Clairity, bass, Efficiency, Weight

Need to be used with good electronics

I have been looking at speakers for over a year now, and have gained a lot of experience. First of all, no matter what speakers you buy, you MUST have good amplification. Sony, Pioneer, Teac, and the lower end Yamaha recievers will not provide the power these speakers need, and will make the klipsch sound very bright, killing detail. On the other hand recievers like the Onkyo, Denon, Marantz, Harmon Kardon, will bring the best in the rf-3s. (The harmons are risky)

The second most important thing, is the cables. AND NO, bi-wiring does not make a difference. Using a thick 12 gauge, and high quality speaker wire will make them sound better than bi-wiring. Here is the reason, how the hell does a reciever know that it has to split the 8 ohm signal into a two way 4ohm signal. Its impposible. The receiver just can not split the low and high frequencies. It's a marketing gimmick, just like using optical digital audio cables for dvd players. Coax is the best source for audio. Also when you do buy speakers, buy the same wires that the speakers are hooked up with at the store, for the same sound, as heard in stores.

The last, and most important things are room acoustics, and the source being used to produce the sound. A room with carpet, heavy drapes, and sound absorbers can make the klipsch sound tottaly different than puting the in a room with hardwood. It will just echo to much. So if they sound good at the show room, well thats because of acoustics, and maybe amplification. Always bring speakers home, and test in your own room conditions, and work with the room if the echo to much, or do not create a good sound stage. It's all about acoustics. The last thing is the source for sound. Make sure you hear a cd player with your own cd player at home, because stores tend to use high quality dvd player, with speacial cd.
Now about the speakers, sorry about the wait, thought i would educate you on how to buy speakers. Anyways I have listened to many speakers over the last year, but not one of the can produce sound like the klipsch, when and only when it comes to using them with middle , and high class recievers. Speakers like B&W, and Definitive technology can produce sound about 5-20 percent better, but only with power amplifiers.
Anyways the Klipsch sound incredible with my Onkyo 575x reciever. This was the best match for my riciever, because they Klipsch are incredibly efficient. And it brings out more power from my reciever. By the way i have seen people complaing about the horn tweeter technology being to old. well let me tell you people someting. When you go to a concert, or a movie theatre, horn tweeter are the only thing you see. Movie theatres like Famous players, and Silver City, also use them, and oly because the are more efficient, and can produce a better sound stage. Any ways i love the klipsch, and being an audio phile they deserve a full 5/5 for both value, and performance.

I just finished building my hometheatre 2 weeks ago, and am very pleased. My equipment includes.

Sony KP- 53hs10, top of the line high definition 53inch tv

Toshiba SD-6200, Porggresive scan dvd player

Onkyo 575X, Dolby digital, and DTS decoders, along ith more than adequate powre for a 14 by 20 room.

Klipsch RF-3, RS-3- excellent surrounds, and RC-3 Excellent centre for music and movies. And a D-box 12 inch 300 watt sub

And last but not least cables:
-120 feet of coax, oxygen free, 12 gauge speaker wire
-2 Ultra link one 1 metre, one 10 metre platnium series coax digital audio cable
-10 meteres Ultralink platnium componet cables. Regulare price 900, paid 260 wholesale, he he.

-Acoustic L/R sub cable, 10 metres

Took me about about a month to purchase, and hide wires under my basement through the walls. But well worth it.

Soon will be purchasing 5 sound obsorbers, for my familly room where all components are.

Anyways ive said enough, gotta go. Later

Similar Products Used:

Polk audio RT-800i, Paradigm Monitor Audio 9, Infinity il-40, Definitive technology, B&w, Celestion, and many more.

