texas42

Aside from of course another Cornwall, I think the best center is a pair of Heresy I's, wired in sequence. I have mine on their sides with the tweeters adjacent and it provides a very big, open (but focused) sound for movies and 5.1 music. Although I've never heard an Academy with my setup I can't imagine it could sound better given it's size and differnt drivers whereas the Heresy I's use the same mid and tweet as the Cornwalls. Just my 2 cents... Regards, Dave

I'm currently using a pair of Heresy I's as my center with my 1979 Cornwalls. Provides a seamless match as the mids and tweets are the same. It is quite large however (both on top of a 65" Mits HDTV) and I'd prefer a dedicated center but agree that the K-55 and K-77s would be the way to go, at least for heritage speakers. Anything would be better than the overly inflated prices for a 10 year old Academy though...Good luck with your project, I'm sure it will be nice. Regards, Dave

You just pull out tubes 2 and 4 (there are 4 EL-34s across the front) and re-bias from .35v to .70v. That's all you have to do and then it runs single ended up to about 4Watts. I had the external bias mod added to mine where I can adjust (via a very small screw) each tube and check the bias with a multi-meter with nodes on the side of the amp. Makes it extremely easy for us 'non-technical' types...

---------------- On 10/27/2003 9:05:21 PM JCturboT wrote: Dave, Do post a full report on your Cayin when you have more listening time on it. It appears to be a really nice amp with attention to detail and with some real different features. Really a "can't lose" purchase for $899 Jeff ---------------- Jeff, And even less of a "can't lose purchase" at the $499 I paid for it new via ebay. (They are now going for 'buy it now' at $599). This amp is built like a tank and the fit and finish is incredible, especially at this price point. I am VERY satisfied with it so far, but long term listening and break in will reveal its full potential. Once it is, I will experiment with its single ended capabilities... Dave

Craig, Yes, I did buy the Cayin from Paul Grzybek at his website http://www.2baudio.com/ I had him add a variable feedback control and external nodes for biasing. It is quite a nice looking and sounding amp and it hasn't really been broken in yet so should get even better. The Scott was one I bid on ebay, then ended up buying offline. It was the one you and I talked about previously that may still need some 'upgrading'. Here is the ebay link that describes more: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50593&item=3051940246 I'd like to take some digital photos of it and send them to you and see what you think about improving it. I just got it today and hooked it up. Sounds very sweet but am guessing it can be tweaked to sound even better. I wish I had four ears right now so I could listen to both at the same time...lol

Well, finally took the plunge to tubes. In fact, I (almost) feel guilty. I couldn't decide between a restored Scott 299B Integrated or a new Cayin TA-30 Integrated...so I bought both! Both sound great with my 1979 Cornwalls for two channel listening. (I still use my Acurus A200X5 for home theater). The tubes in both these units seem to open up the Cornwalls, giving them a sense of 'bloom' and air that I've never heard before with solid state. Makes me wonder why I waited this long to try tubes with these. I know eventually I will settle down with just one these amps, but for now sure is fun to play with both. Something about tubes with horn speakers; total synergy. But, I guess I am preaching to choir in here. Just call me another 'convert'... Happy listening all... Dave

Nice Moody Blues quote, Dean...(On The Threshold of a Dream album, I believe). Those are some nice looking amps. There is another though that has interested me enough to finally take the dive. The Cayin TA-30 Tube Amp. Uses EL-34s in a push/pull. I've spoken with a few people who have bought this that swear by it. Time will tell. http://www.2baudio.com/ This amp is also Chinese origin and very well laid out with solid fit and finish. I'm also going to get a Scott 299 and see which sounds best with my Cornwalls. It's like searching for the holy grail; you never get there but the journey is always interesting... Regards, Dave

I guess I am in the minority here...I love PF, but generally like their later stuff. Of course I enjoy DSOTM, but like the Wall better, and really enjoyed the Division Bell (heresy! I know, no Roger Waters...). If nothing else, they have maintained a following for a long time and were one of the original 'Art Rock' bands like the others I enjoy most, The Moody Blues, Yes, and Kansas. Just my .02 cents... Dave

Jim, Actually, it was through your earlier postings about this amp that had me include in my short list. I went to their web site and the amps DO look nice for the price. I think I like it better than the ASL Wave 8s for the money. The Dared's look really nice too (almost TOO nice to be true, see their amps at- http://home.sharednet.com/1stlook/pages/standard.cfm?url=zestek&a=0&other=9382 I was looking primarily at the VP-10 and VP-20, which are going from 600-800 bucks new. Maybe I should just buy them all! (I wish). Anyway, this is half the fun, they say.... Regards, Dave

Jim, Actually, it was through your earlier postings about this amp that had me include in my short list. I went to their web site and the amps DO look nice for the price. I think I like it better than the ASL Wave 8s for the money. The Dared's look really nice too (almost TOO nice to be true, see their amps at- http://home.sharednet.com/1stlook/pages/standard.cfm?url=zestek&a=0&other=9382 I was looking primarily at the VP-10 and VP-20, which are going from 600-800 bucks new. Maybe I should just buy them all! (I wish). Anyway, this is half the fun, they say.... Regards, Dave

