Reddit mentions of Klipsch RP-160M Bookshelf Speaker - Ebony (Pair)

Turntable:

• Fluance RT82 with Ortofon OM 10 $300. Auto stop and an optical sensor speed controlled motor for low wow and flutter and speed variation specs. You can later optionally upgrade to the acrylic platter as seen on the $500 RT85 for around $90 when Fluance gets it in stock. Skip the older RT80 and RT81 that do not have the speed sensor.
  
• Phono stage/preamp: Fluance PA10 $79, or the popular Schitt Mani $129, besides many others if not getting receiver with a built in phono stage.
  
  Receiver/Amp: Refurbished with a 1 year manufacturer warranty. These have a built in phono stage/preamp phono input you can start out with and then add a better external later.
  
  
• Stereo: ONKYO TX-8220 $135, or ONKYO TX-8140 $200.
  
• AV If also ever using with a TV even with just 2 speakers, 4K HDMI switching, high pass crossover for your speakers if ever adding a subwoofer. DENON AVR-S640H 5.2 $200, Audyssey Multi EQ room correction EQ speaker setup and HEOS wireless networking and smartphone app.
  
  Speakers: Speaker recommendations from AverageJoeAudiophile and r/HTBuyingGuide.
  
  Internet Manufacturer Direct can be a good bang for the buck with 30 day in home trials so you can try 2 or 3 pairs.
  
  
• 5.25" Emotiva Airmotive B1 $230. Folded ribbon high-frequency transducers.
  
• 5.25" Wavecrest Audio HVL-1, and order on sale at Ascend $80 each + shipping, budget Ascends. Front ported. Neutral sound with a linear frequency response. Great mids which many speakers lack. To me, comparable to KEF Q100s. As with most bookshelf speakers, best with a subwoofer.
  
• 6.5" Ascend CBM-170s $300 + $30 shipping. Neutral sound with a linear frequency response. I have these for their great mids which many speakers in the price range lack.
  
• 6.5" HSU HB-1 MK2 $280 + $60 shipping. Have a good low end if not getting a subwoofer at all or right away.
  
  On sale:
  
  
• 5.25" Infinity Reference 152 $140 refurbished, originally $350 MSRP or Boston A25 $150 bogo.
  
• 6.5" $200 a pair, JBL Studio 230 refurbished or Boston A26 bogo.
  
• 6.5" Klipsch RP-160M $340.
  
  Towers on sale:
  
  
• Pioneer FS52 $150 pair (note the long massdrop ship time).
  
• JBL Studio 270 $260 pair.
  
• Boston A250 $225 pair bogo.
  
• Tekton Design Mini Lore $575. Highly recommended.
  
  DIY speakers, build your own: Add around $50+ for tools and supplies. Kits includes pre-cut cabinets. Glue, solder, paint, assemble. Comparable to built speakers costing twice as much
  
  
• C-Notes $100, a great starter DIY speaker.
  
• Dayton Audio BR-1 $195, 6.5", quicker and easier with pre-built and painted cabinets.
  
• Classix II MT $230 pair.
  
• HIVI $220 or $290 pair.
  
• Towers: TriTrix MTM TL Tower $280 or Amiga MT Tower $370 pair.
  
  Speaker wire: Pure Copper Oxygen Free 16 Gauge Speaker Wire 50 ft. and self adjusting wire strippers, optional banana plugs to add. Or already with banana plugs, Micca or DFWCableConnection.
  
  Speaker stands: Dayton Audio SSMB24, Monoprice Glass or Monolith by Monoprice and Audio Advisor where most are also available at Amazon.
  
  Subwoofer:
  
  
• 10" Infinity SUB R10 Reference Series $399 $140 flash sale ends 8 hours.
  
  Guides:
  
  Home Audio: Intro to home stereo systems • Zeos Tutorials, Diagrams and Videos • Guide to Home Audio • AverageJoeAudiophile's Guides
  
  Home Theater: r/HTBuyingGuides FAQ • How to Set Up a Basic Home Theater System - Lifewire • How to Set Up Your Home Theater Receiver • r/hometheater
  
  Speaker Positioning: Speaker Placement for Stereo Music Listening • How to position your speakers for great sound • Speaker Placement for Home Theater
  
  TV Positioning: Vertically centered at eye level while seated.

Here comes the /r/hometheater special.

Denon X1400h from accessories4less.

Klipsch RP-160M because I'm biased and f'ing klipsch again.

HSU VTF-1 MK3 subwoofer. HSU makes great bang for you buck subwoofers that are actually true subwoofers. I'd usually recommend SVS, but I've only ever bought them in the outlet during special events.

They aren't even in the same category as your Bose. It's not a comparison.

Yamaha R N303 - $200

Ascend CBM 170SE - $300

​

Klipsch RP-160M - $340

Get a pair of Reference Premiers like the RP-160M's. These are better sounding than the older reference series like you have. There are certainly other good alternatives if you want to give a max budget.

