Klipsh RB35

[Searching]

Anyone have any experience with Klipsch RB35 speakers? There's a pair on eBay that are close to me. I'm hoping that I can go listen tonight.

I understand that vintage Klipsch speakers are highly regarded, but the new stuff, maybe not so much?

[silversport]

plenty of people enjoy the Reference series...especially with Solid State equipment...I prefer Hereitage but own a pair of RB-5s which sound excellent...I think you will enjoy the RB-35s.
Bill

[Searching]

Thanks for the response. I'm looking for a pair of speakers that are efficient enough for a small tupe amp (possibly Bottlehead). I've heard lots of solid state equipment over the years (not real high end, mind you), but I'm really interested in hearing what tubes can do. To hear some people it's like audio Nirvana. ;)

In reading reviews/opinions I keep coming back to Klipsh. Considering cost, if I hold out for tracking down some vintage Klipsch speakers, are we talking about orders of magnitude better sounding than something new (ie the RB-35's)?

I suppose it's comparing apples and oranges.

[silversport]

well, count me in on one of those Tube nutz...very recently back into the fold...grew up listening to Dad's Tube HiFi...I got SS gear, Yamaha CA-610II, Nakamichi TA-2A, McIntosh MAC1900 and MA6200 (2 generations of McIntosh)...then I heard the ugly little EICO HF-81...as the day it was made (minus some Tubes) in 1959...Oh my gosh! sound...My sister is upgrading from my old CA-610II to the McIntosh gear (and that kills me but I prefer the Tubes to SS for music now)...picked up NOSValves VRD amps and JuicyMusicAudio BlueBerry MkI pre...sweeeeeet!
I have Heresys (4 in a home theater with an Academy center)...Klipschorns with the VRD set up and Quartets with the EICO set up...
I like the 3 way Klipsch Heriotage sound but the 2 way (sis is also getting my RB-5s) Reference and Synergy speakers are fine as well...If I never hear the 3 way Heritage, I would be fine with the RB-5s...it was just when I A/B them next to each other that I find the Reference lacking...good luck with your quest!
Bill
Bill

[silversport]

Not orders of magnatude...different sounding...and not great differences...some find the Horns in the Heritage too forward, some find the Heresys bass shy...I don't but the Quartets (I own) and Forte IIs (so I hear) are great sounding...like Heresys WITH bass (I would say more bass but...)...I don't think you will dislike the RB-35s but I hope you get them for a good price...as for shipping, I had bought a PERFECT pair of KM-4s (kg3.5s) and UPS destroyed them upon arrival...sad.
Bill

[silversport]

how much do you want to spend???
Heresys...$400-$600 depending on condition and wood veneer
Forte'/Forte' II...similar or maybe a bit more than Heresys (VERY popular)
Quartets...similar price to Heresys...harder to find (not as popular)
Cornwalls...BIG...$1000 or so
Belle,LaScala,Klipschorn...over that used...good hunting!
Bill

[Searching]

Right now I'd like to stay very near $400, or below. Tracking down something locally and eliminating shipping is a big plus. But there again, size is an issue, not only from the fact that I have a small apartment, but I also have a small car. So for now, some smaller 2 way speakers make the most sense.

Do you know anything about KG-4's? For what I could likely get the RB-35's for, I could get a pair of KG-4's locally (~$300). The are also 2 way, but have 2 woofers, and a large passive radiator. Vintage vs. new? An old debate certainly. Efficiency's about the same, I believe the KG-4 will produce a little more bass, at least by the numbers.

[silversport]

Alright...I never cared for the kg4s...I bought kg2s back in 1989...Loved them but I got them because I couldn't afford Heresys...now, I seem to be the only one on the planet who didn't like kg4s (I haven't heard them since 1989) so...if they are really nice I would bet you will prefer the kg4s over the RB-35s with Tubes...kg4s are almost universally loved as are the larger Forte's...as for my statement about not liking the kg4s...well, I also thought I wouldn't like the Quartets...and I LOVE the Quartets now so give 'em a listen and for less cash than the RB-35s...get the kg4s...if they look good, are what you like (size wise too) and sound fine!
Bill

[silversport]

kg4:

38-20
100w
94dB
40 lbs

RB-35:

45-20
125w
96dB
24 lbs

kg4s will dig a bit deeper for bass are heavier and larger but have a HUGE following, RB-35s are a bit more efficient (plus for smaller powered amps), lighter but are a little less bass heavy...I bet you can't go wrong with either choice...go with the closest to you, best condition and least expensive...I am betting you will prefer the kg4s.
Bill

[2DualsNotEnough]

I owned a pair of RB-35's that I bought new a few years ago.They are very efficient,but the bass was lacking to these ears.I didnt care for the shrill upper end that the horn produces.They did bring out a good deal of detail in the music,though.My buddy had a set of Forte's back in the late 80's,and I liked the overall presentation much better than my 35's.
The good thing about any pair of Klipsches you buy is that they retain their value very well.If you try out the 35's,theres a really good chance you can get pretty close to what you pair for them if you choose to sell them.
Jimmy

[Searching]

Thanks to both of you for your thoughts. I am leaning towards the KG-4's in my comparison here. Seems like the bass will help to mitigate the highs of the horns. And I do agree, anything I pick up could always be resold down the line. Probably will as I learn more, and decide that I need better.

Right now I'm just looking for something efficient enough for tubes.

And of course, it always comes down to hearing them.

[silversport]

I have used Heresys and Quartets with my EICO HF-81...14 whopping watts per channel...louder than I can take it so...you are in the right neighborhood...(Heresys-96dB-Quartets 97.5dB)...let's see some pics...are the kg4s black (black painted oak veneer), oak or walnut???
Bill

[Redboy]

Right now I'd like to stay very near $400, or below. Tracking down something locally and eliminating shipping is a big plus. But there again, size is an issue, not only from the fact that I have a small apartment, but I also have a small car. So for now, some smaller 2 way speakers make the most sense.
I picked up my Forte's for less than $400 and was able to get them into my 2-door Honda! One in the trunk and one in the back seat...

[Searching]

Sorry I haven't gotten back to you sooner. Got a little busy the last couple of days.

These are the KG-4's (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=9742809308&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT)

Black. Not bad cosmetically, but the grills look a little rough. Don't know if they'd be cleanable. They're relatively local, and I was thinking if I went to hear them, and could give the guy cash, he might drop a little. No eBay/Paypal fees.

Don't know what I'm going to do.

[silversport]

You can do better pricewise...
http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Walnut-Klipsch-kg4-Like-New_W0QQitemZ120024518169QQihZ002QQcategoryZ61378Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Don't know the seller...yadda yadda yah\
Bill