• expired

Klipsch R820 Floor Standing Speaker $2485 @ Harvey Norman

370

Normally above $3300,

The sound system consists of a pair of R-51 surrounds, an R-100SW subwoofer, a pair of R-820F fronts, and an R-52C centre.

T

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  • Thanks great deal.

    I don't think I need the whole package - you rekon it would be ok to separate the bookshelf speakers and use them in another room? Pretty happy with 2.1.

    • +1

      I would recommend klipsch r-15pm ……

  • -7

    I know it will never match a set of these bad boys for sound quality, but the HW-Q90R soundbar for $2,000 (not on sale) definitely becomes appealing when you get a 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos/DTS:X system out of the box and just need to hook it up to your TV and source (provided you have the walls to bounce the side firing speakers correctly).

    You would need to grab an additional four upward firing speakers and a Dolby Atmos/DTS:X capable receiver on top of the $2,485 outlay for these speakers to get the same experience.

    Change my mind!

    • +9

      Sure be fine but sound quality will be no where near what these can do. It is a sound bar after all.

      And you may be happy to know you can get from https://www.buysmarte.com.au/samsung-hw-q90r-xy-7-1-4-ch-sou… for around 1400

      • +1

        Will be the same price at JB tomorrow, 30% off Samsung soundbars.

        • Very tempting for my use case, but I have read that Klipsch are some of the best speakers around, the guy at Harvey Norman (yes I know he is trying to sell them) was raving about them compared to anything else in the same price range.

      • Now $1259.10 at The Good Guys.

    • +4

      I mean yea, you could also just get a set of 7.1 atmos headphones.

      If you actually tried a proper 7.1 system like this, you would be embarrassed suggesting this. Speaker size alone is a huge thing to consider. Unless you are using the soundbar in a 3m sqr room, you will benefit from bigger speakers.

      • This is not a 7.1.x atmos system though, this is a 5.1 speaker set and you would need to purchase a decent receiver that is Atmos/DTS:X capable, the side speakers and the up firing speakers.

        I have up voted all the responses, did not expect to get down voted as I am not arguing that these are superior in every way, just expensive compared to what a soundbar can offer (including eARC not that it is utilized right now).

        I finished my post with "change my mind" because I was hoping for informed information and comparison as I have not yet made up my mind, so I am making no suggestion but asking for input.

        • +7

          What I was saying, is that the 7.1 soundbars, are not 7.1, nor do they sound as good/accurate as a physical 7.1 system. You will get far better 5.1 out of the Klipsch than any surround sound soundbar system 5.1/7.1/20.1 etc. Think of it this way, the sound of a speaker is made up of a number of things - the casing, the speaker itself, how it's powered, testing and accuracy. There are some really good speakers for a good price, but these are very upper market - and offer incredible sound. Now compare this to the very limited physical abilities of soundbars which are made up of a bunch of very small speakers which are often the same size with very little travel and are made by Samsung, in a case that is very thin and long and not tuned for acoustics at all as they are restricted by a set design, then with a sub with such a huge physical size gap that you know straight away that you will literally be missing out on so many strong ranges throughout the sound spectrum. Soundbars sound great, but they are extremely limited. I have a soundbar 5.1 Phillips and also a basic 5.1 Onkyo setup. They both cost the same, yet the Onkyo sounds 100x better - from range, stereo separation, mid range to deep, audio placement - and these are cheap speakers running off a cheap amp.

          • -1

            @onlinepred: Looks like I needed to respond in order for you to divulge any knowledge as your original comment was very empty :P

            Thanks for the information, very informative.

          • +1

            @onlinepred: While I agree with most of what you said. I would consider these ‘Klipsch’ system as mid-tier (this set is very popular at best-buy in America so it is seen as good value).
            Also yes the difference in sound between proper cabinet design speakers and sound-bar design is huge. But you need to remember they are also quite separate markets.
            People who look for these kinds of ‘Speaker packages’ are wanting as close to cinema sound as possible in the lounge room with proper surround & watch movies at high volume levels. While soundbar buyers want something plug-n-play, will rarely listen at high volumes, and are less interested in ‘true’ surround sound as such and they are more interested in simplicity and ease / flexibility of use.

