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Best speaker for small 12x14 room 50 WPC tube amp

I had Spica TC-50's in this room but got no bass out of them; I switched to Klipsch RB 5-II's and got some bass if they were closer to the wall but lost any depth of soundstage.

I wondered whether a Klipsch RB-75 would do better than the RB 5-II overall, and whether they would need a subwoofer (as my amp has a sub output) as they are front ported instead of rear ported.

What would a pair of Klipsch RF-5's or RF-7's do in such a small room? I listen to jazz and vocals. I don't like the Klipsch speakers that are not real wood veneer. The RF-35 & RF-82 are vinyl covered.

The Klipsch forum attracts mainly fanatics and I have been unable to get a straight, helpful answer there.
rivieraranch
getheleadout
144 posts
 
Greetings,

Klipsch Heresys would get my vote.
hals_den
77 posts
 
Gallo Ref 3s. And I'd try Mapleshade's unorthodox speaker/ listner positioning. Sit back against the long wall and position speakers 2/3s of the distance from your back wall facing you.
thorman
1,262 posts
 
I am using Klipsch KG4 in my cellar system and they work very well with 35 watts.Plenty of power......
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
The Heresy will play *loud* with a 50W amp and are very well-built speakers. I think they sound best when elevated 3-6 in. and tilted back a bit.

The Gallo Ref 3s could also work in that space and I'm somewhat biased towards them, I own a pair. They are *fantastic* speakers and not super-fussy about placement.

They do sound best if you can get away from the back wall 2-3 ft. and at least 2ft. from the side walls. They will not play as loud as the Heresy (the Heresys excel at rock music), but their soundstage and imaging is sublime. In addition, their rendition of vocals is second to none, an excellent jazz and vocal speaker.

Another option for your space would be a sub/sat combination. This might give you more placement options and would certainly deliver a full-range sound. I am biased towards the "British" sound: Spendor, Rogers, etc. They excel at vocals but are usually somewhat lacking in the last octave. That's where the sub kicks in and rounds things out.

In addition, the Gallo Dues could fit the bill and sound just terrific with a properly matched sub. There are a pair on Agon for $750 right now. Add a $500-700 sub and you'd have a killer system for your room and tastes.

So many choices...[smile]

-RW-
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