Klipsch speaker choices

BTW, the Heresy IVs will be incredible, imo.........but, if you have the room, and budget, the CW IV will be the finest, of all that were mentioned.

@daledeee1, damp the horns, using Dynamat, or a similar type material, as well as the woofer frames and cabinet panels, and things will smooth out and tighten up. @big_greg. Except for the removable back panels of the original Heresy and Cornwall, my 50 + years of Klipsch experience tells a different story of back panels becoming loose. In fact, it is the exact opposite of yours. During my mods, I have come across some pairs of KLF 20s, and KLF 30s, with some loose panel joints, that required corner rebuilds and additional bracing. Never a pair of Cornwall 2s, or Heresy 2s, as you have experienced. Of course, the internal cabinet walls, could always benefit from additional bracing and damping. The Heritage are a step above the RF3s. I always recommend room treatment. Just my thoughts. Enjoy ! MrD.

That's 2 votes for the Forte's.  I will be able to hear the CW4. Forte 3, RF7 and Heresy 4.  If I wait a few weeks.  If I want B stock i saw RF7 for $2600.  Thanks again

Listen to listen to the Klipsch Forte iii I think you will be pleasantly surprised at what you hear. 

If you wanted it to sound even better the Schitt Vacuum tube preamp would add body,detail and dimension. 

I suggest you check out some room treatment websites. You can easily see that you are trying to "control" the room reflected sound waves. Once you understand when to damp(absorb) or reflect (re-direct), you'll be able to craft your own solution. Good luck on your quest.

Edgy and dynamics are not the same thing and any experienced listener should be able to differentiate.

I think you need to determine what you like and dislike about your Klipsch speakers and then determine what you think is intrinsic to the design, a house sound if you will, and then decide if that is what you want in your new speaker system. 

Klipsch are great for low wattage systems.  Go check out the Heresy and see what you think.

I should restate.  I think most of the edginess comes from recording variations and loud listening levels.  The Schiit has brought good imaging and improved the sound immensely.  I think the other brands would be good except my amp puts out 20W@8ohms.  The bi-amp sends 100Hz and below to the sub so that does lighten the load on the main speakers.  The room has the suspended ceiling with drywall all around.  I have never looked at room treatments but am not opposed.  Thank you both for the great advise.  It sounds like you have a hard to find experience with many different models.

Have a listen to the Klipsch Forte III's if possible.

The Klipsch RF-3 are OK speakers, but really more home theater speakers than "audiophile" speakers.  The RF-7 are better, but still not in the same league with the Heritage series.  The Heritage series are a 3 driver design and have a richer sound and better constructed cabinets.  There's definitely a difference in sound quality. 

If you are looking for something more laid back, the Heritage series will be the opposite of that.  They will have better integration of the bass, mid, and treble, but will also be more dynamic, which to some ears equals "edgy".  

Your room and amplification will have a lot to do with how the Klipsch sound to you.  If you go listen to them at a dealer they are probably going to have a nice sound damped room and they will sound more laid back than they will in your room if you don't have any sound treatments.

The KLF Legend speakers are somewhat in between and if you can find a decent used pair of KLF-20 or KLF-30 would be a big improvement over the RF-3.  The cabinets on the Heritage series are a little sketchy and you may need to deal with loose panels on the back as well as consider some internal bracing if you plan to play them loud.  There are a lot of affordable upgrades available for crossovers and drivers from Bob Crites and others.  

I love Klipsch speakers and have owned RF-7, KLF-30, CF-3, CF-2, Heresy, RF-3, RF-5, and more, but if you think the RF-3 is too edgy, you might want to look at different brands.  Vienna Acoustics, Canton, and Harbeth (which are in a completely different league) all come to mind.