Customer Reviews

Klipsch RB-35 Bookshelf Loudspeaker

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

There are very few speakers I'd prefer at even twice the price of the Klipsch RB-35. When I evaluate speakers, the ability to accurately present details is high on my list. The RB-35 clearly reproduces tiny details, for example lute fret noise echoes in the first minute of "Jean de Nivelle" (track 26 on The Baltimore Consort's La Rocque 'n' Roll -- highly recommended by the way). By way of comparison, I can't hear the echoes in more expensive Energy and Monitor speakers; and I can't even hear the fret noise (let alone the echo) with comparably priced BOSE speakers.

The RB-35 is very dynamic, with tight and deep bass (surprising for such a small bookshelf speaker). "Live" recordings sound particularly good on this speaker. Another test using "Jean de Nivelle" is to listen to the solo entrance of soprano Custer LaRue about 1 minute into the song. Lesser speakers make you realize that you are listening to a recording, by compressing the dynamics. The RB-35 handles the entrance so smoothly, you know Custer was there all along.

I have not compared the RB-35 directly with the Infinity Beta-20 (the cheapest speaker I recommend for general use). From memory I think the RB-35 has a better overall balance, and is more dynamic. The Beta-20 has a great tweeter (for the price), and I'd love to do a direct comparison. Overall, the RB-35 is very competitively priced and I highly recommended it!

Also see my review of the next model up, the similar sounding Klipsch RB-75. It does almost everything slightly better, but costs twice as much.

(...)

Simply put these are probably the best speakers that I've ever owned. I use to design and build my own loudspeakers. They were large as refrigerators had sensitivity of 102 spl at 1 watt one meter. I don't have a big basement and can play my stereo like when I was a teen anymore. Now I just have my bedroom. My tastes have also changed from Rock to more like Classical.

These Klipshes have relatively deep bass. The specs say 43hz which I believe. While not a sensitive as my hand crafted speakers they are more sensitive than most speakers in this class. They can be driven to loud volumes without distortion to the detriment of my neighbors.

My only reservation about these speakers and this note is more for you than for me is that the midrange is slightly recessed. Naturally it is only a two way design. When the low end driver is as big as it is here something of a compromise has to be made between deep bass and midrange. Personally I don't like too much midrange. A speaker with too much midrange sounds like an old AM radio to my ears. This is my only disclaimer and warning about these speakers which to MY EARS get a five star rating.

I've owned these speakers for apprx. 2 years now and have found them to handle everything I've thrown at them. From music, to karaoke, to 7.1 surround they can reproduce sound flawlessly. I use them with the Klipsch RW12 powered sub woofer to great effect. Unbelievable separation! Beautifully finished. Great product overall just as every Klipsch product I've ever owned.

I have had these speakers for 4 years now, and the sound quality keeps getting better as they "break in." Based on quality of speaker, every review here should be 5 stars. However, some people don't like the way the speakers were advertised, so they penalized a fantastic product by giving it 1 star. Ignore those reviews.

These are speakers you will be able to keep FOREVER.

For the money these are pretty hard to beat. Great bass and I love the horn tweeters. Some people don't like horns but i think they're especially great for home theater.

I also assumed this was a pair of speakers. There are, after all, 2 speakers shown in the picture. Besides, this is how Klipsch (and other) stereo speakers are normally sold.

I am sure the quality of the Klipsch speaker itself is great. It is the misrepresentation that gets a 1 star rating.

Maybe we're just slow, however, please note that this is for a single speaker! Although 2 are pictured only 1 gets shipped to you. Also, the color shipped was black not the oak.