RB 1080 + KLIPSCH RF7"s???

[aussiemark]

My speaker setup is as follows Klipsch RF 7's ,RC 7. RS 7'S at the rear backed up with a Velodyne HGS 18.I am currently running them through a Denon 4802 which does a fine job with 5.1 movies.I feel I could get a better performance from my RF 7's in 2 channel music mode with a seperate amp.The 7's are horn based and as such are on the bright side on the highs. Has anyone out there had any experience with the combination of RB 1080 with the RF 7's? I have read and heard wonderful reports on Rotel's performance up against other much more expensive brands but should there be a concern about their products being manufactured in China or shouldn't that be an issue these days? The main objective for me regardless is getting the most out of my speakers which I feel is not happening with the Denon . Thanks.

[Kevin D]

You'll find most people here with a Rotel-RF7 combo absolutely loves it. Most recommend the 1080 at a minimum, with a lot going to the RB1090.

As far as the plant being in China, not really an issue these days. Plus Rotel owns the factory, it's not subbed out to the cheapest manufacturer.

Kevin D.

[UFObuster]

RB-1080 with RF-7

My speaker setup is as follows Klipsch RF 7's ,RC 7. RS 7'S at the rear backed up with a Velodyne HGS 18.I am currently running them through a Denon 4802 which does a fine job with 5.1 movies.I feel I could get a better performance from my RF 7's in 2 channel music mode with a seperate amp.The 7's are horn based and as such are on the bright side on the highs. Has anyone out there had any experience with the combination of RB 1080 with the RF 7's? I have read and heard wonderful reports on Rotel's performance up against other much more expensive brands but should there be a concern about their products being manufactured in China or shouldn't that be an issue these days? The main objective for me regardless is getting the most out of my speakers which I feel is not happening with the Denon . Thanks.

This is one of the best matches you can do. It's often discussed on the Klipsch forum (Klipsch.com) and everyone likes the 1080 for 2 channel work with this speaker. The speaker's profile show's an impedance dip as low as 2.8 ohm during playback putting a real strain on many receivers and strongly suggesting a dedicated two channel amp with high current. The 200wpc seems to be just right and the sound quality is stunning.
I learned about this after adding the RF-7 to a 5-channel setup with a Yamaha RX-V2600 (130wpc)...a fine reciever that just couldn't bring the RF-7 all the way out and it sounded a bit "bright". I use RF-5 for surrounds, an RC-7 center, and use an old RC-35 for a center back....subsequently adding the Rotel RMB-1075 to handle all the peripherals and keeping the 1080 just for the RF-7. Your Denon can also do a good job as pre/pro and may be sufficient for your center and surrounds after the load from the front pair goes to the Rotel. Then you'll have a great 2 channel set up with surround available for movies.
There may be choices just as good as this but this one is definitely a winner!

Good luck, Roger

[Ted]

I recently upgraded my Klipsch RF-5, RC-7, RS-25 system from a Yamaha (a claimed 100w / channel) receiver to a Rotel RSX-1057. Even with a "lowly" receiver switch (versus separates), it made a very big improvement in the sound quality of the Klipsch. Before, they seemed pretty lifeless and just not inspiring to me (I have been Klipsch user for close to 15 years so that's coming from someone who has loved the brand for a long time). The 1057 is my solution for now, and down the road I can add a separate amp (a 1075 or 1077 most likely) and a 1068 or whatever the replacement will be and I'll move the 1057 elsewhere in the house to relieve something else of its duty. My wife, after knowing each other since 1989 has never stated that something sounds really good, but has made a couple comments about the HT since adding the 1057! ;x( :amen:

What brought this on was when I built a 2 channel system with Rotel separates to run my B & W 703s. My dealer had to order the speakers but had the Rotel pieces (including a RB-1080) in stock. Naturally, I had to play a little bit, so I hooked it all up to my RF-5's and they instantly took on a new life, even with no break-in on the equipment.

Anyway, I would think your experience would be similar with the RF-7's as with my 5's. I literally listened to only a couple songs, but the improvement was instantly apparent to me, and I don't really feel I have very "trained" ears. I would think a 1080/1072 (or 1090 if you could find one) for your two channel would be good. I think you might be surprised at how much you could improve the full 5.1 sound too, by going with a RB-1075/1095/1077. :T

[miner]

My dealer in Houston has 1 RB-1090 left in stock.

[Drewbert]

An amp will really open them up.
I have RF82s and an RC52 with an HK receiver. I liked the sound a lot. My buddy liked it so much he bought the same speakers but with the Denon 2307.
Then I got a rotel amp.... and now he is looking for one....
Its night and day, do it

[aussiemark]

I will definately get the 1080 with the hope that it tames the shrillness up top at medium to high spl's and brings the midrange 2 steps forward.That's what I'm hoping for anyway.Thanks mate.

[yourtoys7]

I'm getting 1080, there's been a lot of talk and almost all recomend 1080, some go for 1090.

