swami49

I currently own a pair of 1972 Cornwalls, situated on the ends of a 20' long wall of a 20'x30' room. I am thinking about going to Klipschorns (1962 version), but don't know if the room or setup are conducive to the bass reproductions. The speakers are driven by an Acurus Act 3 pre and a diy 2a3 amp. The Cornwalls sound good, and get better the further back in the room you sit. I would appreciate opinions as to whether this would be a noticeable improvement, as the cost and waf factor are significant here. Thanks, Sam

Thanks to all for their responses and encouragement. I will try the quasi-triode mod, and when I get the courage, the front-end replacement. I've never done more than change a fuse or solder lugs, but hey, you gotta start somewhere. Thanks again, and if anyone has an opinion vis-a-vis Curcio Audio mod vs. others, I'd love to hear it. Sam

After trying SS amps, I got a stock dynaco 70 for my Cornwalls. It sounds excellent. However, a number of tubophiles have suggested that either a low power set amp, (one suggested the Decware Zen) or a set of quicksilver mini monos would greatly improve the sound. I am hesitant to go through the upgrade process (and spend the money) unless there would be a significant difference. Would appreciate any opinions regarding the relative value of upgrading. BTW, system is hooked up to a Rega Planet CD and a Acurus Act-3 pre at this time. Thanks in advance. Sam

It is the Cornwall with a B-3 crossover, and k-77M (square magnet) tweeters. Sam

---------------- On 11/19/2003 9:39:47 AM Maron Horonzak wrote: It has nothing to do with the amp. But alot to do with the nut behind the volume control. ---------------- Yes, it's true. But why buy a Ferrari to drive to Wal-mart unless you can go the five miles in less that three minutes? I will slow down. It was also suggested I put a fuse between the xover and the tweet. But then, that's like putting a governer on the aforementioned Ferrari. Sam

You are both correct about the amp. Parasound 1200, 210 wpc. And it sounded so good! This is very depressing. Does Klipsch sell the diaphragms? And do I need to dump the amp, or just lower the volume? It was pumping out pretty loud... And as I am writing this Bob Crites comes to the rescue... Bob, please let me know what is involved in a rebuild and the cost of doing it myself vs. sending it to you. Again, can I still use this sweet amp, or will I just be sending money to Bob on a regular basis? Thanks to all. Sam

The tweeters of my Cornwalls have cut out completely. I switched amplifiers, and tested amp with other speakers, also changed source. No noise, no vibration at any volume. This out of the blue, and both speakers at once. I am befuddled. Any suggestions? Thanks.

sorry, make that mx-830

I have been watching, but this mx-430 is local, comes with a guarantee, and is about 2/3 the price. I am hoping it is of comparable quality. sam

I've been looking for a low-cost amp that runs class a at low wattage for my cornwalls. Someone suggested the Yamaha m-60 or m-80. In looking, I found an mx-830, but can locate no information regarding this amp. Is anyone familiar with it? Am I on the right track to match my Cornwalls at a reasonable price? Thank you in advance.

Once again I thank you for the comments. I had thought I needed the power for dynamic range, not for loudness (these babies are so loud the house breathes at 25% volume level), and I am beginning to understand the physics? engineering?. I think I will use the money to pay for a good cd player. As to amps, my cousin has offered to bring his Dynaco 70 the next time he visits, and I will examine the tubular possibilities. It is a pleasure to share the forum with you folks, who are forgiving of newbies and strive to help. Thanks again, Sam

I don't know if 55wpc is enough. In reading this forum for a few weeks now, the general consensus seems to be more power is greatly beneficial. I have also noticed that tube amps are often less power, and you guys seem to love them. I would much rather spend the money on other things, but I want to maximize my investment in the cw's.

I am still looking for a used amp for my Cornwalls. I have about $350 to spend. In an earlier post, the NAD 2200 was suggested. I have also seen some Luxman power amps, 150-180 wpc, in the same price range on Ebay. These are the two brands I am familiar with. But I would appreciate any suggests. My Luxman 55wpc receiver is nice, but appears underpowered for these big boys. Thanks.

