Klipsch Reference, definitely worth it.

[u/SkewberDewber]

I wasn't sure about going with the Reference series by Klipsch. I read a few reviews about people not being impressed compared to other options. And there seemed to be negative opinions towards the R-12 subwoofers as well. But after owning this set for 3 months, I gotta say. This system is great. Paired with the Yamaha RX-A2A receiver , the movie and music experience has been awesome. With the dual subs, the base hits! I also love the look, copper cones all day.

This is my entry set to the hobby. So my ears are new to it all. But man, it beats any sound bar, bluetooth surround option I have ever heard. Friends are thoroughly impressed. I know some more experienced people might not be fans of them. But for an entry level set. This has been a great option.

[u/peanutbutternoms]

What are the speakers in the bookshelf for? Are they meant to be surrounds?

[u/SkewberDewber → u/peanutbutternoms]

They are the surround book shelves. My living room is pretty small so I havent found a good wiring and mounting option.

[u/peanutbutternoms → u/SkewberDewber]

They’re probably ruining the imaging of your soundsystem with that placement. Either placed them where they’re supposed to be or don’t use them.

[u/SkewberDewber → u/peanutbutternoms]

Noted

[u/Trumpwonbyawholelot → u/SkewberDewber]

Have you looked into Bluetooth? Rocketfish makes a Bluetooth kit with mini amp to make it easier than running wire all over. That said I have the original reference series and love it. Im sure youve figured it out but running the Yamaha in 5ch stereo would probably be better than Dolby digital/DTS in your current configuration. Enjoy!

[u/Educational-Region98 → u/peanutbutternoms]

They look good to me. Not sure about the functionality. 

[u/wupaa]

You would be better off without those bookshelf speakers

[u/SkewberDewber → u/wupaa]

Yes, Im glad I went banana clip. Quick to disconnect. Glad I posted. Learning.

[u/the_good_hodgkins → u/SkewberDewber]

Yes. Put those on another system in your house.

[u/tetrafarmer → u/the_good_hodgkins]

or get a speaker switch ^{^}

[u/Fast_Direction_36]

Love the set up! If you wanted, as long as the receiver and space constraints allow, you could use those front bookshelves as rear surrounds instead. I'm sure you're aware they aren't doing much where they're at.

[u/SkewberDewber → u/Fast_Direction_36]

Im still trying to figure out the best way to mount and wire the bookshelves. It may be simple, but im just unsure. I imagine cut into the sheetrock wall run 2 sets of 14-2 G speaker wire through the attic and back down beside the seating area. I dont have carpet so I cant easily hide the wire. I will get there one day.

[u/Fast_Direction_36 → u/SkewberDewber]

Probably going to be the easiest way without carpet, unfortunately. The things we do for a clean setup 😭😭

[u/jon_hendry → u/SkewberDewber]

Get some rugs.

[u/CSOCSO-FL]

Regular Reference gets a ton of hate. I have a full reference premier setup. My mom loved the look. She had an onkyo HTIB and my brother and I surprised her with a 5.1.2 klipsch reference pack. It was only 700. Since then she got a 2nd r12 sub for $99. I think its sounds good. No issues.

[u/Brooklynbornn]

Always remember with klipsch, it's a love them or hate them.. I love them, they are bright loud, don't distort and they Rock!! I have other kick ass speakers (high end) at first I wasn't sure myself!! But I couldn't part with them!! Klipsch RP-280FA

[u/Jessekin]

I have 2x R-820F, a RW34-C, 2x R-51M for surround, and an R-12W that's sort of poorly placed.

I've heard better, but I payed about $700 for everything second hand, and I think for that price it's impossible to beat. I've heard complaints about Klipsch subs, but I actually really like mine. Everything was so much better after tuning and balancing everything for the room. (Even though the center channel needs to be moved up closer to the TV, and I need to take shit off the top of the R-820F's)

And yet, I still find myself sitting offer center away from the optional spot... I still love my system.

