Klipschorn Imaging

Honestly, you sound like you are where I was in the late 80's. If you are a serious audiophile, I suggest you develop a comprehensive plan. Start by auditioning any and all the components you might consider. 3D imaging require all components functioning as one. This is what audiophiles strive for, and it does not come easy.

Blueacara, I find it hard to believe your Onkyo receive has a high noise floor and sounds brittle. What is your source and cables?

My sources are Apple TV, PS3, Mac Mini, Airport Express.

I have owned several pairs of Klipsch over the years including Khorns, Belles, Cornwalls (stiill have a pair), Heresy. My dad had stores on the west coast and was a Klipsch dealer. That said, I love the sound of a nice set of K-horns, there is nothing like them. Yet, I could never get them to paint a sonic picture like todays imaging champs. I can play the Cornwalls and get the nightclub sound but I can't get the speakers to disappear or to float the images of the vocalist or soloist.

Klipsch corner horns are very dependent on room geometry. You can wind up with a sonic gap due to room width. That's the beauty of smaller monitor type
speakers, you can place them where needed for best sound, you are limited to the corners with the K-horn.

If you are looking for image quality, tonal purity, proper soundstage you may need to look at other solutions. Having two sets of speakers for different needs works out well for me. However I play my Merlins 95% of the time.

By the way Klipsch published a notebook titled "Audio Papers, Paul W. Klipsch". The notebook does address your very question and offers solutions.

Good Luck!

I can get Altecs to image ;)