What can I expect from Klipsch RF-7 w/small tube?

I found when I tried the 7's the bigger driver gave a little bigger sound, but the RF-35's had much better punch with the 8's that they still use in the new lines vs. the 7's with 10"'s being eliminated.. The Reference series to me and my friend which still owns them always seemed to be better with the 8" drivers, also this did help smooth out the mids with Voice etc.. I suggest looking at the new Klipsch with the Triple 8's vs an old pair of RF7's and use your intergrated, it will probably be very nice with good bottom end.

Sorry missed the spike question, this is hit or miss, it will tighten up, but without spikes in my experience can have more full feeling.. The only one so far that has improved both Room feel, and Tight punch is the Audiopoints from Starsound, they are pretty pricey, but pure brass and heavy. They seem to transfer the most energy and cause them most solid image with clarity at the same time. Most other spikes I have heard are a bit dull, or simply make the speaker lose some body and become just sharper. Whether this will be the same results on every speaker, will be your own experimentation. Starsound does give an audition period with a full return policy I believe.

Kclone, they can be... You may not be a fan if you are looking for rock bottom punch as well. Tubes or Mcintosh SS with tone controls are almost a requirement for 2 Channel only with these, but in a surround they can rock good and smooth with the additional channels helping break them up, and the subwoofer... It will totally depend on the room as well. For the money honestly they are a lot of value if you want big power and very promising speaker, I think they can be found for probably around 900 or less a pair by now, and will be better than many others, I still prefer the New Klipsch with the 3 8" drivers however..