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Need help deciding on new Klipsch (RF-35 vs RP-280R)

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Posted on February 9, 2017 at 15:45:09
jgkurz
Audiophile

Posts: 11
Location: OR
Joined: November 29, 2016
 Hi folks, I am considering an upgrade of my trusted Klipsch RF-35 speakers. They are used only for two channel listening situations from various sources. I recently started a vinyl kick and am amazed how great the Klipsch speakers sound even with a low power tube amplifier. My RF-35's work well but my hunch is that a higher quality speaker would add a bit more base to relatively low volume listening. I can get pounding base out of my RF-35's when using my newer, more powerful Yamaha receiver but that's not my goal in this situation. The RP-280F's seem to fit the bill. Looking at the spec sheet, which I know isn't everything, the frequency range of the RP-280F's is wider. I'm not convinced my ear will hear a difference but maybe. Both are very efficient at 98db.

Will the RF-280R provide better base when listening at lower volume levels? Am I just wasting my money if I upgrade? Again, I'm not looking for thumping base at low volume, just a noticeable difference as compared to my RF-35's.

Thank you for your opinions.

-John

RF-35 (37Hz-20kHz ± 3dB)
http://images.klipsch.com/RF35_635042119157900000.pdf

RP-280F (32-25kHz +/- 3dB)
http://assets.klipsch.com/product-specsheets/RP-280F-Spec-Sheet.pdf

 

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RE: Need help deciding on new Klipsch (RF-35 vs RP-280R), posted on February 11, 2017 at 08:39:50
moray james
Manufacturer

Posts: 1599
Location: Calgary on the Bow
Joined: May 19, 2002
 There is not going to be a lot of difference between these two loudspeakers so I don't see replacement as a very good option so far as benefit for cost goes. You can experiment with lowering the tuning frequency of your RF35 at a cost of next to nothing. You should be able to lower the tuning of your RF35 to match that of the RP280F simply by installing some longer vent tubes. All you need is some light poster board tape and scissors. You don't need any special equipment to do this or to test your results.
Measure the length of your existing RF35 reflex vent. Make a paper rube which is twice as long as the stock vent roll it up and fit it so it snugly fits inside your existing vent. Do this by back rolling the tube and then secure the tube with tape once you have a good fit and the the roll wont unravel. Some tape will allow you to easily work with the roll of cardboard while you experiment with various lengths. You can mark the tube with inch gradients. You can make a testtone disk by downloading some test tones off line or use a test commercial disk. I would suggest that you choose a test tone of 33Hz as your target system frequency, this will probably result in a slightly lower response than the RP280 which has a minus 3db point of 32Hz. While playing a test tone of 33 Hz adjust the length of your vent tube from stock to stock plus and observe the woofer motion. When the length of the tube is correct for 33Hz then the motion of the woofer will stop and all of the motion will be in the air within the vent. You don't need to worry about being exact you are looking for the length of vent which results in stopping or minimizing cone motion when you play the 33Hz test tone. It is that simple. This is a lot less expensive than buying new speakers to achieve the same result.
moray james

 

RE: Need help deciding on new Klipsch (RF-35 vs RP-280R), posted on February 11, 2017 at 09:33:22
jgkurz
Audiophile

Posts: 11
Location: OR
Joined: November 29, 2016
 Thank you for the great response moray james. I will do as you say and experiment with the tuning frequency. As you suggest, it should be easy enough to adjust. I already have a 33hz tone so I just need to make the tubes to get started. Thanks again for taking the time to provide me with this information.

 

RE: Need help deciding on new Klipsch (RF-35 vs RP-280R), posted on February 12, 2017 at 18:06:56
moray james
Manufacturer

Posts: 1599
Location: Calgary on the Bow
Joined: May 19, 2002
 just thought I would mention that if your cabinet is all out of additional space for a longer vent you can tack on to the vent length outside of the cabinet just as effectively so long as you don't mind having some tube protruding it works perfectly and who'd going to see in the back of the speaker anyway?
moray james

 

RE: Need help deciding on new Klipsch (RF-35 vs RP-280R), posted on February 10, 2017 at 18:23:30
Rod M
Web Geek

Posts: 16242
Location: So. California
Joined: March 1, 1999
Contributor
  Since: March 1, 1999
 Seriously, it looks like a sideways move to me. Bass is claimed a little better, but a sub would do more for you than a speaker swap.


-Rod

 

RE: Need help deciding on new Klipsch (RF-35 vs RP-280R), posted on February 11, 2017 at 09:39:29
jgkurz
Audiophile

Posts: 11
Location: OR
Joined: November 29, 2016
 Thanks for the reply Rod. In this case, my amp is a simple (old Bogen) tube amp so adding in a sub isn't that easy. This may show my ignorance, but when listening to vinyl I prefer two channels with no sub. This is my first venture into vinyl and vacuum tubes. I am really amazed at the difference. I still like high quality digital occasionally but music through a tube amp has been an interesting experience.

 

RE: Need help deciding on new Klipsch (RF-35 vs RP-280R), posted on February 15, 2017 at 09:38:51
Crazy Dave
Audiophile

Posts: 14371
Location: East Coast
Joined: October 4, 2001
 A subwoofer can be hooked to the speaker outs and it will split the signal and add power to the woofers. You can also probably tap preamp outs in the Bogen, but you may need to add a follower stage.

Dave

 

Does the Rcvr have adjustable loudness? IE a knob that turns?, posted on February 10, 2017 at 15:38:58
Timbo in Oz
Audiophile

Posts: 23221
Location: Canberra - in the ACT - SE Australia
Joined: January 30, 2002
 If it does, use that knob, after reading the manual.



Warmest

Tim Bailey

Skeptical Measurer & Audio Scrounger


 

RE: Does the Rcvr have adjustable loudness? IE a knob that turns?, posted on February 10, 2017 at 16:05:35
jgkurz
Audiophile

Posts: 11
Location: OR
Joined: November 29, 2016
 There is no loudness knob on the tube amp, just bass and treble.

 

then use the bass knob when listening at lower levels., posted on February 11, 2017 at 01:21:39
Timbo in Oz
Audiophile

Posts: 23221
Location: Canberra - in the ACT - SE Australia
Joined: January 30, 2002
 That is, save your money.


Warmest

Tim Bailey

Skeptical Measurer & Audio Scrounger


 

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