            There are also only a few soundbars like the YSP-5600BMK2 flagship which ‘project’ sound properly to attempt true surround (which requires an almost empty room with additionally purchased ‘sound reflectors’ to even work properly), and they cost almost as much as this Klipsch Speaker package, and according to reviews and general consensus they still pale in comparison with true surround sound of even a budget surround setup.
            Most sound-bar’s do a very poor imitation of surround by processing the signal and adding EQ, reverb, delay / echo to certain channels to try to trick you into thinking the sound is coming from somewhere else. But this implementation is poor and in the end everything sounds like it is coming from the sound-bar.

            • @thebadmachine: Yep spot on. You bought any headphones yet? I'm still on the lookout haha

              • @onlinepred: Nope, still only own 1 pair. Very happy though.
                I’ll give you a run down on the ones I’m looking at after researching.
                All wired, in ascending price Delivered.

                $60-$70 Monoprice modern retro
                - Great slightly v-shaped sound for the price, permanent 3 metre cable, price dropped to $48 + $15 postage on Amazon, then went back up. Also available here on eBay AU for $68 Delivered,
                (These cost $22.49 is the US so waiting for price to drop)

                $142-$159 Yamaha HPH-MT5 -Amazing Balanced sound rivalling headphones that cost many times as much (such as Sennheiser HD600 and Fostex T60RP), exposed wires on headband, twist & click cable (same as Audio Technica click cable which is cheaper). (Price dropped to $142 recently, passed on them now hoping for it to drop again possibly further)

                $219 Beyer Dynamic DT770 Pro (32 ohm model)
                - 32 ohm model uses different drivers specifically developed for it which gives it the sweet mid-range which is missing from 80 ohm / 250 ohm models (due to accentuated extended-bass and subjectively piercing highs) resulting in the most balanced sound of them all. (Price stable)

                I have done any too much research on headphones as a speaker person. Possibly letting me take a easier step-back from purchasing.

                • @thebadmachine: Oh nice! I'm heading to the US soon so might have a look at the Monoprice ones for work ;-) Thanks mate.

                • @thebadmachine: I have no idea on the context of this purchase but the DT770's are the best pick out of those three and are regarded as one of the top options in the Mid-Fi range of audiophile headphones. You are getting a great sounding set of cans if you can drive them properly and they have a lot of bass if that is your thing.

                  Comparing the HPH-MT5 to the HD600 tells me you know as much about audiophile headphones as I know about home theater. :P

                  • @hey aj: Even though the MT5 and HD600 are far apart when it comes to design and price, you may be surprised if you listen to them side by side.

                    Regarding DT770 Pro’s, the 80 ohm & 250 ohm are flawed in their sound signature (it is a popular opinion that there is an issue with the sound). Only the 32 ohm model stands out as it has unique drivers (and different sound signature) developed for it exclusively.

                    • @thebadmachine: What are you using to drive the HD600 that justifies it's comparison to cheap studio monitoring cans?

                      • @hey aj: They may be cheap studio monitoring cans, but how something sounds is altogether different story.
                        I prefer speakers myself, but I think throwing Amplifier and DAC names out there only tells part of the story.
                        In my opinion listening to HD600 was underwhelming, I would say it’s a good headphone, but on the hyped side of things (maybe they need more time, work & money to get sounding right).

                        It is all subjective after all, you may think DT770 Pro high-impedance models sound good. I think they are bright and metallic sounding.

                        Edit: you may be right with my experience, I could possibly be on the sound-bar side of things with headphones. As I prefer them to sound good as they are, with minimal tinkering.

                        • @thebadmachine: Well if your plugging in the HD600's without a decent AMP/DAC I would not be surprised if you found them underwhelming. Like the majority of Sennheiser headphones they can be hard to drive and owning the cans is only half the battle.

                          It would be like having a sports car without an engine and expecting it to go.

