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Showing content with the highest reputation on 12/29/23 in all areas

  1. Best $800 bucks spent. to me it sounds like a whole new speaker. all the things about the III I liked are still there except now there’s: 1. More coherent frequency response 2. Smoother frequency response 3. bass is waaaay better - deeper and tighter, I even had to check if my REL sub was on. It wasn’t. 4. Soundstage is wider and deeper 5. No etch to sound at all if in doubt do it!
    4 points
  2. Now, six months later, I would like to share my final findings regarding my initial question about the differences between the CW4 and the AL-5. I'm doing this mainly for those who, like me back then, can find very little information about user experiences when facing this choice. After months of listening to the AL-5, I decided to reconnect the CW4. My brother wanted to take them over, so I had one last weekend with my old love, giving me a final chance to see if I still feel the same as when I switched from CW4 to AL-5. Initially, I had some issues with the LaScala AL-5 and seriously questioned whether I wanted to keep it or if the CW4 sounded better. Now, after months of adjusting placement, getting used to it, and trying various amplifiers, I've finally got the sound to a point where I'm almost entirely satisfied with the AL-5. I truly enjoy music for hours every day. Nevertheless, the AL-5 is still a challenging speaker to make it sound entirely satisfying. Anyway, the CW4 has been playing all weekend, allowing me to compare CW4 vs. AL-5 again. The first thing I noticed was a fuller and deeper bass. The bass also sounded warmer than the LaScala. Even though the LaScala's supposedly less prominent bass was a major point of criticism, I personally prefer its bass. I'd rather sacrifice a bit of depth for a punchier, drier, and more realistic sound. What quickly caught my attention was the midrange. It was noticeably smaller, with voices seeming to have less body. From a song I know well on the LaScala, where the piano is prominent, it sounded noticeably smaller and more in the background on the CW4. The dynamics are there, and it sounds good, but I miss the body and presence of the piano in the song. Another example is the kick drum. On the LaScala, it has impactful fullness—you hear a real thud. On the CW4, you hear the kick, it sounds dynamic, but lacks body, losing some of its strength and impact. It blends more into the song, while on the LaScala, a kick drum can be really present. However, the CW4 does sound a bit fresher. Perhaps it's due to the slightly smaller midrange, giving more space to the highs. But with the CW4, the emphasis is more on the low and high frequencies, while with the LaScala, it's more around the midrange (which is my preference). With the LaScala, I sometimes feel like I can almost look into the singer's throat. I don't get that feeling with the CW4. I think the CW4 sounds more like a modern speaker, and the AL-5 has a bit more of a vintage feel. Even though the CW4 sounds really good, I've been missing something all weekend... just that touch of dynamics, the satisfying thud or strike, a bit less body in the vocals, sax, or piano... I feel slightly less connected to the music. The LaScala opens the door just a bit wider. Even though I can understand why some might prefer the CW4 (it might also depend on your music taste), I'm quite happy with the LaScala. Even if it's not perfect, I have a certain distortion/resonance on certain frequencies in some songs, which I'm still trying to figure out if it's due to placement, acoustics, the speaker, or a combination of everything. Still, the LaScala does something incredibly well—the live experience, the connection, the dynamics... I get pulled into the music. In the end, the CW4 is now with my brother, who, like me back then, is very happy with it. But my preference now definitely goes to the LaScala. It's interesting what I've learned with this switch from LaScala to CW4, how significant the influence of familiarity is. When I had listened to the CW4 for a year and then heard the AL-5 for the first time in my living room, I had a hard time with the slightly less fresh sound. I found the LaScala somewhat darker, which was a reason for me to prefer the CW4 (despite the positive aspects I could clearly hear with the AL-5). Now, after listening to the AL-5 for six months, having refreshed the sound with a different amplifier, I find the CW4 to be quite sharp at times in the highs and sounding thin in the midrange. I listened to the CW4 for three days, but my old love for the CW4 has disappeared. I was completely happy again when I could reconnect the AL-5 and immediately heard what I missed with the CW4 and what makes the LaScala such a delightful speaker. Even though the CW4 has a bit more sparkle, a fuller and deeper bass, I find the AL-5 much more pleasant and grander. It's a learning moment for me—apparently, I need a bit more time with these changes to give a coherent judgment.