Klipsch RP-160M Bookshelf Speaker - Ebony (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RNZ6COS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_WydACbZZ8297T


get these and for this price they are a steal.

5.1 is better if you watch a lot of tv/movies and play a lot of games, but a 2.0/2.1 would be better if you mainly listen to music. Either way, you can't go wrong if you start with just a 2.0 system because you can always upgrade later. I don't know much about floor standers, but I know a few good bookshelf speakers.

Here is a good setup I recommend:

Subwoofer:
https://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-F12-475-Watt-Subwoofer/dp/B0015A8Y5M?keywords=bic+f12&qid=1537666228&sr=8-1&ref=mp_s_a_1_1

Speakers:
https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-RP-160M-Bookshelf-Speaker-Ebony/dp/B00RNZ6COS?crid=1JSZBF6QF9EKN&keywords=klipsch%2Brp-160m&qid=1537666255&sprefix=Klipsch%2BRP&sr=8-3&ref=mp_s_a_1_3&th=1&psc=1

Receiver:
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs530bt/denon-avr-s530bt-5.2-ch-x-70-watts-bluetooth-a/v-receiver/1.html

Reference Premier series is good, but the RP-400M is bad value at $280 even for renew/refurb pair. A pair of RP-160M's is $340, the extra cone size results in stronger mid-bass.

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-RP-160M-Bookshelf-Speaker-Ebony/dp/B00RNZ6COS

The DINAS has a purpose which is mostly defeated if you own a sub. The full-range coax is actually serving as a mid-range, while the external tweeter and integrated Voxel sub handles the highs and lows. For less money you could build some bookshelf speakers that go down to 50 or 60Hz with the same quality, letting your sub handle the difference.

You can use powered speakers for surround sound, but your receiver needs the pre-outs for that. Denon X3400H for example.

Classix II MT are a solid pair of speakers. If you are willing to DIY I would build a pair of these.

First of all, stay away from sonos. They sound like garbage.

Now that that is out of the way, we've got some discussing to do.

If you want the ease of Sonos, but good sound, a pair of KEF LSX is what you want. slightly over budget, but there isn't really anything else in your budget. 'All in one' stuff like that isn't very popular, and is pretty hard to find. KEF makes some of the only stuff like that, that actually sounds decent. Honestly, they sound really nice. I like them a lot, especially for all that they can do.

If you'd rather make a 'custom' setup with bluetooth, a receiver and a pair of bookshelf speakers will be great. Will they be better than those KEFs? Yeah, but a lot of people don't want to deal with the 'hassle' that comes with setting up a system (it really is pretty easy though. put stuff where you want it and run wires). Also, it won't particularly be loads better than the KEFs.

Here's the receiver you want. It has everything you could ever need. Don't worry that it's 'too many channels'. 2 channel receivers usually don't have as many options. This one has bluetooth, airplay, wifi for streaming, etc.

With that, you'll want two speakers. I prefer bookshelf speakers. You get more for your money with them. To expand on that a bit, bookshelf speakers are usually cheaper than tower speakers for what you get. Neither bookshelf speakers or tower speakers can go all the way down, and you'll get some help from a sub with either. For example, you can get a pair of 'budget' tower speakers for around $1000, or you can step up and get a pair of bookshelf speakers that are the next 'tier' in a line, so you'll get better sound.

This is where you have options to make (not like you didn't before, but now you really do). After that receiver, you have around $700. There are two options. The first is to get a pair of bookshelf speakers. The second is to get a pair of bookshelf speakers and a sub. I would prefer just the bookshelf speakers, because you can get something much better (the 'cheapest' sub I would get is around $400) and you can add the sub in later.

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Here are your bookshelf speaker options:

I really like Ascend Acoustics Sierras. They've got a really smooth response, that's pleasurable to listen to. The Dark Cherry color is beautiful by the way.

These KEFs are really nice as well. They have a less 'smooth' presentation and more of a 'detailed' presentation. They're accurate and revealing. Loads of fun to listen to IMO. (They make a bigger version as well, but they aren't any better, and they're more expensive. Too much to get into now, but I'd avoid them).

Now, I'm going to put this pair in here, but I've never heard them. Philharmonic Mini Monitor. I can't comment on them too much, but I can speculate as well as tell you what I've heard from reviews. These are supposed to be very nice. Ribbon tweeters are very 'open' and 'airy' sounding. It's hard to explain, but it makes the sound feel very transparent. Again, hard to explain. The ribbon tweeter they use is a spectacular ribbon tweeter, so I'm sure it sounds great. They'll have tons of detail but will never sound sharp or anything.