                          • @hey aj: As I have said in previous comments I only own 1 pair of great headphones and it suits me just fine. I have tried many others out but I am aware how expensive things can get with all the components so I am sticking with my own preference & have yet to dive into the headphones game in general.
                            I like to enjoy what I spend money on & see a good product as it sits on its own, so I avoid things which require ‘fixing’ or tampering to get sounding right (usually means more money spent). There are good sounding headphones out there which maintain their sound quite consistently even when switching other components, I consider them to be good products.
                            Of course your preferences may vary, and the Headphone crowd typically seems tougher than other crowds.

                            By the way before comparing them side by side, I predict I will prefer the Yamaha MT5 over the DT770 Pro 32 ohm.
                            Just a prediction, but I am pretty confident I will save money & get better sound.
                            The Monoprice Modern Retro are a cheaper and subjectively better alternative to other headphones in the sub $99 class, with its design drawbacks of course (fixed 3m cable), it has a more ‘typical’ sound signature than the other 2 which are more balanced.

                            • @thebadmachine: In the end you can be tricked to hear what you want to hear if there is a perceived preference which is why blind A/B tests are the best way to analytically compare headphones.

                              It sounds like saving your money and grabbing the HPH-MT5 is the best way to go as you would want to look at a decent AMP to power the DT7070's anyway which would be an additional cost that you are not looking for.

                              • @hey aj: DT770 Pro 32 ohm model is apparently quite consistent either portable or Amped.

                • @thebadmachine: *way too much research

                  • @thebadmachine: Don't get me started, it was easier to go straight to Summit-Fi and grab the STAX L700's and go electrostatic over planar or dynamic after all the research I did when looking at end-game audiophile headphones.

                    • @hey aj: Yes read about the STAX too.
                      Sometimes I wonder, if you would actually save a lot of money by just buying the end-game straight up.
                      Then again some may enjoy the ‘adventure’ / journey of sound that experimenting takes you on. Some may even say you will lack appreciation if you skipped everything else just listened to end-game.
                      It’s all a mystery to me, you would probably have a better idea as to answers.

                      • @thebadmachine: STAX, bro. It's the answer to all headphone questions.

                        • @hey aj: Hey mate, seems you know loads about headphones! I'm probably going to buy either xm3, Jabra 85h or surface headphones. I don't care about nose cancelling, just want bt plus cable as an option. Max $3-400. Any ideas?

                          https://au.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/headphones/hp…

                          • +1

                            @onlinepred: I know your asking hey aj (I predict his reply will be ‘STAX bro’),
                            but below is a solid recommendation from the JB HiFi sale.

                            Amazon reviews on the Pioneer S9 say great things about sound quality.
                            People tend to think of other brands when it comes to audio quality, so I think this is the reason for its slow sales.
                            Only negative reviews are from those who expected XM3 level NC or have trouble using it properly.
                            One negative seems to be tight clamping force, so it can get sore if you have a big head (you could try leaving them clamped on something head-sized to loosen them up).

                            The $195 Pioneer S9 (SE-MS9BN) has NC but it is also the flagship model, so I expect it to have better sound than the cheaper SE-MS7BT (S7).
                            https://www.jbhifi.com.au/pioneer/pioneer-s9-over-ear-wirele…

                            • @thebadmachine: Just worries me with a lack of reviews from major reviewers. Will hit up JB and try them for sure though thanks!!

                              • @onlinepred: Yeah I was going to say, due to their slow sales I am sure they will be more than willing to open up a box and let you try a pair. As always though it’s all subjective (design & sound), so see if it suits you.

                                Regarding online reviews etc, it’s a funny world currently where brands / companies make use of ‘Youtube’ and social media platforms together with marketing.
                                So what happens is paid / gifted (biased) reviews are made in advance by content creators, then released at a specific time (close to when the product is released) which develops into a ‘hype-train’, which in turn encourages reviews of these products because they are more ‘popular’ and generate views.

                                I am sure some of these ‘hyped’ products are actually good products to begin with, but there are many undiscovered gems which never get the light of day on the internet, and are still genuinely good products.
                                The Yamaha HPH-MT5 is another one with barely any reviews. There is only one proper review on YouTube by a creditable reviewer (the nitpicker), and IMO it is very accurate.