    4 points
  3. That morning, I was sitting in the bedroom, reading a couple of emails and cards that friends had sent. I read some prayers out loud, and told her that we would miss her, but we would all be ok and it was alright for her to go. About that time, the hospice nurse pulled up the driveway, and I told Barbara that I needed to go let her in. She was bringing a morphine pump, as the capsules were too hard for her to swallow. I went out to the kitchen and let the nurse in. She showed me how the pump would work, and then headed down the hall to the bedroom. She was gone when we got into the room. The nurse said "I think our angel has flown away." Anna Grace came with one of her roommates, and we all sat around the table telling stories and drinking the second bottle wine that @fini had sent us from California. That night I fired up the ST70 and Juicy Music Merlin and listened to her favorite music. I'll be forever grateful to the forum members who bought the refurbed Merlin from Mark and sent to us to enjoy the music together while we could. I think of Barbara and you all every time I fire it up.
    3 points
  4. Having heard the IVs with a 590 I’m very very attracted to the Luxman. Appreciate your thoughts, lots to ponder! Was set on replacing tubes with tubes but now not so sure
    2 points
  5. i was already planning on putting the 600's on stands and can probably get away with putting them closer to the back wall where the Ohms i cant. then i have the two subs and they can go either in front of the 600's or in back and that all depends on where the 600's go. i think that is part of the issue that i am having when it comes to the 2 channel side is that i need a more open area for things to breath.....as years ago at our other house, i had the system in the living room / cathedral ceilings and the sound was amazing ( good separation / detail / soundstage, it was all there ) and i moved the system to the master bedroom which was a good size room 15 x 20 x 8, but it wasnt as open and i lost everything. And this is what i have experienced in this new house also.....the music sounds great, has good detail , center imaging, but that is where it ends. no separation / no soundstage .
    2 points
  6. 2 points
  7. About 4 years ago, @Blackbird gifted me a pair of Heresy speakers in pretty darned good condition. I listened to them often at work and a bit at home. @MookieStl examined them and told me they were "1.5" editions. I had to pay shipping from Florida to Missouri, but they were well worth that and even had the proper top and bottom shipping styrofoam to help them make a safe trip. I agreed at the time to: Pay shipping to receive them. Give them a good home where they would be enjoyed. Keep the shipping materials. Offer them up when I was done with them with the same deal applying going forward. No sales or gifts to anyone, they must be offered up here to the next recipient when you're done enjoying them. You must be willing to accept the above terms and conditions. There is no time limit on "done". Just give them a good home and listen to them. Ideally, you'll have them a while and pass the joy along someday. I will accept PMs starting today, and I will make the decision on January 5th as to who they go to. That person must provide a ship-to zip code (U.S. only, sorry) and be willing and ready to paypal the cost of the shipping on that day, providing that the amount isn't beyond your budget. If the amount is too much for you, they go to the next person I choose. This is not on a first-come first-served basis. Replies to this thread are not being considered, only PMs. On January 5th, I will announce here who gets them. Tell me what speakers you have now, and why you'd like to own a set of Heresys. Tell me why you should be the person that gets them next. Tell me you agree to the terms. My reputation here is solid; this is not a scam. The original thread is here:
    1 point
  8. I think I'll just stick with the digital connection for now. I can do my more critical listening on my devoted 2 channel setup. This is more for providing background music. Thanks again for your input!
    1 point
  9. I just did mine, and sorry I don’t understand why you’re not hearing more of a difference. I would say they almost sound like a different, more refined speaker, from the same company. the difference was immediate as soon as I turned on the stereo without any break in at all. what type of equipment are you using? by the way, I totally agree with you about the labeling of the speakers. I did the same as you with the tweeter, and barely noticed a small red mark on the mid range, had I not seen that it would’ve been a total tossup.
    1 point
  10. Until I saw your OP I had never heard of the BluOS Node. I just checked the specs and see that it supports these audio outputs: Analog Stereo RCA (Fixed or Variable) Coaxial RCA TOSLINK digital optical USB Audio 2.0 #3 should provide the highest quality audio and your soundbar has a digital input so I don't understand what you mean when you say: #1 says (Fixed or Variable). I haven't read the manual but that suggests there may be a setting to enable variable audio output levels. Are you sure it is configured correctly?
