I'm brainstorming alot lately. I am thinking about buying some new gear, and when i write new, i mean new, not used. The plan i to buy a new McIntosh MC-275, and new speakers. Now i have the RF-82's. I am thinking of upgrading to the 83¨s or Cornwall III. I know that 99 % of you is gonna scream Cornwall, but i really like my RF-82's and i think the 83's are a nice upgrade. Haven't heard any heritage, but i think the Cornwall is a better speaker, but is it better for me? The price for a pair of new RF-83 is 4400-4500 USD and Cornwall II is about 6900-7000 USD in Norway. I use my 2 ch for stricktly music use only. I usaly listen to rock/metal and sometimes techno/dance. I also have a RW-12D bass in the corner for those low hz. Is the Cornwall worth 2500 USD more? Any ideas? :)

Lotta' money for Reference series, ever think Heresy III's ????????

Yeah, though about those too, but i rather choose Cornwall. I think the new 15" bass on them should sound really nice. But truth be told, i havent heard a single heritage speaker, so i don't know. I hope there is someone here who have heard the RF-83 and the Cornwall III, so they could tell me what they think about the differances.

Bump. :)

Not many have heard the Cornwall III's.  It might be hard to find someone who has heard both.  For the money you might pay there I would lean towards the 83's, since you already like the 82's.  Sorry but I can't help you more than that.

 As to the particulars I have spent time with the  RF 7's, 5's etc. and own Cornwalls but I think maybe we should rethink your question.

 

First there is room size.  I suspect the 83's will work better in a smaller room, and Cornwalls do sound their best near a corner or wall and with a little room to breathe.  Also the Reference line really is marketed (and probably voiced) as more of a HT speaker.with good WAF appeal.

Then you mention you're picking up a Mac tube amp. 

Then there's a question of weather you are going to be churning your system or do you intend to hold onto the speakers for along time.

My own opinion, but if you have a nice size room, tube amplification, your not interesting in trading in for a new sound every year or two, and your primary concern is music, not movie, fidelity than the Cornwalls are the way to go and the extra money you spend  will yield a commensurate sonic pleasure.

 Cornie and tubes, yummie, RF's not so sure.

 Interesting question. Thebes, I think has offered some good advice.

The Heritage speakers just offer a "different" reference sound. Which is "better" is completely a subjective preference.

It would be great if there is some way you can hear the Cornwalls before making the decision.

 

 Another thought.  I do believe the  83's are a two-way and the cornies are a 3 way.  Many believe a 2-way is an overall purer sound.  One thing about the Cornies they do tend to empahize the mids a bit proably producing a "fatter" sound if that makes any sense to you.

 

I'm thinking a holiday to Holland to hear Timmikids stuff is in order. He's got Mac gear and Khorns!

 

They've also got a really good selection of cheese in Holland.  Really close by too.  Take a boat south, hang a right at Liberia , take a train north to Andora, a bus to Brussel Sprouts and a 3 speed bike to the nearest windmill. Can't miss it.

I owned a pair of RF7's for about 6 months and traded them for LaScala's. I much prefer the Heritage sound. It's a fuller, more real sound to me.

I have heard the Heresy IIIs (I like them better than Heresys and Heresy IIs...and I own BEC upgraded Heresys, a DeanG Heresy (center) and my brother has Heresy IIs)...and they are very nearly Cornwall IIIs...of course I mean they are the much better deal in my "ears" than the Cornwall IIIs for the price...and I liked the Cornwall III.

Bill 

I will add that I happen to prefer the 3 way Heritage sound to the 2 way Reference (using KHorn, Quartet, Heresys to RB5s for my comparison)...for me, listening to 2 way RB5s sounds fine...until I compare it to my Quartets or Heresys and I find "the missing middle" but I am predisposed to like the 3 way Heritage sound (having heard FAR more of this speaker type than the 2 way Reference type) but you have to decide...especially when putting out that kind of cash..."rabid" fans on both sides...good luck,

Bill 

Tom_E:

Cornwall II is about 6900-7000 USD in Norway

 

I dont know how the price might translate, BUT...  if you have the space, you are definately getting into the dollar range where I'd suggest looking into Jubilees.  They'll be priced a bit less because they have more of an industrial finish, instead of furniture finish however, the money you are paying for is going into the SOUND and not so much into the looks.

I've heard all the above but I'm (clearly) biased so I'll shut up on "which one might sound better" because to me, it's a no-brainer.

Seriously...  if you are looking at roughly $7,000 USD for Cornwalls then I'd at least find out what the incremental cost is for a pair of Jubilees and make an educated decision.

This does presuppose that you have the room for them AND are more into the sound aspect than strictly the asthetics of it (although I DO like the looks of the Jubilees)

 

Richard, $7000 USD in Norway -- a pair in the US routinely sell for less than $3000.

Yes some people like ugly...But of course you can turn off the lights.

MC275.....Ufda.... ;)