Opinions needed on some Klipsch for 2 channel


The wife has banished my 2 channel audio addiction to a spare bedroom and I need some input on my selections. I have 2 klipsch rf7iis that front a 5.2 in the living room. Pushed by a Denon 4311ci. My wife loves them and won't surrender. My pioneer sx-1080 is the receiver I use for 2 channel and used to power the rf7s . I have JBL Northridge towers as well that I can't stand for stereo. I have been looking at some Klipsch KG4s as well as some Heresys. Looking for some opinions on the pros and cons of each. I listen to mostly vinyl and I like it loud. 
gavinja70

Showing 6 responses by wolf_garcia

Heresy III need a sub (or 2) but otherwise are simply a great sounding relative bargain, and unobtrusively short. 
As I mention often (too often maybe, but hey...I’m an insecure attention monger!) I have been enjoying a new pair of Heresy III "Capitol Editions" (meaning they’re signed or have different finishes than stock...or something...mine are labeled Ebony but actually ARE "deep purple") for months, with 2 RELs I already owned...a simple tone generator from a test CD will tell you exactly how low the Heresy will go (so will reading any reasonable review) and I simply enjoy the room charging feel of a good sub providing that extra sense of realism to things. Without the subs and with these things on the floor where I think they belong, the Heresy will still display a powerful tone palette. RELs can be unobtrusive, they’re powered of course, and you can get ’em cheap as good ones like mine (Q150e and a Q108II) show up on Ebay frequently. I make my own REL cables from Canare Star Quad and Neutrik Speakon plugs. Read the recent Ken Micallef review in the June Stereophile...he experienced some strident tweeter issues here and there, but otherwise he seems to really like these things. 
I had considered the new Fortes, but their largeness was an issue...they did a good job with the improved version (new mid horn I think) and I thought they sounded nice and clean when I heard them, but the Heresy IIIs are less obtrusive and maybe more room friendly as they're interestingly short.
The Heresy IIIs have surprisingly accurate bass within their range...relatively "hump" free, although that of course is influenced by where you put them. 
My Heresy III "Capital Edition" speakers were just under $1500 (they list for $2500 as they're a "special" edition with signed cabs and non standard finishes, although exactly the same performance as a standard Heresy III) and included free shipping with a factory warranty...Ebay might still have 'em. I have 2 REL subs so I was ready.
The Heresy speakers from the 70s don't sound like the new ones as, with good ancillaries, Heresy IIIs have a flatter and utterly listenable accurate top end. I don't think they even sound like horns particularly, except for their efficiency which seems to make them lively. I think there have been 2 updates since the 70s, the last in 2006.