None in my listening area

Lacked low end detail, Overpowering mids

I am an avid Klipsch fan. When the RF3's were introduced I immediatly purchased a pair. Upon listening to them, I was highly let down. I expected the normal detail and clarity that Klipsch has always represented, but it was not there. I tried very hard to like these speakers, but I just could not. I A/Bed them with my KSF 8.5's and felt that they could not compare in any sonic range. I felt that the detail and sound-stage was very limited. I tried many placement options then chose to return them. I thought that I would post my review after my neighbor purchase and returned KF3's yesterday. I know that all listening areas differ and that all tastes do too, but I just don't think that these are good speakers. My source is an Adcom GCD-750, B&K electronics, and MIT Terminater 2 cables. My neighbor's gear is an Adcom GCD-700 connected directly to an Adcom 5400 Amp, and he has a very differant listening area than I. I love Klipsch, I wish I could recommend this product, but I just can't. I do see that many others on this site like these speakers, so you may too, but I think that much better can be had for the same money. Thank-you.

Similar Products Used:

Klipsch 8.5, Klipsch Legend 10, Infinity RS8, Cambridge Sound Tower 2

True audiophile quality sound speakers.

None

Simply Amazing. I have been looking for the perfect sound from my system and was always let down. I went to every audio store in my area and saw speakers that go for thousands a pair. I took my receiver with me and tested out everything: NHT,polk,mirage,infinity, etc..I can honestly say that these speakers were above any of the ones that I heard in the same price range and only the most expensive speakers I saw (thousands a pair) could compete in sound quality. Klipsch has a jewel with their reference line!!!!!! You will not regret the sound that comes out of these speakers!! I have the RF-3's paired with an Onkyo TXD676 and the KSW12 subwoofer. It is simply amazing!!! Do not underestimate the sound of these speakers, they are used in professional recording studios, people who can basically buy any speakers they desire. Go buy them now, Klipsch horn technology is truly unique and gives amazing presence and clarity. You will be blown away!!!!!!!!!!

Similar Products Used:

Polk,NHT,Mirage,Infinity,Cerwin Vega,

Very good sound stage, LOVE power the louder the better they sound, very efficent, good low bass

Broke a peg off the grill easily... plastic cover (Red and Black) on binding post is hard to get at.

**First, I know that this is long. My best recommendation is to ATLEAST go hear these speakers before you make any decisions**
I did not set out to buy the RF3's when I was going to buy speakers. I started out as many of us (not rich) people do, I went to Best Buy, Circuit City, Many nights on uBid, this site.... etc on and on. I took advice of many and decided to avoid lower end "stores" and audition speakers the way they should be auditioned, compared..... small home like room, take my music, get expert advice. I went to a couple high-end shops. One carried B&W, NHT, Audio Research, Others... I felt that the B&W line was overpriced, I did not hear a sound that overwhelmed me; I couldn't stop thinking that I was paying for that fancy yellow Kevlar woofer. NHT's that I listened to sounded great about my budget. I went to the next Hi-Fi shop. I explained what I was looking for and was introduced to Paradigm and Klipsch. I did like the Paradigm line, I listened to the Synergy series Klipsch speakers that were within my budget and liked what I heard. The bass was more authorities (I have a liking to hard hitting music as well as light also have a 8 year old daughter that is into top 10 stuff), highs were clear, Very nice for the money, comparatively. I had my mind set on the Synergy SF-1, and then we walked by the room where the Reference series speakers were. The appearance first struck me with the Copper color woofer. We listened to the RP-3 first, (built-in powered 10" sub) I liked that speaker a lot. The Klipsch speakers are really tight, powerful sounding speakers and the horns never let any of the other tones muddy it. I them listened to the RF-3, I could not tell a $700.00 difference between the 2 models. This was hands-down the best sounding speaker for the money. (I hate that term because it sounds like you are settling on what you can afford) I spent more than what I wanted but they were the only speaker I listened to that really made me smile when I listened to it. It made me happy that I did listen to others because in my mind I know that I have a speaker that blows away more expensive speakers and I did not have to settle on a speaker that sounded OK because of the price. When I got them home I was not disappointed, I have a Sony DA50-ES receiver, also a Klipsch KSW-12 (thanks to the reviewers of that product). I typically turn off the sub because those amazing speakers take care of even the boomiest music on their own. The imaging is excellent; most people look at my rear speakers and swear that there is music coming from them. As stated before one of the things that impresses me is that all of the tones can be heard at any level. The highs always come through crystal clear; they are never overshadowed or muddied. They like power, never distort, the bass just hits harder, highs sound like they would shatter glass.....
I am very happy with them and would not hesitate to buy another Klipsch speaker.

