Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Klipsch RB-3 Speakers by mutant

Model:	RB-3
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$650
Description:	Two way bookshelf speaker with horn loaded tweeter.
Manufacturer URL:	Klipsch
Manufacturer URL:	Klipsch

Review by mutant ( A ) on December 04, 2002 at 21:10:38
IP Address: 209.193.71.13

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for the RB-3

I am mighty surprised! I bought these speakers half expecting to hear a certain overwhelming type of sonic signature induced (of course!) by a horn-loaded tweeter trying to blend with a conventional woofer. A certain stigma hovered over the Klipsch name because I had seen certain models for sale at places like Best Buy along with other inferior junk. But I am speechless and confused - I almost don't know what to say here. These are one of the smoothest, most tonally accurate bookshelf-monitors I have heard and also one of the most exciting. They soundstage exceptionally well, and simply do everything right but in a very dynamic way. I think they absolutely smear the B+W 601's in almost every way, at least in my room with my system. I had heard nasty things about Klipsch's being ear-bleedingly bright at times, but if anything the 601's sound cruder and brighter, yet less resolving. Strings and voices especially sound absolutely lifelike. The bass, while not extending too powerfully below 50 hz., is absolutely startling, clean and thunderous sounding in it's range. The fit and finish in cherry wood veneer is marvelous. The treble region is more subdued than the slightly larger RB-5 and this means it is a better choice for small rooms, or in nearfield as I listen to them. The RB-3's also struck me as being more transparent and less "directional" than the RB-5's in a side by side comparison. No insult to anyone intended, but this Reference-Series Klipsch is one very well designed product, and can certainly hold it's own or even rule in comparison to any speaker I've heard under $1200 (I've heard many).

Product Weakness: Very revealing of bad recordings.
Product Strengths: Beautiful in cherry, smooth, accurate and even response overall, very nice bass, very efficient and SET compatible.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	N.E.W. A 20.1
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Rega Cursa 2000
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony DVP 9000ES
Speakers:	Klipsch RB-3, Maggie MMG, Spendor S 3/5, B+W 601 S-2.
Cables/Interconnects:	Mapleshade Ultrathin Double-Helix
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	All types.
Room Size (LxWxH):	10 x 12 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Well damped.
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 days.
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	None.
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Very revealing of bad recordings.
Product Strengths:	Beautiful in cherry, smooth, accurate and even response overall, very nice bass, very efficient and SET compatible.