Bookshelf versus tower

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wvdrummer

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Hello, I am building a new system after having wondered in the digital desert for a while. I haven't had a "real" stereo system in nearly 20 years. In studying modern options I have a question: tower speakers or bookshelf speakers with a subwolfer? I know that bookshelf speakers have greatly improved, but I wonder if they still need a little help. I have room for either.


Specifically. I am looking at either the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F or Klipsch Reference Premier RP-600M with a 12” subwolfer.


I plan on using them with an Onkyo TX8470 receiver.


I mainly listen to classic rock but also listen to big band and early classical. Rush and Deep Purple demand good bass!



Thanks for any advice.
 
I personally would use towers. Some promote use of a sub even with the towers. I've also noticed that with some brands the towers have better drivers over the bookshelf in the series.

One advantage, or, disadvantage, depending on how you look at it a sub will allow you to set bass to taste. I say disadvantage facetiously as most people tend to over emphasize with a sub. If your receiver is a home theater receiver and you plan to use it for that then I'd recommend a sub

If you are looking for accuracy Deep Purple and Rush really doesn't have that much bass. Friends seem to think Moving Pictures is such a good recording, I disagree, I find Caress Of Steel is even produced better.

Sounds like you have your components picked have you looked at the JBL 698"s?

Welcome to the forums.
 
Mr Peabody said:
I personally would use towers. Some promote use of a sub even with the towers. I've also noticed that with some brands the towers have better drivers over the bookshelf in the series.

One advantage, or, disadvantage, depending on how you look at it a sub will allow you to set bass to taste. I say disadvantage facetiously as most people tend to over emphasize with a sub. If your receiver is a home theater receiver and you plan to use it for that then I'd recommend a sub

If you are looking for accuracy Deep Purple and Rush really doesn't have that much bass. Friends seem to think Moving Pictures is such a good recording, I disagree, I find Caress Of Steel is even produced better.

Sounds like you have your components picked have you looked at the JBL 698"s?

Welcome to the forums.
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I have listen to some JBLs but they sound a bit flat to me. The Klipsch were simply a little punchier and more pronounced. Of course my 60 ear-old drummer ears might simply be needing that now!

The Onkyo I'm considering is not a home theater receiver. I had thought about going that way but I simply do not watch much in the way of movies or TV anymore and my TV does have pretty good sound.
 
You can run your tv sound through that receiver. It has a built in DAC. If you go with the bookshelfs, I would get dual 10" subs. Stereo subs add depth and sound stage.

I would consider some other speaker lines like the Monitor Audio Bronze line. I own a couple of pairs of MA Silver Bookshelfs and they are built well and sound great. The new Bronze line is supposed to be very good.


I would look at the Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 towers or their Evo 4.3 towers. My son owns the 4.4's and they are very articulate and clear. They have good bass and musicality.
 
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In order for bookshelf speakers to sound their best they need pretty good high mass stands, so factor that into the price. Once you stand mount the bookshelf speaks they will take up as much floor space as a floor mounted speaker. You may find floorstanders have enough low end extension for you, and you can always add a subwoofer later if needed.
 
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