Similar Products Used:

Acoustic Research 308HO (smaller but powerful)Cervin Vega Tower (don't recall model)

These speakers are the best things that I have owned to date. The highs are great and the bass is not lacking at all. I am running the speakers off of a Technics SA-Ax7 Receiver and the set up sounds beautiful. The speakers are not bright and music is a joy to listen to. For home theater they kick ass especially when mated with the RC-3 center and RS-3 surrounds. I highly recommend these speakers.

Live sound; terrific bass response

Trying to balance them out with my other speakers in the surround set-up due to the extremely good low power response from the Klipsch

I have had my old JVC SK-866 speakers which have served me well for almost 15 years. I loved their warm sound and great bass. I've added on Infinity rear surrounds and a Cerwin-Vega center speaker over the years to round out my surround system and have been well pleased. About a month ago I popped the DTS version of Saving Private Ryan into my Toshiba 2200 DVD player and started enjoying the movie. I run everything through a Sony STR-DE945 receiver... plenty of clean power. Anyhow... I'm enjoying the whizzing bullets and booming artillary when I notice that the left side of the "soundstage" is buzzing instead of booming. I pulled the grill off and noticed a nice big hole in the bottom woofer. One of my children obviously had accidentally placed a foot through it. Well, of course, rather than replace the woofer, it gave me a reasonably good excuse for some new speakers!
I've always wanted a set of Klipsch speakers since I was a kid. To me, they are legendary. Even though they are made here in Arkansas I wound up ordering them from New York City... go figure...
I went to some local audiophile stores in the area and auditioned every big name brand... Polk, BostonAccoustics, B&O, Infinity, you name it... I kept coming back to the Klispch Reference Series. The guy at the store quoted me $850.00 for the pair.
After checking online at this site, I discovered that the RF-3s were well reviewed and highly regarded. Another reviewer had purchased his through BrandNamez.com for a great price. I thought what the hell...
After roughly ten days of waiting on UPS ground delivery, they finally arrived. They look and sound fantastic!!! I will say that one speaker had a minor bit of damage to the cabinet from the shipping but it is only cosmetic and not worth going through the hassle of a return.
I loaded up the CD player with a variety of discs from accoustic to headbanging rock... it all sounds great and new again. I really never realized what "power hogs" my old JVCs were. I get twice the sound at half the volume setting on the receiver!!! These Klipsch are efficient speakers. The sound is so alive that you can really get lost in the music. I put on a Harry Connick, Jr. album that I listen to all the time. My little girl who never pays any attention to the music I play wandered around the room saying "Where's that man?" Even my wife who is always saying "turn it down" stopped and was appreciative of what she heard. The opening sequence music from Boogie Nights on DVD sounds incredible when it switched from the center channel organ to the disco song... it will be my new "demo" for the home theater system.
The price is phenominal. The fit, finish and racehorse good looks of the Klipsch really make you feel good about your purchase.
And finally, it just feels damn good to say "have a listen to my new Klipsch speakers..." It's like offering someone a ride in a new Porsch... the sound and quality of these speakers is just that good.

Similar Products Used:

JVC; Infinity; Cerwin-Vega

Excellent midrange presentation, nice at low volume levels, excellent power handling at high volumes.

Black veneer (but what do you want for $350 each?)

I've put the Klipschs in my office where I am using a "vintage" Hafler SE100 pre and SE120 amp (~65 watts/channel). It's a small room with hardwood floors.

I originally put a pair of Energy A3+2's in the room, but they sounded like they were whispering and almost "lispy" at low volumes (my kids' room is right next to my office, so low volume is the rule). I had heard the Klipsch when I bought the A3+2's and like them better, but they were $300 more - and I just finished spending a ton on my main system. I should mention that the main rig uses Martin Logan ReQuests on a 280W+ amp so I am *picky* when it comes to music.

