B&W or Klipsch with Yamaha

[92135011]

I don't think the horn tweeter sound of the klipsch gonna fit well with those artists you just described...on the other hand I hear that the horn is great for movies! gun shots, explosions, etc. sound great! but...on the other hand...maybe I'm on crack

[JSE]

This is my opinion based on hearing these speakers and receiver seperately. The Klipsch are bright speakers and the Yamaha receiver's tend to be a bit brighter than others. Put the two together and you may have one bright-arse system. You may like it, you may not. The B&W speakers you mentioned tend to be a bit warmer and laid back than others. This might be a good combination with the Yamaha.. Again, this is a total guess based on what I know of each speaker and receiver. Reality may be a bit different, but I bet I am on the right track in terms of general sound characteristics. Something to think about.

Have you listened to Klipsch? They are great speakers but they are a love/hate speaker. I can't listen to them. They are way too birght for my taste, but some people love them. I would guess that the B&W's would be more appealing to the masses. They are also a great speaker.

There, my not so clear answer.

JSE

[koop]

Thanks for the help JSE. I have only auditioned the Klipsch RSW subs, not their speakers. I always feel a little guilty auditioning in a store if I know I buying used, assuming its not a bad idea.

[JSE]

By the way, I reread my post and I want to make clear that the Yamaha 3300 receiver you have is an excellent receiver. Kindof sounded like I slammed it for being bright. It's not, Yamaha just tends to be brighter than some.

JSE

[RGA]

It really depends on the Klipsh. The most famous Klipschhorn is one of the great loudspeakers and high end horns have the lowest distortion of any design and the highest sensitivity of any design. But this is more about Avante-garde(another horn maker) than Klipsh. I have horn loaded Wharfedales others are soft dome with horn like designs....none sound remotely alike.

I was impressed by the Klipsch Reference series and one big reason is they are easy to drive making receivers less winded. Solid tight punchy bass. Klipshc is a great rocker brand but better than just a rocker. B&W is a bit more balanced and neautral and the s3 series is very strong. All that said nothing is accurate so why not get the one that sounds the most fun. I don't perceive the horns as bright but they are certainly forward...which means the upper frequencies jump out at you...but they don't ring or behave as badly as many other basic metal domes.

[koop]

I should mention my current budget. I have about $2000 to work with for a speaker package. If purchasing individual components, the towers would have to come last because my wife would not tolerate them in our current, small living room. The big room will come in the next year or so when we move. A new center, sub, and surround can be made to blend in.