The Klipsch RF-3 are OK speakers, but really more home theater speakers than "audiophile" speakers. The RF-7 are better, but still not in the same league with the Heritage series. The Heritage series are a 3 driver design and have a richer sound and better constructed cabinets. There's definitely a difference in sound quality.
If you are looking for something more laid back, the Heritage series will be the opposite of that. They will have better integration of the bass, mid, and treble, but will also be more dynamic, which to some ears equals "edgy".
Your room and amplification will have a lot to do with how the Klipsch sound to you. If you go listen to them at a dealer they are probably going to have a nice sound damped room and they will sound more laid back than they will in your room if you don't have any sound treatments.
The KLF Legend speakers are somewhat in between and if you can find a decent used pair of KLF-20 or KLF-30 would be a big improvement over the RF-3. The cabinets on the Heritage series are a little sketchy and you may need to deal with loose panels on the back as well as consider some internal bracing if you plan to play them loud. There are a lot of affordable upgrades available for crossovers and drivers from Bob Crites and others.
I love Klipsch speakers and have owned RF-7, KLF-30, CF-3, CF-2, Heresy, RF-3, RF-5, and more, but if you think the RF-3 is too edgy, you might want to look at different brands. Vienna Acoustics, Canton, and Harbeth (which are in a completely different league) all come to mind.
If you are looking for something more laid back, the Heritage series will be the opposite of that. They will have better integration of the bass, mid, and treble, but will also be more dynamic, which to some ears equals "edgy".
Your room and amplification will have a lot to do with how the Klipsch sound to you. If you go listen to them at a dealer they are probably going to have a nice sound damped room and they will sound more laid back than they will in your room if you don't have any sound treatments.
The KLF Legend speakers are somewhat in between and if you can find a decent used pair of KLF-20 or KLF-30 would be a big improvement over the RF-3. The cabinets on the Heritage series are a little sketchy and you may need to deal with loose panels on the back as well as consider some internal bracing if you plan to play them loud. There are a lot of affordable upgrades available for crossovers and drivers from Bob Crites and others.
I love Klipsch speakers and have owned RF-7, KLF-30, CF-3, CF-2, Heresy, RF-3, RF-5, and more, but if you think the RF-3 is too edgy, you might want to look at different brands. Vienna Acoustics, Canton, and Harbeth (which are in a completely different league) all come to mind.
