CF-4s soundstage and imaging continue to impress

[Cleve]

Since moving to my new house, I've gotten back into listening to music in 2 channel mode, rather than synthesized 5 channel (via the MX132's various music surround modes).

The reason? The CF4s are much closer to the outside walls in their new location - this really seems to make the imaging of the speakers shine! There will be times when I double check to make sure I'm in two channel mode, because the music will seem to be coming from beyond the walls, or from the rear channel surrounds. The soundstage is wide, and precise - and the various instruments seem to come from very distinctive locations - sometimes 'outside' the walls of the listening room.

The imaging was always good with these speakers - but the 'bounce' from the outside walls seems to really make it spectacular. I've had them for over 5 1/2 years now, and I guess I was sort of jaded - but this is a new way they impress.

[rifftrax]

I have CF-1's I am sooo jealous of the big'uns in that series (the CF-3/4). CF-4's would seriously rock I expect, the previous owner of the CF-1's I have was able to blow the back of the cabinet off from the SPL's he had attained at one point using them in a back-yard party (!!!). The crazy part is the driver's are still in perfect condition, didn't even strain 'em. They are built like a tank.

[Cleve]

Riff, I love my big Klipsch's. I've had the fronts since February, 2004, the center since summer 2005, and I'm 5 days from the 4th anniversary of the arrival of the CF3 surrounds.

Left surround - CF3



Right surround - CF3




Front and center - CF4s (center doubles as my TV stand! - since it's handled my 42" plasma so well for so many years, I think a 65" may be in order this winter )



In their new environment, a volume level of 50 on the McIntosh pre-amp will result in 113 Db+ peaks during movies - especially during deep bass sequences in DTS like when the first Martian machine appears in the War of the Worlds. You couldn't stay in the room with it at anything higher. It's crazy.