Anyone had any experience with this power amp? Found one for sale in the $175 range, but don't know if it will go well with an Acurus Act 3 and a pair of Cornwalls? Would appreciate some opinions. Can't spring for the tubes at this point, as I need a cd player, too. Thanks

In response to an earlier question about cornwalls, a couple of respondants suggest an AMC cd8 player. I have been told that these players are finicky about reading burned cd's especially on inferior media. Anyone out there have any experience with this? Also, any suggestions for a good cd player/recorder under $350? Thanks, Sam

It's amazing how these speakers show the flaws of other components. I hooked up a Luxman receiver, after trying a Hitachi Class G Amp, and the harshness abated considerably. I plugged in a dynaco FM-3 to the DBX expander, and it sounded even better. I am going to have to splurge on a good but reasonable cd player to get a total package. any suggestions? The other thing about these speakers is that even at low volumes, music carries through the hous, and sounds great. I am impressed.

I meant the expander, not the speakers eat power. The Cornwalls are amazingly efficient.

bought a pair of Klipsch Cornwalls, circa 1983.The high mid-range sounds brassy and shrill, which is apparently common to these speakers. I have been told I have the following options: New crossover ($550), to replace original,with different xover points; a tube power amp, which they say softens the tone. A friend says that unless I'm going to go to vinyl (I am not), the tube idea is bunk, since the cd's are compressed digitally and will not be softened as such. I also bought an equalizer-expander (dbx 4bx). Since I don't have a power amp, I have not hooked it up yet (It eats power, and these speakers require a lot of it.Will that do it? Finally, someone suggested using Mortite (window caulk)somewhere inside the cabinet to reduce vibration, claming that to be the cause of the shrillness. Would appreciate the wisdom of experience. Sam

I bought a pair of Klipsch Cornwalls, circa 1983.The high mid-range sounds brassy and shrill, which is apparently common to these speakers. I have been told I have the following options: New crossover ($550), to replace original,with different xover points; a tube power amp, which they say softens the tone. A friend says that unless I'm going to go to vinyl (I am not), the tube idea is bunk, since the cd's are compressed digitally and will not be softened as such. I also bought an equalizer-expander (dbx 4bx). Since I don't have a power amp, I have not hooked it up yet (It eats power, and these speakers require a lot of it. Finally, someone suggested using Mortite (window caulk)somewhere inside the cabinet to reduce vibration, claming that to be the cause of the shrillness. Would appreciate the wisdom of experience. Sam

The last chaper in the story. My friend who wouldn't give me details about these cws picked me up saturday morning. A half hour into the drive, he told me they were at an auction, which I don't generally attend. But he had me in the car, and CWs in Pittsburgh are hard to find. The auction was filled with audio equpt., mostly bought by ebay resellers. However, due to shipping costs, as one guy told me, CWs and other larger speakers are difficult to move (no pun intended). I had to buy them without hearing them, but I bought them. $350. Serial number 36y143, 144, with bamboo grilles. I got them home, and they sound wonderful, though a little tinny in high-midrange. Do I need to remove the backs to determine the crossover, or is there a way to tell by the serial #. I am a happy man. BTW- bought an Acurus act 3 preamp and a dbx4bx equalizer. Now all I need is some tubular power and an understanding spouse. thanks for all the help. Great forum. Sam

First, I want to thank everyone for their info so far. I am working with such limited information going in, all the help is appreciated.All I know is I'm going to a place with some large older speakers marked Klipsch, and the approximate size seems to fit Cornwalls. I will take a cd player and boom box to hook up, and will follow the suggestions given for identification.I will also take a fistfull of cash. I will give a full report on Saturday, after the crusade is complete. Thank you all again. I hope the story has a happy ending. Sam

Forgive my newbieness, but what are the differences between Cornwalls and cornwall IIs. IIs. on Ebay, appear to sell for less. Why? If the labels are gone, how can you tell between the two?

sadly, the owner has passed away. I never met him. The speakers are in storage. I guess what I should be asking is what might be a reasonable price to pay for a pair of speakers that may or may not work, and are parts available to rebuild if necessary. thanks for the thread. sam

I have a chance to look at some old Cornwalls for sale, and would appreciate some tips as to what to look for in terms of problem areas. I may not be able to hear them work, so it would have to be visual cues. Other than torn cones, any suggestions as to what to keep an eye out for? thanks, Sam