mhardy6647
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They do indeed -- although, in Klipsch's defense*, the usual disclaimer in the trade rags when they point out the disparity between measured and claimed sensitivity is that Klipsch adds in some room effects to bolster their claims.Klipsch definitely "lie" about their sensitivity specs. The Polk seems like maybe a decent option. At that budget, you're going to be limited to mostly bookshelf speakers, where 90+ db sensitivity is pretty rare.
The larger problem is the ahem "sound signature" of many if not most of Klipsch's products (past & present) -- a harsh, aggressive, rough-and-tumble presentation that is fun and can even sound good with some source material, but can be fatiguing if not downright grating with many real-world recordings (even some that generally are felt to be 'good sounding' when heard on other loudspeakers).
For the OP's benefit -- you might want to consider some "pro" loudspeakers, depending upon your application, room size, and expectations. You might be surprised. It is a try before you buy scenario, though, if at all possible.
There are also interesting vintage (or hybrid, so to speak, modern & vintage amalgamation) options -- besides Klipsch, that is.
DSC_0938 (3) by Mark Hardy, on Flickr
There are also interesting if slightly esoteric (and perhaps not altogether satisfying, depending on individual taste & expectations) options from, e.g., Fostex that can result in affordable (e.g., Fostex enclosure + driver kits), high-ish sensitivity, and (perhaps even more important) easy-to-drive loudspeakers for flea- and low-powered amplifiers.
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* anyone who "knows" me online knows that, as a former "Heritage" Klipsch owner, I am not much of a defender of the folks (originally) from Hope, Arkansas -- although I do still admire Col. Paul W. Klipsch's iconoclastic character.
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