    1 point
  11. Thanks. I have the Node volume maxed out as well as the soundbar and could still barely hear it. I guess I'll just have to use the digital connection. I would prefer to use the Node's DAC as I think it is probably better, but I guess I won't be able to. Thanks for the help!
    1 point
  12. @aperfectcircle If I were you I would try to check out the diy community in Vietnam. I read on another forum how there are some very good builders using high end parts and excellent designs. The thread starter (on the other forum) is from the US, but was able to purchase an amplifier from one of the better known diy builders there and he posted pictures of the amplifier. It is very well built and beautiful.
    1 point
  13. Yep, to me it’s the AL5 midrange. Bass interferes with voice intelligibility and I can easily fix it either way by fiddling with bass and sub boost, depending on the movie or music. I am unable to improve intelligibility on some other brand speakers I might add. In a similar fashion my ear was trained to Chorus which are now my surrounds and I still love to hear them do their thing because the horn shape is different. But the AL5 midrange horn and the natural bass are magical. The tweeter adds just the missing touch without, as you say, sounding “modern”. Modern to me is the smile curve with the scooped out midrange and pianos generally sound hollow on speakers with that curve/eq to me. One might need to have played and stood next to a piano for years to know the difference however. If you enjoy the style try some latest releases of Yello to exercise those AL5s. Guests looked around the room surprised to see if other people were present because the voice sounded so natural from the AL5s.
    1 point
  14. Trusted seller buy with confidence. If Nick says they are flawless they are. These will out live you built like tanks and sound phenomenal. If I dodn’t already have a pair I would be on my way.
    1 point
  15. The audio scene here is quite big! Have already met a fair few people with a lust for good sound, and the second hand market looks promising too as an alternative to buying new
    1 point
  16. Glad you are happy. After owning forte II for 30 years, I upgraded to IV's about a year and a half ago. They are a wonderful speaker.
    1 point
  17. after being in the 2 channel side of things for 20+ years, i decided to call it quits. we recently moved from one house to another and this current room, i just couldnt make it work for 2 channel, and i had room treatments, tried moving speakers, this way , that way , forward / backward, you name it and it was always the same result....tried different preamps, amps, etc... and i had enough. i still have to get the speaker cable for the rear surrounds and the tv ( wife is getting that in another week ), the futon , speaker stands , tv stand and then start setting everything up. so it will be a few weeks yet, but definitely looking forward to this.
    1 point
  18. @ YK Thom thanks for the reply..... i have the Walsh 2 that have been upgraded. i only listened to them a few times when i had the 2 channel setup and then i decided to get out of the 2 channel side of things and they have just been sitting there, and then i got the idea of doing this ht / gaming setup and here we are. the room we have is only 11 x 12 x 8 or lets just say 12 x 12 x 8 and if i put the Ohms closer to the wall, then the low end increases and that would be fine if i was doing 2 channel , but we arent. so yes i can move them out into to the room, but i cant move them to much out into the room as then they are going to be to close to the side surrounds. if the room was bigger, then of course this wouldnt be an issue , but there is only so much i can do with a room this size. i can try your suggestion of the settings....and i do have a avr, and last night i was able to get lucky and a member on another site was selling a pair of Klipsch 600m ii, so i was able to grab them this morning.
    1 point
  19. I have had both and I think the 300 is worth the extra cost but the 200 is a very nice unit as well. The 300 is a little more transparent and has a more authoritative lower end. The Triode/Ultra Linear switch is a nice option as well but if your system is dialed in I have found that I do not really use it that often in my system because of how nice and open and extended the Ultra Linear is compared to the Triode. YMMV I am now using the EVO-200 preamplifier and the EVO-400 amplifier with good results and may move up to the EVO-300 preamplifier in the future if I get the itch but it sounds quite excellent as is for now.
    1 point
  20. I'm going to have to block @nickyboy6100 he is always selling stuff I want and I have too much already.
    1 point
  21. Until a few years ago I always left the tone controls flat. I guess I was on the purist band wagon for some reason? I really was missing out not using tone controls. SYS, 7 band EQ etc.
    1 point
  22. Is Klipsch coming out with a Heritage sub 😀
    1 point
  23. SET tube amps are class A. Nature of SET. Class A SS amps run hot but both SS class A and SET are the most linear form of amplification. The audio signal is not manipulated in any way.
