This is my first post and I'm not a true audiophile per se, but I know a good sounding system when I hear one. I have hundreds of CDs and had a basic consumer system, so during the pandemic I decided to assemble an entry-level Hi-Fi setup to better enjoy my music.
I'm running a Onkyo C-7030 CD player through a Bellari PA-550 pre-amp and a Rotel RB-951 amp. I had a set of Sony SS-CS5s for a few years, and was impressed with the sound for such affordable speakers. More recently, I added a Polk PSW108 sub and that made a great difference. That is the best sub I've heard for music at under $500. Clean, accurate and natural sounding bass with more than enough punch. With bass, I'm more about augmentation vs. domination.
In January, I saw that Crutchfield was blowing out the first gen RP-600Ms for $349.99, so I ordered up a set and sold my Sony speakers. I've run the Klipsch speakers for around 25 hours now, and just can't get nearly as excited about them as all the positive YouTubers have been on them. I'm running them straight btw, sub isn't connected. I'm using pro 14-gauge wire with proper connections, the RPs are on good stands, and I've tried various positions. I hear details I've never heard with the SS-CS5Ss, but I'm simply underwhelmed overall. I have to increase the bass gain to where it mucks up the vocals, the highs can be harsh, and something just seems off in the crossover. While the SS-CS5Ss were flatter and lacked midrange, I'd take their clarity over the RPs in a minute.
I contacted Crutchfield ahead of their 60-day return policy, and they were of course happy to honor a return. For replacements, I have a set of Wharfedale Diamond 12.0 speakers on order -currently back-ordered so I have some time to change my mind.
I've since learned that Klipsch recommends 100 hours of break-in time whereas most online sources state 20-30 hours is sufficient. So question 1 is what's your view on speaker burn-in? Btw, I felt the Sony and Polk products sounded nice right out of the box. Question 2 is do Klipsch speakers require more break-in time for some reason?
Back to the Wharfedales... Yes, the 12.0s are small and only go down to 70 hz, but the plan is to reconnect my sub which has a 80 hz starting point for crossover, making it an ideal paring. From reviews, I expect the 12.0s to provide accurate sound with great mids and a better soundstage than the SS-CS5Ss, and the Polk covering 35-80 hz should round it out nicely. I'll be paying full price for the 12.0s to make the swap, but in my mind it seems like my best option. I don't have it in me to stick Crutchfield with the Klipsch, get a refund, and shop elsewhere. I know I can get plenty of great used speakers for $350...
I've seen the upgrade video on the RPs, and am not about to spend $320 more to modify 'em. I don't have the time, experience, or energy for it.
Anyway, am I not giving the Klipsch drivers a fair shake, or am I just not a Klipsch fan -or at least not a fan of RP-600Ms?
I'm running a Onkyo C-7030 CD player through a Bellari PA-550 pre-amp and a Rotel RB-951 amp. I had a set of Sony SS-CS5s for a few years, and was impressed with the sound for such affordable speakers. More recently, I added a Polk PSW108 sub and that made a great difference. That is the best sub I've heard for music at under $500. Clean, accurate and natural sounding bass with more than enough punch. With bass, I'm more about augmentation vs. domination.
In January, I saw that Crutchfield was blowing out the first gen RP-600Ms for $349.99, so I ordered up a set and sold my Sony speakers. I've run the Klipsch speakers for around 25 hours now, and just can't get nearly as excited about them as all the positive YouTubers have been on them. I'm running them straight btw, sub isn't connected. I'm using pro 14-gauge wire with proper connections, the RPs are on good stands, and I've tried various positions. I hear details I've never heard with the SS-CS5Ss, but I'm simply underwhelmed overall. I have to increase the bass gain to where it mucks up the vocals, the highs can be harsh, and something just seems off in the crossover. While the SS-CS5Ss were flatter and lacked midrange, I'd take their clarity over the RPs in a minute.
I contacted Crutchfield ahead of their 60-day return policy, and they were of course happy to honor a return. For replacements, I have a set of Wharfedale Diamond 12.0 speakers on order -currently back-ordered so I have some time to change my mind.
I've since learned that Klipsch recommends 100 hours of break-in time whereas most online sources state 20-30 hours is sufficient. So question 1 is what's your view on speaker burn-in? Btw, I felt the Sony and Polk products sounded nice right out of the box. Question 2 is do Klipsch speakers require more break-in time for some reason?
Back to the Wharfedales... Yes, the 12.0s are small and only go down to 70 hz, but the plan is to reconnect my sub which has a 80 hz starting point for crossover, making it an ideal paring. From reviews, I expect the 12.0s to provide accurate sound with great mids and a better soundstage than the SS-CS5Ss, and the Polk covering 35-80 hz should round it out nicely. I'll be paying full price for the 12.0s to make the swap, but in my mind it seems like my best option. I don't have it in me to stick Crutchfield with the Klipsch, get a refund, and shop elsewhere. I know I can get plenty of great used speakers for $350...
I've seen the upgrade video on the RPs, and am not about to spend $320 more to modify 'em. I don't have the time, experience, or energy for it.
Anyway, am I not giving the Klipsch drivers a fair shake, or am I just not a Klipsch fan -or at least not a fan of RP-600Ms?