Klipsch Reference RF-3 Floorstanding Speakers

Klipsch Reference RF-3 Floorstanding Speakers 

DESCRIPTION

Tower speaker. 2-way with dual aluminum cone 8" woofers, and horn loaded 1" titanium dome tweeter

USER REVIEWS

Showing 61-70 of 208  
[Dec 28, 2001]
Robbie
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Imaging is absolutely amazing. Very quality build. If you can think of it, it's probably one of their strengths! Unbelievable efficiency.

Weakness:

I can't find any at all yet.

I can't stop smiling. These speakers are incredible!
I rushed home after buying them, hardly able to wait to hook them up after hearing them in Stereo Types. A subwoofer definately rounds out the sound though.
I have them hooked up to a Kenwood Sovereign VR-4090 receiver and a Velodyne CT-120 sub and Sony center and satellites (which will soon be replaced since they can't stand up the Klipsch's at all).
The soundstage is stunning... it feels like the band is in the room with you. They do wonders on vocals; even acappella music is heightened tenfold. Pavarotti to Chicago - you'll be impressed with the difference.
All I can say is that the price is right and the sound is more than I could even ask for.
These are must buy speakers.

Similar Products Used:

First set of high end speakers.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Dec 20, 2001]
cigar wayne
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

exceptional sound for its size

Weakness:

none noted

after looking at speakers for the last 22yrs (when i purchased the 901's - used w/o equalizer, had to improvise to get them to work... sorry i digress) i was totally blown away by the klipsch rf3's. i had seen and heard klipsch speakers when bjorns was located at 410 and broadway. was totally amazed at the sound klipsch made with little effort. after years of sending two kids to school and saving enough dinero (crushing cans, playing lotto, and saving every penny i got) i went to bjorns. they treated you like a human being. no hard sell. i inquired about the klipsch and was given the tour of klipsch rf-3's, rf-5's and rf-7's. but alas the budget was set for the rf-3's. when the salesman played the "eagles hell freezes over" dvd, i heard the bass kick in on the intro to "hotel california" my quest had ended. i bought these babies along with the rc-3, rs-3's and definitive pro-sub 200. this along with monster cabling for the surround and monster center and main speaker cables all protected with a monster power strip. the system was completed by my oldest son at around 4 a.m. in the morning. i was asleep when i heard the rumbling. an earthquake in san antonio, naw, them speakers were singing. thank god for the insulation in the family room. when i select dts on the movie mode, you can't move the volume beyond 1/4 turn on the amp. ah yes the journey had ended. next adventure is too convince my better half on a new 64 bit proccessor receiver, digital flat tv and recliner with a built in fridge. but that is another story/journey.....

Similar Products Used:

bose 901 series ll

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Dec 17, 2001]
John H.
Audiophile

Strength:

INCREDIBLE detail, tight imaging, power handling, taut & responsive bass.

Weakness:

NONE, not even the grills! Leave them ON if you don't want to risk harming them or the woofer cones.

I have been watching the reviews and accolades build on this site for these speakers over the past year and a half, and it does not surprise me. Given the RF-3's success, it is no wonder Klipsch has released the next version, the RF-3II's. The RF-3 is without peer among speakers three times their value, and a testament to the long and rich history of the greatest speaker manufacturer on the planet: KLIPSCH.

SIX stars!
BRAVO!!!

Similar Products Used:

Paradigm 7seMkII; demoed KEF, Martim Logan, B&W, Boston Acoustics, TDL, Vandersteen, PS Audio, Thiel.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Dec 11, 2000]
Kyle
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

POWER! Clarity, Detail, Soundstage.

Weakness:

Floating Grills could break easily, but they (the grills) are still a sweet idea.

I have wanted a pair of Klipsch towers for a long time (4 years). I finally had a chance to get some and ended up going with these RF-3's (I wanted the KLF 20's, but I don't have that much money to blow on speakers--darn). To tell you the truth, i could not be any more impressed with these speakers than I already am.

Their POWER has to be their most distinguished plus. The more you feed them, the better they sound. And they only get tons better after the break in period (bass bottoms out more and highs become less bright). For audio, I don't even see a need for an added sub--they get it all as for a flat response. Plus, the bass is tight, punchy, and accurate--none of this boomy stuff--gotta love it. Highs are crisp and clear, and unlike a lot of horns I have heard before.

They should probably cost more than they are. jandr.com is an authorized dealer, and they helped me get the best deal I could find anywhere else, including unauthorized internet dealers.

A fantastic speaker!

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Oct 09, 2000]
Ryan
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Great range, excellent clean sounds, very little distortion

Weakness:

None

This is one of the best set of speakers that I have ever heard. I have the whole set of Klipsh Reference Series speaker for my center, main and rears. The product does not cease to amaze me. Recently, I got a new Eric Clapton CD (DTS Format), and the sound I heard from these speakers was out of this world. I have them matched with a Yamaha 2095 receiver. I highly recommend them.