    1 point
  24. Native bees are stingless and they make honey pods like small marbles joined together The honey is medicinal as well as delicious Honey pods look like this
    1 point
  25. We had a colorful sunset tonight on the edge of the Blue Ridge That's looking down my driveway
    1 point
  26. Perhaps we should not measure anything and depend on what our ears tell us. If they tell you something other than they tell me, then we go in different directions. Problem solved. As if there ever was a problem...
    1 point
  27. This thread is not a good representation of this forum. Needless bickering of the same old topics. To the op, please come back and let us know after 100 hours what you think about your speakers.
    1 point
  28. It is not possible to make such a recommendation. A particular tube will likely sound different in every piece of equipment in which it is used because of differences in operating parameters. Personally, I don’t believe in tube rolling but, if it’s important to you, you need to buy a number of different types and evaluate them yourself in your piece of equipment. Maynard
    1 point
  29. There IS no proper position. Recording engineers don’t place those instruments in 2 channel. That’s just an artifact of rooms and speaker design. If you get used to the saxophone of a particular recording at +6,+3 X,Y axis where 0,0 is dead center from listening position, just know that no recording engineer expects that. They know that lots of speakers image differently and they test recordings on a variety, using hardware and software. No artist “intended” it to be at +6,+3. Just saying for clarity. Enjoy the art of reproduction! Artists love to hear their songs on different systems, none being right or wrong.
    1 point
  30. What you are experiencing in my opinion is the bigger midrange levels from the bass horn, giving you more dynamic response to mids, but also the horn loaded woofer. If you are bi-wiring/amping, alternately unplug the top and bottom cabinets and listen. Surprisingly most of the music my ears tune into that I love from the AL5s comes from the bottom cabinet in my opinion. The top cabinet reminds me of an AM radio, also lovely but I laughed when I experienced it. Enjoy!
    1 point
  31. Same day I compared Cornwalls to AL5s I also heard the K-horns, all current models, in the same room. Although easily adjustable I found the k-horn high end to brash at the same eq, while I absolutely loved the AL5. Nobody actually listens flat so that would not concern me but I wish dealers would dial in their best eq for each speaker and room. If I had a dead room the k-horns would be more appreciated but could dial back the top end I’m sure to suit my taste. Could also have simply been the height of the drivers too, but I did walk around and sit and noticed the same. I did notice more k-horn bass than AL5s but not worth the size and placement, price being equal, and knowing what I could do with eq and sub. Next stop is jubilee’s for me hopefully!
    1 point
  32. I have heard both and ended with the AL5s and here’s why. First, I grew up seeing/hearing LaScalas in venues so they are a beasty must have icon in my brain. Second, the voicing scale is larger and spot on without the boom. I often listen with subwoofer off, better for longer intervals, and I can enjoy the music longer. Turning the bass down on CW4s isn’t the same. The bass is absolutely there with the AL5s and can really thump with attenuation but it’s not the shake the house frequencies I get from the SPL-150 which I also love but not for all listening. I use the sub for jam time and movies, but heavy bass as you know causes high frequency masking/distortion so it just depends on what part of a soundtrack you want to be able to pay attention to. Having the capability but separate control is my current preference. However make note of klipsch statement about the CW4: “Only the Klipsch Jubilee, Klipschorn and La Scala (with their horn-loaded, low-frequency designs) exceed the Cornwall in bass extension and output.” So there’s more to it than just the low end specifications. Also probably depends on your preference of listening level. As Roy Delgado says, big horns in little rooms is the name of the game.
