan!

I would like to hear from others who still use and love the original RF-7’s. I have read about some “upgrades” that tame the high end. I would be curious to know if anyone here has done any modifications and your thoughts. Thanks!

 

[moray james]

Really happy for you that you have found such a fine looking pair of RF7. With towers like this the horn is up at a decent height for you to be able to listen to it close to on axis for the smoothest possible response. Below is a link to a thread at the Klipsch Forum discussing how to decrease the high frequency peak in the RF7. Somewhere there is a full and more complex mod but I cannot find that one. The added parallel resistor will significantly smooth out the speaker and is a big chunk (performance wise) of the full modification job. Probably your best starting place and you may find you are happy with the result and don't feel the need to go any further.
PS: I sent out a request for Deang's full RF7 modification thread over at the Klipsch forum. When I get that thread address I will post it here for you and you can check it out.

https://community.klipsch.com/index...r-rf-7-and-rc-7/&tab=comments#comment-2010288

 

[Jenkster]

Thanks for the information Moray, I appreciate it.

 

[moray james]

I got a hold of Deang at the Klipsch forum and here is his response below. I hope you continue to enjoy your new to you RF7. If you do these mods please do post here as I expect it will be both informative and inspiring to other members/readers.

" Yes, parallel a 10 with the 2 on the high pass board (next to the 18uF capacitor), and then change out all of the parts for better parts. I use Mills resistors, and Dayton Audio caps work just fine for the budget minded."

also found this DIYAUDIO link
https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/multi-way/118666-noob-crossover-project-upgrade-klipsch-rf-7-a.html

 

[Jenkster]

Great information, thanks again Moray!

 

[Bugetnirvana]

I had a pair of the black ones, I like yours better. Very nice! I never found the highs to be offensive at all myself. I thought the titanium tractrix horns did a good job. They are nice speakers, I just wanted more.

 

[Jenkster]

Thanks, I too have not been annoyed by the top end, at least not yet. Maybe if I cranked some treble heavy music I could see some early fatigue. However, my days of cracking anything are long gone!

 

[RT Fan]

Good for you Jenkster! While I have never heard a pair of RF 7's I always thought they were among the best looking of the Reference series. I like them with the grills off.

 

[Jenkster]

Good for you Jenkster! While I have never heard a pair of RF 7's I always thought they were among the best looking of the Reference series. I like them with the grills off.

I do as well but the cones and dust caps are perfect and I want them to stay that way. Too many grandkids in and out to leave the grills off.

 

[RT Fan]

I do as well but the cones and dust caps are perfect and I want them to stay that way. Too many grandkids in and out to leave the grills off.

What?? You don't want peanut butter & jelly on your lovely copper cones???

 

[Jenkster]

What?? You don't want peanut butter & jelly on your lovely copper cones???

No I don’t! That and I don’t want my 7 year grandson to push that big black “button” in the middle of the shiny cooper cone!

 

[Chubba]

Very good looking speakers.I get the grand children thing.I have to keep a close eye on my system.I chose to teach over defend.I damaged a lot of my dads gear and pay backs are a drag.Cheers

 

[Jenkster]

Well, I try to train/educate them. However, sometimes a 7 year old boy is, well, a 7 yo boy!
So the grills stay on my speakers most of the time. Both my main speakers have virtually flawless drivers that I would like to keep it that way. The ADS L810’s are not near as handsome without the grills as the RF-7’s so the metal grills are a no brainer. A few shots to reinforce my opinion.