                          • @onlinepred: I don't think you can go wrong with the XM3's for bluetooth headphones but they are not on sale to my knowledge.
                            I do note the Jabra's are $150 cheaper with the JB Hi-Fi sale right now though but have not listened to them or looked into any reviews.

                            Some notable alternatives if you are interested:
                            https://sites.google.com/view/headphoneadvice/wireless-bluet…

    • +6

      Unless you have physical limitations, a soundbar will never reproduce the sound of a proper 5.1.2 atmos setup. I have a fairly cheapish set of jamo 5.1 speakers with built in ceiling speakers I use for my atmos setup and it sounds brilliant. This is after upgrading from a similar soundbar as you've posted (I forgot the model number) and the difference was insane. I'd upgrade to a bigger and better setup, but the wife would notice and well… yeah

      Anyways, this is terrible advice. A soundbar should not and cannot replace dedicated speakers.

      • Thanks for your comparison between speakers and soundbar. I am unfortunately limited with space currently as I am in a townhouse with smaller rooms than my previous properties and I also am conscience of my neighbors. Would this still work in a small room at lower volume?

        As stated in my initial comment, I am not giving advice but asking for it. I am a headphone audiophile (STAX bro) but have not invested heavily in home theater yet due to property restrictions.

        • +1

          Property restriction usually means: save your money and go smaller.
          While there will be a noticeable difference in Speaker package vs sound-bar even at low volume, using an expensive powerful system like the one in the deal will be wasted on your conditions / situation. An alternative would be to go for a less powerful entry-level tier Speaker package from Yamaha or Onkyo etc. You will likely get a similar sound as the Klipsch in this deal from the Onkyo or Yamaha’s, at low-to-mid volume level.

        • +1

          Sounds like a soundbar is best suited for you until you have space for a proper set up. I have the k950 and I think it's great for what it is, Atmos is very lacking though. Just don't buy these high end sound bars at full price as it really is not worth the price they charge for em.

          I do have a split system and although the soundbar doesn't come close doesnt mean I think any less of the soundbar.

        • +1

          In this circumstance, I would think about getting a decent receiver with a 2.1 setup and plan to add rears and a center down the road. Alternatively, get an all in one package like my Jamo's and have yoruself something that will grow with you over the years.

          https://www.ebay.com.au/p/JAMO-A200-HSC5-5-1-Home-Theatre-Sp…

            • +1

              @hey aj: Those just seem too big for your purpose. I'd be looking at a more compact solution. Given you're a headphone audiophile, I fear you'll be disappointed with a soundbar. Maybe look at a decent receiver with a 2.1 floorstanding speaker package for now? Gumtree always has good deals on people offloading decent speakers or wait for a deal?

              The Q acoustics 7000i are another option if you want compact.

    • "7.1.4"

      • The reviews on the HW-Q90R have been pretty good for a soundbar:

        https://www.techradar.com/au/reviews/samsung-hw-q90r-soundba…

        The Samsung HW-Q90R is a fantastic immersive audio soundbar that delivers real bang for your buck. Thanks to a wireless subwoofer, wireless rear speakers, and four upward-firing drivers, this well-made and cleverly designed package puts you right in the action.

        No other soundbar comes close to producing the full Dolby Atmos and DTS:X experience, and thanks to tuning from Harman Kardon the HW-Q90 even sounds good with music. A decent set of features and fully-specified HDMI connections complete a nearly flawless package.

        https://www.avforums.com/review/samsung-hw-q90r-review.16157

        The Samsung HW-Q90R is a fantastic soundbar system that currently exists in a class of its own. There is no other soundbar package available that offers a genuine 7.1.4-channel system with a wireless subwoofer and wireless rear speakers combined with four overhead channels.

        The HW-Q90 isn't cheap but to get a system approaching this level of performance would require buying a minimum nine-channel AV receiver and a 5.1.4 speaker package. The chances are that such a system would cost at least as much as the Samsung system, and it wouldn't be as easy or unobtrusive to install.

        Not bad for $1399.30?