    1 point
  33. Not really , McIntosh make their own transformers + other internal parts , this clone does not use McIntosh parts .
    1 point
  34. in researching my screen purchase i found that as mentioned, it all boils down to what kind of projector you are going to use. if your useing DLP then most of the mid-gain screens are more than ok. if your useing LCD then things get more interesting, if its a really bright (2k lumens and up) then see DLP. (also if you can afford a really bright LCD then the cost of your screen should be a moot point) remember that most LCD's, after a good cali, will do 900 to 1000 lumens at best and to achieve acceptable brightness without giving up good black levels you should lean towards a good grey screen. i decided on a fixed Stewart Filmscreens Firehawk to go with my Sony vpl-vw12ht jay
    1 point
  35. just asking , why a five channel amp? it seams that in doing so you would limit yourself from expanding to a 7.1 or larger system. (remember never say never). if its a limited space thing then i can under stand not going with a big pile of amps, but i might still suggest a 7 channel for future upgrades. as far as a brand goes im partial to NAD stuff (see my system profile) they are priced right and will rock your socks off!! im barefooted as i type this[] jay
    1 point
  36. Indy, is correct on all points. my strewart firehawk fixed 110 inch 16x9 screen was $1700 if you tune the hd channels to watch non hd matierial it is better than the regular non hd broadcast. im now looking to upgrade to the new sony 1080p vpl-100. the thing that scares me about that unit is the cost of the 400 watt pure zenon bulb. $1000??[:^)] jay
    1 point
  37. hey phil congrats on getting your wife on your side!! as far as your sig goes the university of nebraska recenty did a study and had an amazing breakthrough!!!! the figured out what causes little kids!!!!! p.m. me if you really want to know [] jay
    1 point
  38. sorrry this reply is late first, i like to start off a little hot (thats why i suggested to use +1 on the initial set up) second, if you use a pre/pro, as i do and you have bigger amps than you need(as i do, over 10k watts peak) then the 00 reference means nothing! at 00 on my master volume my system is at 140 db+ (so why would i take all that headroom out of my system,by useing 00,at 85db, as the reference volume?) that said, how can you say that the manufacture uses 00 as the reference volume? if you have a 50 wattx 5/6/7 channels how can you compare it to a 100 wattx5/6/7 amp or 8 bridged amps at 1000+ watts 00 voume as a reference could be meant to be read as the max clean volume of a particular set up/ amp ect but to say that 00 is THE REFERENCE is silly! jay
    1 point
  39. radio shack 10in 2ways fisher 15 in 3 ways poineer somethingoranothers ampex 15 in 3 ways,my first w/horns(in den now) sansui spz-99's (in the garage now) then the cornwalls and i've never looked back! jay
    1 point
  40. warren buffet has a stockholder meeting in omaha once a year and nebraska furniture mart always has some new stuff just for warrens buddies. this year it was an 80 inch samsung plasma for $100,000. (with the little sign that said "if you use your mart card its only $4500 per month" lol) they sold 5 sets, even though the one they had on display had several big groups of pixles that were either red or green all the time? one part in the lower left corner looked like a big city skyline! ill stick with my front projector(lcd) jay
    1 point
  41. again, welcome some discs also have the THX OPTIMIZER included it has a step by step set up that will help with the sound and picture. one disc that comes to mind is pirates of the caribbean (also not a bad movie) jay
    1 point
  42. most of the advice above is correct the one thing i question is the 00 referance for your master volume.why cut yourself short(due to my room and stuff my levels are set l+1/c+2/r+2/rl+2/rr+2/rsl+3/rsr+3/sub1+3/sub2+4) and i have never come close to 00 on the master volume when watching movies i think the loudest ive had a movie is-35. i would suggest that you start with one of the main channels and set the channel level to +1 then adjust the main volume to get the 75/85 db. then move on to the rest of the channels the center and rears will most likely come in a few db higher on thier individual channel set ups(smaller speakers distance ect) this will make the most of youe available power and leave more headroom in your system then set the sub from 3 to 5 db higher than the mains and you will be closer to what things should sound like. and remember that dd and dts sound different and may require different set ups good luck! let the fun begin! jay
    1 point
  43. I did not ask for a parts price break down. Who does? I expected the parts would be marked up a reasonable amount.
    1 point
  44. PR, I'm not sure I understand what you said about the shipping. I paid shipping both ways. It wasn't included in the job. You're right, I wasn't happy with the prices. How is someone supposed to know the prices they'll be charged beforehand? Ask??? "...exactly how bad am I going to be gouged for the parts my fisher needs?" I'm done saying anything. My point has been made. I didn't start this little argument.
    1 point
  45. I've done some diving in my day. I found a pioneer sx1280 in the dump. The only thing wrong with it was the glass was broken... I assume from when it was dropped or thrown into the dump. The thing worked perfectly.
    1 point
  46. wanna trade for a mint black 2001 c7?
    1 point
  47. gorgeous!!!!!!! Do they have grills?
    1 point
  48. Man... if that thing wasn't all rashed up I'd buy it. She'd look much better sitting between my WO khorns than the black klf-c7 does.
    1 point
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