[ROTCArmyHifiGuy]

I think what youre going to find is that what attracted you to Klipsch speakers ( Horn loaded so easy to drive and lots of detail) is what will eventually turn you away from them (shrill highs with quality amps and listening fatigue) I know this was the case for me and my klipsch rf-15s when i paired them with rotel.

Deff give it a shot though and you maybe be surprised to find that you love the combo. I did at first, it took some serious listening sessions for me to swap them out for b/ws 704 speakers

[Drewbert]

......... listening fatigue........

Sure youre not just a wuss

I personally love the loud clean speakers :B

[ROTCArmyHifiGuy]

Here's a test for you then

Put in Rolling Stones: Sticky Fingers Album. Let your system warm up for an hour or so and then have it at.

You will get to hear EVERYTHING that was recorded.

Get back to me after you do that and tell me what you thought, because even though we both have klipsch reference, yours was higher in the line than mine and may have had better quality parts.

[yourtoys7]

ROTCArmyHifiGuy

I agree, I had 804S with Bryston 4B STT and know where you comming from. I have 1.5year old and couldn't imagine have it scratched by him. I switched to klipcsh because I got an amazing deal and for couple years till he grows up and then will get 802D. You can't compare then in any way, shape or form, but for the money its amazing setup.

[soundhound]

My speaker setup is as follows Klipsch RF 7's ,RC 7. RS 7'S at the rear backed up with a Velodyne HGS 18.I am currently running them through a Denon 4802 which does a fine job with 5.1 movies.I feel I could get a better performance from my RF 7's in 2 channel music mode with a seperate amp.The 7's are horn based and as such are on the bright side on the highs. Has anyone out there had any experience with the combination of RB 1080 with the RF 7's? I have read and heard wonderful reports on Rotel's performance up against other much more expensive brands but should there be a concern about their products being manufactured in China or shouldn't that be an issue these days? The main objective for me regardless is getting the most out of my speakers which I feel is not happening with the Denon . Thanks.

I have owned my RF 7's for about 1 1/2 yrs. I started with the RB 1070, nice but not enough, bought the RB 1080, absolutely loved it. Had ta have the RB 1090, and sold it shortly after, as the 1080 nailed it for me. I still use a Rotel 1056 receiver with the RB 1050 running the 7's for HT, but have gone bonzo on tubes with the 7's for 2 channel. At its price point I have yet to hear a better solid state match for them, and have tried a few. Do bear in mind if you buy new they do sound a little stiff, or sterile, but blossom very nicely with some run time on them.

[Elvis]

I think what youre going to find is that what attracted you to Klipsch speakers ( Horn loaded so easy to drive and lots of detail) is what will eventually turn you away from them (shrill highs with quality amps and listening fatigue) I know this was the case for me and my klipsch rf-15s when i paired them with rotel.

Deff give it a shot though and you maybe be surprised to find that you love the combo. I did at first, it took some serious listening sessions for me to swap them out for b/ws 704 speakers

I don't think I'd judge 7's by the rf15's,way different critters to say the very least.With 7's all that's required is a decent amp and a great pre/pro,the Rotels work really well.

[crowland]

I just picked up the 1095 which is the multi channel version of the 1080. Don't make fun of me, but it is being used with a yamaha 7x 140 watts ($1000 list when new) as a pre with the rotel driving 5 B&W VM1's. I decided to slowly build on the electronics because it will be a while unitil I have space for some respectable mains.

You would think that 140 yamaha or denon or whatever mid receiver watts would be overkill for some decent satalite speakers, but it's not with a set volume limit. I liked home theater, but I could hardly stand music. That's too nice of a statement; I hated music. With the addition of the rotel amp, the small B&W's just turned into a much better speaker; much better than I thought possible. It wasn't the watts that made the difference, it was the quality of them. I know the 1080 would have the same effect on the klipsch RF7's even though they are a much bigger speaker as I hope to have someday :cry:

My point in all of this is that the amps that they put in mid receivers are a joke when compared to brands such as rotel. Your two channel will be awsome with the 1080 but I think that everything would be better with the 1095.

[UFObuster]

I think what youre going to find is that what attracted you to Klipsch speakers ( Horn loaded so easy to drive and lots of detail) is what will eventually turn you away from them (shrill highs with quality amps and listening fatigue) I know this was the case for me and my klipsch rf-15s when i paired them with rotel.

Deff give it a shot though and you maybe be surprised to find that you love the combo. I did at first, it took some serious listening sessions for me to swap them out for b/ws 704 speakers

I respect your point of view and admire your system...but...the RF-7 is a unique speaker. I had RF-5 first, then went to the 7's....way different. I've heard about "listener fatigue" with these speakers before but as often rebutted as getting a "real" presentation as opposed to an attenuated version. I promise you I can hardly listen to my son's trumpet practice for more than 20 minutes before I get "listener fatigue" but oddly enough the damn thing still actually sounds like a real trumpet!

The RF-7 is not a forgiving speaker. You get literally everthing in the recording. Some people like it that way, some do not. When I hear Chet Baker played thru the RF-7/RB-1080 combo...I swear it's like being in the same room....it's that good.

