fwiw, Klipsch basically has 2 "lines" of speakers - a line that's cheaper and created for the big box stores, and a line that is for higher-end audio. I bet your dad has some high-end klipsch, as the new, big box line is relatively new. My advice would be at $400/speaker, you can get a lot better speaker if you go slightly used...
$800 would get you a pretty sweet pair of used speakers from audiogon - you'd prolly be much happier that route. I'm a klipsch guy, and I'd steer you away from their models in the big box stores. I have Klipsch Heresy II's from the early 90's, and the clarity and efficiency is ridiculous, but they need to be coupled with a sub. Some of their other models could easily suffice sans sub.