Similar Products Used:

Polk, Yamaha

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Oct 03, 2000]
Patrick
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Clarity, warmth, soundstage. The copper drivers look awesome!

Weakness:

Not the best looking cabinets I've seen.

I've auditioned a number of speakers over the last year or so before deciding on the RF-3s (Polk, Bose, Paradigm, Cerwin Vega, Boston Acoustics, Mirage). I can't say anything that hasn't already been said.

The clarity and range of theese speakers was superior to any other speaker in the same price range and most times superior to speakers selling for $1k and up.

I feel that this has been one of the best purchases I've made in a long time.
For this price there is no other choice.


OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Sep 03, 2000]
Mark
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

incredible dynamics. 3d imaging and soundstage

Weakness:

none

Great speaker for the $. When i listened to these at my local dealer, i was convinced I had found the speaker I wanted. It was pure satisfaction. These speakers do not sound harsh after their break-in period. (Most people who hate Klipsch like to complain about their harshness). I strongly urge you to listen to these before you think about buying anything else. For $700 there is nothing better!

Similar Products Used:

Paradigm Monitor 9s, DynAudio

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Aug 26, 2000]
SL
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Perfect speaker at the price. Better than all speakers in that price range and better than most that costs much more.

Weakness:

None


All i can say has been said by the previous reviewers. These speakers may not be for you if you can spend in the Thousands, but if you are just a regular joe with a moderate budget, these speakers are worth the money!! They may seem a little bright out of the box, but after the break in period, they sing. Clarity like you never heard, imaging is quite incredible( although placement is an issue). Buying spearkers are always of a personal preference( i may like something that you don't ) but if all these people love these speakers, how can you go wrong?

Just go out and get 'em.

Similar Products Used:

JBL, NHT, Cerwin Vega

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Aug 04, 2000]
John H.
Audiophile

Strength:

Efficiency, detail, power handling, dynamics.

Weakness:

Mids and highs need attenuating, packaging.

This is a follow-up to my previous review of the Klipsch RF-3. This is my own personal opinion and setup, and only a suggestion of what is possible with the RF-3's. After biwiring and EQ, I must say these are some commanding speakers! EQ will not always be necessary depending on music source and listening volume. But if you want to stretch their legs at concert volume regardless of type of music, you will definitely need EQ unless you like being slapped in the face with midrange. Here is the EQ setup on my Audio Control optimizer that I would recommend to anyone wanting to knock the wax out of their ears with the RF-3's while maintaining as flat a curve as possible:

+3db 45Hz-150Hz
down to flat @ 300Hz
down to -3db 700-2.5KHz
up to +3db @ 12KHz

The short rise @ 12KHz and beyond will open the top end and eliminate hood effect due to the mid attenuation. The low end boost is also helpful in balancing overall due to the speaker being horn loaded. I am a person that likes their music realistic in terms of both volume and response, not presented as flat and sedate (my setup below will demonstrate this). The bass is tight and controlled, and program dependent. There is nothing introduced in this area, only presented as what is. The mid is articulate and true to voice with some hooding depending on source. The high is open, clean and vibrant and helps the speaker hang an image that may not always be three dimensional, but can float above, between or beyond! Placement, like I stated in my initial review, is very important and may help with bass and lower mid response as well as widening their somewhat narrow soundstage. These speakers will take ANYTHING you can throw at them, power-wise or music-wise and not even flinch! Whether music or DVD, the RF-3's will faithfully recreate the illusion of "being there". Their efficiency is ample enough for small to modest power, but if you want front row center at the amphitheater, go with a BEEFY amp! I have never heard a speaker that can delineate fine, layered detail in one moment and then deliver a wrecking ball to your chest in the next like these do. They will literally run you out of the room if given enough knob. I am raising my overall rating to five stars!! The RF-3's are living proof that you can find your treasure if you dig (in my case EQ) enough!

My setup is as follows:
NAD 502 CD
Hafler Iris preamp
Hafler DH500 amp
dbx SNR-1
dbx 3BX-DS
Audio Control optimizer

Similar Products Used:

Paradigm 7seMkII

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jul 10, 2000]
Marshal
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Sound stage on all fronts (HT and Music). Price to Value

Weakness:

Non

In love with the speakers. I auditionrd and listened to many speakers (Martin logan, Energy, Polk, Bose, etc.) either at a friends home or at the stores. The value that it offered at there price range ($ 600.00 local dealer) is unmatched. I,am running them with Yama #595 which a entry level rec. and the sound it stunning. Can't wait until I upgrade the receiver. There are speakers that cost a lot more, but few speakers CAN REPRODUCE sound as the RF-3's.

Similar Products Used:

B&W-Polk Audio-Energy-Many similar.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
Showing 61-70 of 208  

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