Bowers and Wilkins 607 are a very good option. The way their system works is this: The higher the first number, the better series (607, 707 are the same size but with different drivers). The lower the last number, the bigger the speaker (607 is the smallest, 606 is bigger, etc - I have no idea why it is backwards). We were discussing earlier with towers vs bookshelves and I feel this is a good time to explain. You can get a pair of 600 series towers for $1800. However, you can get a pair of 700 series bookshelves for the exact same price, therefore get better sound quality for the same money, if you're okay with having a bookshelf. Anyways, sorry about the side tangent. I think that the 607s are very good speakers (I bought a pair for my friend the other day but he said he couldn't accept them so I returned them :( - fair enough though). They are very fun and sweet sounding speakers. I like them a lot. They also hit to a decent frequency for their size. If WAF is a concern (wife acceptance factor) I feel like these are a very safe bet. They're also in your budget.

Alright, those are some of the best options. If you'll be doing a lot of music listening, I'd pick the Sierras or the B&W because they sound very sweet and they're fun to listen to. If you're doing a lot more tv/movie stuff, the detail of the KEFs or the Philharmonics will be great for vocals.

Also, if you do any of these, you probably won't feel like you need a sub, but it might be nice. This one is the one to get.

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Here are your bookshelf and subwoofer combos. You'll want this sub as well. It's the least expensive sub I feel good about recommending at this price point.

HSU also makes speakers. I don't know much about them, but I can speculate (mine show up monday). Horns are fun and dynamic, but also provide great vocals in my experience. These would be good for a tv/movie setup rather than a music setup, probably.

Here's another pair of horn speakers. Klipsch makes good tv/movie stuff.

These other Ascend Acoustic speakers are also very good. Not as good as the sierras, but they have a similar smoothness to them. Very good speaker for the budget.

These elacs are what you want if you'll be putting them directly against the wall. They have a front port that won't be choked off if you do that. Also, they are a very warm sounding speaker. I like them a lot.

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Whoops, looks like I shot myself in the foot with this one. I told you not to get towers. There is one pair of towers that I would recommend.

Tekton Mini Lore. I've never heard them, but look up reviews. Extremely sensitive, meaning they have awesome dynamics and sound effortless. Also, they get low enough where you won't need a sub. They get lower than a decent amount of subs actually.

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"But Poly, what would you do?

I'm glad you asked.

If I wanted something 'easy' and 'no fuss' the KEF LSX are the way to go.

If I want something for music and I can't fit towers, Sierras are what I would get.

If I want something for TV/Movies, the KEF Q150 is what I would get. Vocals on those things are crazy good.

If I could fit towers, the Tektons are what I would get. Unfortunately I haven't heard them, so I cant 100% tell you that they're perfect, but look up any review and you'll get the idea.

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How does this all look?

https://www.amazon.com/Stereo-Hybrid-Tube-Amplifier-Integrated/dp/B078J8KJD9/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=hybrid+tube+amplifier&qid=1556409740&s=electronics&sr=1-3

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-RP-160M-Bookshelf-Speaker-Ebony/dp/B00RNZ6COS/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=bookshelf+speakers+horn+tweeters&qid=1556409559&s=gateway&sr=8-5

Yamaha R-S202BL Stereo Receiver - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EMQI2CU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gJfsybS6FVGRE

Klipsch RP-160M Bookshelf Speaker - Ebony (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RNZ6COS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bKfsybJJ0F1E5

Will this receiver (along with a Schiit Mani) have any problem powering these speakers?

The Yamaha has 100W per channel, and the power output of the Klipsch 160m speakers are 100W versus the Klipsch 150m being 75W power output.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RNZ6COS/?th=1

Whats a good amp for this?

Looking for a good audio system for my home office. I spend a lot of time playing video games and listening to Spotify and I’m done with my $30 2.1 system. A friend has some klipsch floor speakers that I like a lot but they’re out of my budget range which is around $600. I’m looking at Klipsch Black Reference Theater Pack 5.1 Surround Sound System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0779GRFWF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QclvCb9AJ7690 or Klipsch RP-160M Bookshelf Speaker - Ebony (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RNZ6COS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yelvCbDJ2C4HV Does anyone have experience with either of these, or a suggestion for something else?

Budget: Around $500-$700

I barely know anything about speakers so bear with me. I want two speakers that I can have on my desk next to my pc screen (as pc speakers). I'm planning on using them for gaming, music and movies. I only want 2 speakers for now but I plan to upgrade to a 5.1 home theater system later on.

I've been looking at the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-160M. Is there an (affordable) amplifier (& dac) that can power the speakers? (If the amplifier could support a 5.1 system that would be great too).

Thanks in advance for answers :)

No experience with the KEF. I have the Klipsch RP-160M and love them, I was not used to this kind of quality and detail. Listening to old songs I could hear new sounds I hadn't noticed. And they can get ridiculously loud. Also a plus the design, sober and elegant.

The KEF Q100 are on amazon right now at $249, the Klipsch RP 160M are over $500, so maybe they are not even in the same class, if you can get the Klipsch for $300 I'd say go grab them.

If you already have Klipsch sub, I just got these Klipsch bookshelf speakers and they sound amazing. I don't even have a sub with them right now

Klipsch RP-160M Bookshelf Speaker - Ebony (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RNZ6COS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_E0JiDbZQ1TQER