I've auditioned the Klipsch and so have many of my friends. There tonal quality leaves much to be desired. The mid range is nothing short of atrocious. In the same classes that I've heard I would have picked the competing Boston Acoustics model over the Klipsch across the board. I have not heard the entire product line though. Mostly I've listened to the bookshelf and entry model floor standing.
If you aren't afraid of used stuff (I'm not usually) then some good deals can be found on Audio Review. Used Vadersteen 2Ce's can be picked up for under $500 and 1B's for under $350. They make great fronts (the 1B's make great rears too). A very nice Aerial CC3 center channel can be picked up as low as $400. I know that with a good amp that would push the price cap but they're worth it. I have a pair of 2Ce's matched with a CC3 and just some bookshelf Boston Acoustics for the rears (also nice for low budget). I have $1000 in all 5 speakers and my friends all think my stuff sounds really nice. I'm pushing it with a Sony DA30ES and a Pioneer DV-09 DVD player. I'm very happy but I do plan to upgrade the rears. Avoid anything with loud mid range though. It'll ruin the home theatre experience.
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I've auditioned the Klipsch and so have many of my friends. There tonal quality leaves much to be desired. The mid range is nothing short of atrocious. In the same classes that I've heard I would have picked the competing Boston Acoustics model over the Klipsch across the board. I have not heard the entire product line though. Mostly I've listened to the bookshelf and entry model floor standing.
If you aren't afraid of used stuff (I'm not usually) then some good deals can be found on Audio Review. Used Vadersteen 2Ce's can be picked up for under $500 and 1B's for under $350. They make great fronts (the 1B's make great rears too). A very nice Aerial CC3 center channel can be picked up as low as $400. I know that with a good amp that would push the price cap but they're worth it. I have a pair of 2Ce's matched with a CC3 and just some bookshelf Boston Acoustics for the rears (also nice for low budget). I have $1000 in all 5 speakers and my friends all think my stuff sounds really nice. I'm pushing it with a Sony DA30ES and a Pioneer DV-09 DVD player. I'm very happy but I do plan to upgrade the rears. Avoid anything with loud mid range though. It'll ruin the home theatre experience.
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