Klipsch speakers

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

My 2 brothers bought KG 5.5s and IMO they sounded great overall. I felt they lacked low end, yet were used in an HT environment with a sub, so in that role worked great. Very efficient speakers. For dedicated 2 channel listening, I think they are great for certain types of music, but soso for other types of music. I have not heard the Reference Series. All in all, Mike is correct; all that matters is how they sound to you.

I just purchased the new Klipschorns (They were just redesigned in 2002) and feel they are better than any speaker near the $7500. retail price. I have had everything, including Maggies, Soundlabs, Thiels, Piegas, Cabasse, etc..., etc... and I am stunned at how natural these speakers are. I have never heard as dynamic a speaker as these K-horns, and this is 1 day out of the boxes!!