PS...there's no comparison here...RF-15 to RF-7....the RF-7 is the gorilla in the room compared to the RF-15. 8)

[ROTCArmyHifiGuy]

Well then i suspect you will completely enjoy the combo, since the rf-7 is leaps ahead of the rf-15's.

Perhpas it was just that I had an entry level reference speaker if you can call it that, and now ive made the jump to higher.

Also it may have had to do with the quality of cds i was listening to. Now i have more HDCD's and properly remastered cd's than before.

[UFObuster]

Well then i suspect you will completely enjoy the combo, since the rf-7 is leaps ahead of the rf-15's.

Perhpas it was just that I had an entry level reference speaker if you can call it that, and now ive made the jump to higher.

Also it may have had to do with the quality of cds i was listening to. Now i have more HDCD's and properly remastered cd's than before.

Probably, the biggest difference was the quality jump from the RF-15 to the B&Ws that you got....BIG difference.

I also agree about CD quality.....a lot of the early releases were very poor executions of the originals. Don't you love it when everything clicks at the same time?

[UFObuster]

oops...double post!...see next

[UFObuster]

Probably, the biggest difference was the quality jump from the RF-15 to the B&Ws that you got....BIG difference.

I also agree about CD quality.....a lot of the early releases were very poor executions of the originals. Don't you love it when everything clicks at the same time?

And, you know, ROTC....another thought just crossed my mind. It's often a time of life, listening desires, age, music, etc. that colors these impressions. Given a quality Rotel amp, you're going to get some great sound from about ANY quality built "reference" speaker. I'm 60 years old now...I came into audio back in the days of some great Cambridge, Mass bookself speakers: first KLH, then Advent...."acuoustic suspension" was the word....I remember standing in the door of a little stereo shop in Chapel Hill, NC hearing those first Advents on the market and thought I was in heaven.....wonderful....an accurate, full but "refined" sound....much later moved to the Def-tech Bipolar towers--direct/reflect which was all the rage before there was discrete multichannel and you had to find ways to improve soundstage. Once again, a "refined" sound. Maybe I kept the Def-techs too long and got too used to it...so when I heard the "in your face" presentation of the Klipsch reference line...and yes I auditioned B&W in the same store/same amp....I just had to have it!!
I guess expectations change for each with time and experience....but you can't fool "quality listeners" with lifeless speakers or cheap electronics...it's what makes this a fun hobby....and this a great forum.... :T

[ROTCArmyHifiGuy]

And, you know, ROTC....another thought just crossed my mind. It's often a time of life, listening desires, age, music, etc. that colors these impressions. Given a quality Rotel amp, you're going to get some great sound from about ANY quality built "reference" speaker. I'm 60 years old now...I came into audio back in the days of some great Cambridge, Mass bookself speakers: first KLH, then Advent...."acuoustic suspension" was the word....I remember standing in the door of a little stereo shop in Chapel Hill, NC hearing those first Advents on the market and thought I was in heaven.....wonderful....an accurate, full but "refined" sound....much later moved to the Def-tech Bipolar towers--direct/reflect which was all the rage before there was discrete multichannel and you had to find ways to improve soundstage. Once again, a "refined" sound. Maybe I kept the Def-techs too long and got too used to it...so when I heard the "in your face" presentation of the Klipsch reference line...and yes I auditioned B&W in the same store/same amp....I just had to have it!!
I guess expectations change for each with time and experience....but you can't fool "quality listeners" with lifeless speakers or cheap electronics...it's what makes this a fun hobby....and this a great forum.... :T

Those are some great points. It's funny when technology advances so much that when we hear speakers that have all new designs and internals that make it "click" we wonder how would could even begin to listen to music without it haha.

The store that I bought my stereo system from (wont buy from them again, they reniged on their return policy) had one guy there who always told me how music is in the middle and that it takes some time to "appreciate" midrange dominant speakers like b&w because of how the market is flooded with less than good equipment at HiFi prices.

[soundhound]

Not to turn this into a "Klipsch" thread, but must add, the bigger Reference line from Klipsch is a very balanced speaker. About 10 months ago I had to try a set of their older Chorus, which is a 3 way-horn loaded set up, and yuk, to me they were far to mid heavy. Had I liked loud spl's, (maybe 25 years ago) playing some of todays rock, they may have fit the bill, but now with my musical tastes having changed to blues, and jazz, and still some "classic rock" the 7's dominate with the full bandwidth picture they paint. The soundstage is as tall as it is wide.
I also changed all of their crossover components to much pricier pieces, retaining all of the original values. They had spent enough time engineering them to know where the crossover points should be, but did not put the most expensive caps, coils, and resistors in them they could use.
I contacted a gent from the Klipsch forum named Dean G who has quite a following for his crossovers, and tried one of the values he uses for a specific resistor, and changed back to oem as he rolls off a little to much of the top end for my liking.
Their dynamics are insane for ht use, right out of the wrapper, and with a little positioning effert, and some good gear up front, they can be dominate for 2 channel as well.......And Rotels RB 1080 drives them very nicely.
Bob