Starting off, I wanted to see what the VF-36's could do with bass. Grabbing my trusty Rives Test CD II, I played a few test tones to see what they could do. Klipsch rates the speakers down to 36Hz and that seemed about right to me. I was hearing output at 31.5Hz but it was lower than the 40Hz tone. With some corner loading and perhaps the right room, you could do without a sub for some music. I felt that for most music and all movies, you'd definitely benefit from a sub.

The next thing I wanted to do was to compare the VF-36 towers to the similarly priced RBH TK-5CTs. The TK's are now being sold under the EMP EF-30T brand with pretty much identical MSRP as the VF-36s. The TKs sport dual 5 ¾” fiberglass woofers which gives the VF's an additional mid-bass driver advantage, while the TK's have a side-firing 8" woofer. The TK's drivers are 5.75" versus the VF's 6.5". Of course, the Klipsch has the horn-loaded tweeter versus the TK's 1” silk dome. The Klipsch are bigger all around though I feel about the same about the styling (the Klipsch has a slight edge in my mind over the EMP version). Overall, this is a pretty fair match up.

I listened to a number of different albums during the comparison but the defining one was Yello: the eye. With its smoky female vocals, bass runs, and lots of phase shifts, it is the perfect album for head-to-head comparisons. The Klipsch definitely had a more forward sound especially in the high end. The horn-loaded tweeters were dynamic and responsive if a bit thin at times. The TK's sounded a bit more laid back (in comparison), fuller, and had a bit more bass. Imaging was excellent in both. The Klipsch had plenty of bass but it was a hair less defined than the TK's. The largest difference (which wasn't very large and only reared its head through repeated listening tests) was in the midrange. The RBHs were fuller and sounded more well rounded overall. The Klipsch high end was very dynamic though the midrange seemed to suffer as a result. At this price point, I really believe most people would be happy with either speaker.

DVD-A: Porcupine Tree: Deadwing and In Absentia
If you are like me, you've heard one thing about Klipsch - they are great for rock music. Well, it isn't like I don't have any around, so I popped in a few tracks from the DVD-A versions of these two Porcupine Tree albums. This gave every speaker in the system the chance to show off what it could do. The cymbals and higher notes were well defined and lifelike. The bass was deep, if lacking that tactile edge. The midrange sounded a little thin which made the highs seems even higher (if that makes sense). At lower to moderate listening levels, the system sounded very clean and enjoyable. At higher volumes, I found the tweeter to get a bit fatiguing and harsh though it never broke up as I've heard with other aluminum dome tweeters.

Xbox 360: Gears of War 2, Rock Band 2
When you are playing a game like Gears of War 2 you aren't worried so much about sound quality - you are too busy trying not to die. When I was playing the game with Clint DeBoer, Editor-in-Chief of Audioholics, I found that I was easily able to determine where we were getting shot from by the surrounds. With two horn-loaded tweeters, the VS-14s seemed like they would be very localizable and underperforming but they weren't. Out of the entire setup, the VS-14s were probably my favorite. With music they blended very well and with point-of-source effects they let you know exactly where they were. They provided an immersive experience all the while not forgetting they occasionally needed to let you know where that sniper just hit you from.

Rock Band 2, on the other hand, doesn't really need surrounds as much as it does a good soundstage up front. The front three channels provide the music and lyrics while the back mostly just offers audience noise and a bit of wraparound. I was never want for hearing the music or knowing where I was in a song. The VC-25 center channel blended nicely with the mains and never made me feel like I had anything but a solid front presentation.

DVD: Spiderman 2
If the Icon V series of speakers really shined anywhere it was with movies and games. I was constantly amazed at the responsiveness of the speakers and how easily they went from loud to soft. The VC-25 center channel did an adequate job with movies though at times it seemed to fall behind the mains (especially at high volumes). During playback of The Incredible Hulk, this was particularly noticeable, though that may be in part because of the mix of the movie. The surrounds really shined here as well with their ability to dip in and out of my consciousness almost effortlessly. Imaging between the rear speakers was excellent and pans were clean and crisp. I've heard a lot of rear speakers in this room and the VS-14's hold their own nicely.

Conclusion

For music I wasn't in love with the Icon V series of speakers. The midrange was a little thin and the high end fatiguing - especially at higher volumes. For movies, TV, and games, however, the Klipsch Icon V's are a sure ticket to a great experience. Responsive and dynamic, the group as a whole performs well. The VS-14 surrounds, in particular, did an excellent job with both ambience and point -source effects. The VC-25 center was adequate, if not as impressive as the rest of the speakers in the group. The VF-36 main speakers are built like tanks. If you are listening at low to moderate volume levels, you're going to be very happy with the Klipsch Icon V series speakers. If you like it loud, you might want to stick with movies and games.

Klipsch Icon V Speaker System

$2059.97

Klipsch Group, Inc.
3502 Woodview Trace, Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Phone: 317-860-8100
Toll Free: 800-544-1482

www.klipsch.com

About Klipsch
Founded in 1946 by Paul W. Klipsch, one of America’s most celebrated audio pioneers, Klipsch® has long been a high-end name in loudspeaker design. Today, the brand continues its success as a leading global manufacturer of premium sound solutions for home, personal and commercial use. From massive professional cinema speakers to tiny headphones, Klipsch remains committed to delivering the most powerful, detailed and emotional sound experiences. Family owned and operated, chairman Fred Klipsch and vice chairman Judy Klipsch set the vision and strategy for the brand as well as the entire Klipsch Group, Inc. organization.