        • +1

          The separate rear-channels will give you a sense of ‘immersion’ but the rest of the Atmos is likely just an illusion created by DSP. Depends on how well you think you can be fooled.
          If cinema sound is your priority, an entry-level Speaker package will be miles ahead of any ‘fancy tech’ a sound-bar has to offer.

    • +2

      As someone who owned an n950 (same as Q90R), and now have a proper 5.1.2 (2 in ceiling speakers for atmos which is far better than upfiring) setup with dedicated speakers. let me tell you it's a very different experience lol. Also you don't need this klipsch speaker package in particular, could spend a fraction of the price and still get decent speakers.

      The soundbar is good for what it is, especially on sale (don't pay full price). But it's not even close to a proper home theatre setup with dedicated speakers.

    • +1

      I've got the Samsung HW-q90r and it is an amazing piece of equipment. It does require manual calibration buy the output is well worth it.

  • Anyone in Melbourne after the sub only from this package? I need the speakers and can sell the sub…

    • Lol I was thinking of parting it too. Only need the sub and floor standing speakers.

    • Too bad, i need the sub but i'm in Sydney.

  • +11

    Anyone want some kids so I can get a home surround system again?

    • It’s a bargain!

    • +1

      I don't think I need the whole package, do you sell parts?

  • Any review links on this setup?

  • Note you will need an AVR or amp capable of driving 4-ohm speakers, although Klipsch list it as an 8-ohm speaker it is not, it will need an AVR/amp capable of 4-ohm to run these speakers to their best, this is common with Klipsch giving incorrect impedance ratings on many of their speakers.
    Most lower range AVR's are not suitable for running 4-ohm speakers.

    The only caveat here is that Klipsch claim
    it is an 8 Ohm loudspeaker when it is
    not, measuring 5.4 Ohms overall with
    a music-like pink noise test signal. The
    DCR measured a low 3.2 Ohms and our
    impedance trace shows 4 Ohms at 10Hz
    and the port tuned to 40Hz (low bass). It
    is best viewed as a 4 Ohm loudspeaker
    that draws current to achieve high
    sensitivity.
    https://www.henleyaudio.co.uk/shop/product/viewfile?FileId=4…

    • Any rough estimates on a total price to get a 7.1.4 package using these speakers, additional side surround speakers, four up firing speakers and the correct receiver for 4-ohm and Atmos/DTS:X?

    • How about this Receiver, is this a good match?

      https://www.harveynorman.com.au/yamaha-rxv2085b-9-2-channel-…

        • Can you summarize please, is it good or not? I am new to home theatre setup.

          • @ShinyDiamond: Page 156 of the User manual states:

            • Select this option when you connect 6-ohm speakers to the unit. You can also use 4-ohm speakers as the front speakers.

            The receiver by default is configured to handle 8-ohm speakers but it looks like you can set the two front speakers to 6-ohm in order to power 4-ohm front speakers. I am also no expert in home theater but it sounds to me like you would need a different receiver that can support 4-ohm speakers properly or get an external amplifier that can if you want to get the best sound out of these high end Klipsch speakers.

      • Yes that AVR will be fine with these speakers, however it is generally best to leave the impedance selector in the 8-ohm position.

        https://www.audioholics.com/frequent-questions/connecting-4-…
        https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/impedance-select…

        Using the lower impedance setting actually reduces the performance of the AVR.

        • I don't understand; in your previous post you said that these Klipsch speakers are rated at 8-ohm but work better at 4-ohm so you want a receiver that can drive them at this level which a lot of lower end receivers will not be able to do.

          But now you are saying that it will be better to drive them at 8-ohm instead as 4-ohm reduces the performance of the AVR?