I went back to the audio shop ready to blow >$1000 for decent sounding speakers. I looked at everything from low-end Martin Logan, to Definitive, to Sonus Faber and of all of these, I picked the Klipsch. I was very surprised at how nice they sounded for the money. I am a stickler for midrange clarity and these beat *everyone* (for my low-volume, moderate power application.)

But even when the crank, they sound great. With wifey and the kids gone, I've blasted these and the do the job. They're not a detailed and transparent as the Martin Logans, but then the two of them cost one fifth what those puppies did.

Bottom line: this is an excellent mid-range speaker for the money!

Similar Products Used:

Energy A3+2, Definitive Audio BP2002, Martin Logan

I just bought these speakers today and am happy with them. As described already, these speakers have a very wide soundstage, and are very live sounding. Having Magnapans (MMG's) in the past, I really appreciate the high efficiency of these speakers. In the past, I have owned PSB, Paradigm, and Magnapan and no speaker comes close to this speakers live sound. They are a little bright though, but it's other strenghts over come this. What I also like about the Klipsch's is that it's midrange is very pronounced, unlike the Paradigms. All in all, I like them a lot. For those of you interested in how much I got them for: $570 (w/5 year warranty) from a local dealer.

EVERYTHING THAT I LIKE IN A SPEAKER

NONE

I WAS LOOKING FOR A SPEAKER THAT SOUNDED GREAT FOR MUSIC AND HOME THEATER AS WELL. AFTER LISTENING TO THE GAMMIT (POLK INFINITY JBL ...)I WAS DEAD-SET ON THE JBL-STUDIO SERIES ( I WAS SETTLING ). I LOOKED UP THE JBL SITE TO GET MORE INFO. ON THE STUDIO SERIES AND FOUND THAT IN "REAL" THEATERS THEY USE "LOADED HORNS" .AFTER FINDING OUT WHAT A LOADED HORN WAS AND WHY THEY USE THEM IN THEATERS I DID A SEARCH FOR THEM .THATS WHEN I FOUND KLISPCH AND THE REFRENCE SERIES SPEAKERS. SO I WENT TO THIS SITE AND DID SOME RESEARCH ON WHAT PEOPLE THOUGHT OF KLIPSCH.THE REST IS HISTORY ....I BOUGHT THE KLIPSCH RF-3S UNHEARD, THATS RIGHT, I BOUGHT THEM WITHOUT EVEN HEARING THEM .WELL , TURNS OUT THAT THE GAMBLE PAID OFF IN SPADES, THESE SPEAKERS ARE AMAZING!!!!PERIOD.....IF YOU WANT BANG FOR THE BUCK WITHOUT SETTLING FOR 2ND BEST , GET THESE !IM BLOWN AWAY BY THE SOUND THESE SPEAKERS PRODUCE .NOW IM WAITING FOR THE REST OF THE REFERENCE SERIES TO COME IN BY MAIL (RC-3,RS-3 ).
THANKS TO ALL THE FOLKS ON THIS SITE FOR LETTING ME IN ON THE SECRET.KLIPSCH IS THE BEST!

Large sound stage, especially great for H/T

Not all that appealing to look at with grill covers on.

Incredibly dynamic images and soundstages like crazy. Has that speacial magic that I looked for in a loudspeaker, with exceptional clarity. Bass limited on high volumes. In addition the wide dispersion assures every listener supurb sound wherever they sit or stand, making you feel like your part of the movie. Your walls will just disappear, with a well defined, transparent sound. All this at a noteworthy value. Also, these speakers have been designed to optimize Dolby Digital, DTS, and all 5.1 surround formats. There is only one draw back that I can see with the RF-3's, they would most deffinetly need a suwoofer for music. An excellent combination then, once setup. You really need a subwoofer for movies anyway. If your lookig for very good seperation between dialog and music, these are the speakers, bar none. Regards to all.

Similar Products Used:

First speakers