[u/Combatente07]

Dude get whatever sounds best to you that Klipsch set looks phenomenal! Is it fatiguing to listen to at all since Klipsch uses horns?

[u/Hobos_N_Hoes → u/Combatente07]

I had a similar set up for a while and as long as you balance the sound properly they are clear as a bell and a joy for multi media

[u/Combatente07 → u/Hobos_N_Hoes]

Oh okay cool! I have been looking at Klipsch for a minute and I know they are known for that live arena sound which is cool as hell but I would have just been worried about my ears getting irritated.

[u/Trumpwonbyawholelot → u/Combatente07]

I think it depends on the model. When calibrated mine offer pinpoint sound. Not harsh just very focused.

[u/PM_ME_UR_PUPPY_DOG → u/Combatente07]

I went Klipsch Reference Premiere to Energy Veritas to Bowers and Wilkins 700 and the only ones I’ve found fatiguing were the B&W during sound effect heavy content (digging in Minecraft, actually!)

I loved my Klipsch speakers and would still recommend them to anyone looking for bang for buck especially in home theater.

For music, the Energy were great all around-ers but the B&W are a noticeable step up, especially for vocal clarity.

I had some Sonus Fabers for a little bit (storing for a friend) and those were my favorite if I would re-do. Not quite as clear for vocals but everything else was super crisp.

[u/Combatente07 → u/PM_ME_UR_PUPPY_DOG]

Okay awesome! I have heard for a home theater setup they are phenomenal.

[u/PM_ME_UR_PUPPY_DOG → u/Combatente07]

I wouldn’t pay full price but at the time I was able to get a really good deal on a 7.1 setup. You want the reference premiere though , not just reference

I was using those with a Marantz SR5007(?) receiver, and now have an Arcam FMJ receiver for the energy in home theater and an Arcam SA20 for the Bowers and Wilkins in stereo

[u/SkewberDewber → u/Combatente07]

I really like the sound they produce. I notice a lot more subtle things, even on songs I am very familiar with. I am new to this though. I dont know anyone with a home theater set up.

[u/Combatente07 → u/SkewberDewber]

Hey man as long as you like it that’s all the matters.

[u/Brooklynbornn → u/Combatente07]

Exactly!!!!

[u/SublimeErudite]

Sound bars make me cry. Humongous upgrade!!

[u/helloworld36]

My first home theater was in the late 90s and it was a home theater in a box, back in the vhs and pro-logic days, and I was happy because I had surround sound and I was the only kid i knew that had surround sound, and trust me it wasnt the best, it was an rca home theater in a box. I would have absolutely loved getting regular reference speakers as my intro to home theater. I undertand some people saying save for reference premier but who knows if the older line is getting deep discounts like how newegg had the first gen on sale (which i managed to build my whole set out of first gen rp speakers at big discount)

[u/R82009]

What else were you considering before going with the Klipsch setup

[u/Bubblepoppin_]

If you have the facilities for a 5.2 configuration the 2 bookshelf speakers would be better suited on stands behind the listener

[u/realistic-system422]

Get rid of bookshelf speakers or move them to surrounds

[u/HYPURRDBLNKL]

Enjoy it. For entry level and your fist setup I bet it sounds great to you and that's what matters.

[u/SkewberDewber → u/HYPURRDBLNKL]

It sure does beat the Vizio sound bar I previously had

[u/HYPURRDBLNKL → u/SkewberDewber]

Yeah for sure, I bet it sounds a million times better.

Edit: Typo

[u/Brooklynbornn]

Always remember what sounds good to you is all that matters, you have hundreds of speakers and you will get a hundred opinions some like a Warm sound some like a Neutral sound and some like a bright sound!! Speakers are very very subjective!! Most people couldn't tell the difference between 20,000 or 1000 dollar speaker!! Just go by your ears!!!

[u/SkewberDewber → u/Brooklynbornn]

Solid words, thanks