          • +1

            @hey aj: re the speakers Klipsch rate them as 8-ohm speakers(R820F) however the tests in the PDF I linked above shows the impedance curve go as low as 4-ohm in the low bass as well as the upper bass region, speakers with an impedance curve like that of the R820F should not be rated as 8-ohm, from that impedance curve and the DCR of 3.2-ohm I would say they are a 4-ohm.
            This is common with Klipsch I have seen Klipsch speakers rated as 8-ohm that go below 3-ohm on the impedance curve, very very few AVR's would run those properly.

            re the impedance selector, it has been added to AVR's to comply with UL safety standards in the USA, it is mainly used to keep the AVR within temperature limits, they do this by limiting the voltage or current to the power amp section of the AVR, the AVR will run a bit cooler with the impedance selector in the lower ohm position, but it does affect the AVR's performance and output capability.
            If the amp can run 4-ohm speakers ok without any issues then it is best to leave it in the 8-ohm position and ensure you have adequate ventilation around the AVR.
            If the AVR shuts down at high levels due to the low impedance using the low impedance setting may help as it is reducing the max output ability of the AVR, but it is best to get an AVR that is capable of running the speakers to their full potential in order to get the best performance and sound quality from the speakers.

            This test on a Yamaha AVR(older model) shows a reduction in the max output when in the lower ohm setting.

            8-ohm setting: 134wpc into an 8-ohm load @ 0.1% THD; 210wpc into a 4-ohm load @ 0.1% THD
            6-ohm setting: 95wpc into an 8-ohm load @ 0.1% THD; 180wpc into a 4-ohm load @ 0.1% THD
            https://www.audioholics.com/av-receiver-reviews/yamaha-rx-v4…

            I'm not sure when they started adding the impedance selector to AVR's but very early models did not have them, I think they started to add it around the late 1990's early 2000's.

            • @Blackrose: That is very detailed, thanks for the time to write all that out. Within the same sort of budget as these Klipsch speakers, do you have a receiver or receiver/amp combo that you would recommend?

              • +1

                @hey aj: I do like the Yamaha models, I'm currently on my fourth Yamaha amp/receiver lol, so I would recommend something like the RX-V1085 with these speakers.
                If you can find the previous model RX-V1083 for a good price would be worth looking at.

                You can also find great value with second hand gear if you open to looking at second hand, my entire current system was purchased second hand, new cost would be over $10k cost me less than $2k

    • That's very informative, thanks!

  • A question to all the knowledgeable fellow ozbargainers: I’ve got Klipsch RP-260 pack (with Rp-260F, RP-240s, RP-250C, R-112SW). Bought few years back from digitalcinema for $2,500. Thought it was a bargain. I’m currently using it with a Yamaha HTR-5067. I don’t quite understand all these ohms business etc. Can you please advise a good amplifier to use, which can add additional subwoofer and atmos (ceiling) speakers. Thanks in advance.

    • +1

      I have similar speakers to you. I run them with a Marantz 6013 which allows me to run 7.1.2 or 7.1.4 with an external 2 channel amp since it can process 11.2 channels.(atmos is worth every dollar) I got mine for about $1.9k over a year ago.
      There is a new Dennon AVR-X3600H that just came out which might future proof your setup a bid longer since it supports HDCP 2.3 copy protection.

      Both great brands that will pair well with the Klipsch.

      • Thanks. I will keep that in my shopping list. Would you think Pioneer is better than Denon? When I search the internet, I found similar rang Pioneer a bit cheaper.

        • Denon and Marantz are generally better than Pioneer for HT. However, as usual, depends on the model.

    • +1

      I can't find an impedance curve for that model RP-260f, are you having any issues when running the speakers at higher volumes?

      In the Yamaha models the RX-V1085 and above are higher current models capable of powering 4-ohm speakers much better.

      • Thanks for the reply. These speakers are really loud. I hardly turn the volume high. Max I might have gone is -20dB (not sure what that mean though). Also, I’m currently renting and the setup is in the living area. I’m looking forward to setup everything in the media room, when new house is done. I believe my amp is quite entry level, it was only about $400 from HN in 2015.

        • They are a very efficient speaker at 96dB sensitivity so don't need a lot of power to get good volumes out of them.
          If the current AVR is running them fine a similar level AVR with Atmos and other features you are after should be fine.

  • That's one enormous pile of shit

    -Jeff Goldblum, Jurassic Park, 1993.

    • I am all about that Schiit.

  • Managed to get them for $2400 delivered. Very impressed with sound.

  • Grabbed speakers (pack minus sub) for $1686 - Harvey Norman Maribyrnong

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