What matters most is how they rate to you. Klipsch is the type of speaker that polarizes opinion - there are some that love them, some that hate them. There are lots of reasons for both opinions.
Myself? I love them. I have La Scalas up front, and Forte II's in the rear. They put out a HUGE, clear sound that's perfect for my main listening preferences (space rock, metal, prog, dub). They work wonderfully with tubes, are also quite satisfying with higher-quality solid state.
As far as "prestige", they had more cache' in the past (like JBL), but they still make some classic products. Overall, I think alot of their products are a great value, but nobody would call them works of visual art, and they don't get much audiophile press - I think this affects their "mindshare" among many audiophiles.
But if you don't wear your makeup too thick, who cares about prestige, mindshare, and the emperor's new clothes?
Mike
Myself? I love them. I have La Scalas up front, and Forte II's in the rear. They put out a HUGE, clear sound that's perfect for my main listening preferences (space rock, metal, prog, dub). They work wonderfully with tubes, are also quite satisfying with higher-quality solid state.
As far as "prestige", they had more cache' in the past (like JBL), but they still make some classic products. Overall, I think alot of their products are a great value, but nobody would call them works of visual art, and they don't get much audiophile press - I think this affects their "mindshare" among many audiophiles.
But if you don't wear your makeup too thick, who cares about prestige, mindshare, and the emperor's new clothes?
Mike