Hi, I'm currently looking at different tube amps that I can use with my 1979 Cornwalls. A few that have caught my eye are the Mac Mc-30 (somewhat local for $600/pr and in fair/good shape); a Dynaco ST-70 (same person, Good/VG condition); some new Dared VT-10 monoblocks (via internet for $600 a pair---these reallllly look nice but not sure of the sonic capabilities), or perhaps a new Ideal Innovations Tube amp(seem reasonably priced). This will be my first foray into tubes and leaning towards an amp/amps that have level gain controls so I can bypass my Pre/Pro for two channel listening (the ST-70 is the only one of the above without this, I think). Any suggestions or other amps in the same ballpark (less than $600) that I should look at? Opinions appreciated... Regards, Dave

I believe his sharing this information is totally within the context of "community" as that is the whole purpose of the forum, isn't it? Sharing a common interest? (ok, ok, sharing a common obsession. I personally look forward to digesting the info... Regards, Dave

Oh, for what it is worth, I don't have a receiver with a pre-out, but a HK Signature 2.0 AV preamp and an Acurus A200X5 Amp in my HT setup. I was thinking of getting a pair of tube monoblocks and a passive preamp for strictly two channel listening as this would offer the 'purest' signal for music listening.

Unfortunately, since my Cornwalls are vintage 1979 models without the 5 way binding posts, quick switching is not really an option (unless I replace the screw on terminals currently in them with some modern posts that accept dual banana plugs). I DO have an Adcom GFS-3 speaker selector switch box. But that is for switching 2-3 'different' pairs of speakers from the same amp; not for switching different amps from the same speaker. I guess I am concerned if having two sets of speakers wires from 2 different amps can somehow affect the opposite (off) amp when the other one is turned on. Will signals be re-routed from the speaker terminal to the other speaker cables to the off amp? Not sure if this makes any sense or not...

I hope this doesn't seem like too naive a question, but... I am thinking of getting a nice tube amp(s) for my Cornwalls and using a passive preamp and CD player for purely 2 channel sound. Currently I have my Corwalls as part of my home theater system (Dolby Digital premp, DVD, DSS, etc). Is it possible to have two sets of speaker wire going to the Cornwalls where I can use the same speakers for both systems?? Obviously, I would only have one amp/preamp, etc, on at one time, but would this still cause any damage to the other (turned off) amp due to dual connection? Would be a great way to solve the separate audio and home theater systems without having to rehook up speaker wire all the time. Thanks for any advice, comments...

I've always found a few stiff shots of aged Kentucky bourbon makes the music a bit more 'lifelike' . Most of the time though, I think just being relaxed enough and letting the music come to you creates the magic you are referring to... just my .02 cents... Dave

Oh, I have tons of Laserdiscs as well if anyone is interested... Regards, Dave

I'd be interested in your BOC, Rod Stewart, Pet Shop Boys, Steve Miller, and Pink Floyd CDs... I have a few in my 'trade bin' as well. Scorpions, Rainbow, Whitesnake, Peter Gabriel, Bryan Ferry, and some of my wife's- Michael Bolton, Elvis, Belinda Carlisle, Garth Brooks and Roxette. Let me know if any interest you. Easier to trade than try to sell via ebay or amazon (too much hassle in my opinion). Regards, Dave

Hmm...most musical or best speakers I've heard? Several come to mind. The Duntech Sovereign were incredible at Audition in Birmingham, AL using some DAT tapes of a local symphony. (HUGE speakers, about 450 lbs a piece and $20k). Others would be the KEF 107, Carver Amazing Platinum IVs, B&W 801s, and of course the KHorns (which I'd buy if I had two corners for them). But, for now, I'll settle for my 1979 Cornwalls. Regards, Dave

Looking for a pair with the K-55 mid and K-77 tweeter. Contact me if you have a pair in decent shape that you would like to sell or trade. Regards, Dave

I'm down here in a little town called San Antonio... Regards, Dave

Picky, Hmm....Polk SDA/SRS? I used to drool over those 10-15 years ago but never have the opportunity to buy a pair. I know they are somewhat 'gimmicky' but always enjoyed the way the sounded. If you ever decide to get rid of them, let me know.... As far as the RF-7s, they do sound very articulate in the midrange, but not as 'open' as the older Klipsch Heritage series, in my opinion. Regards, Dave

If I were to use one as a center channel with my cornwalls, would one be preferable to the other? I understand the I's have the K-77 and K-55 horns (same as cornwalls) while the II's have a slightly different set of drivers. Is there that much of a sonic difference between the two series? Also, as a stereo pair, which would be preferable, and why? Many thanks in advance for info... Regards, Dave

Would suggest the Heresy I's with the same drivers then as the Cornwalls, or the II's? There is a single II on ebay now I am looking at as well as a pair of I's. Would there be much/any difference between the two for use as a center with the cornwalls? Regards, Dave

Lots of interesting comments. I thought about bidding on the two Academys for sale on ebay today and notice both went for over $500. I think the most logical approach will be to start with the Heresys, given their lower investment, and see how they perform first. Hopefully, they will be a good 'fit'. I have already tried the KLF-C7, and while wonderful with my KLF-20s when I had them, did not match up well with my Cornwalls, IMO. Not sure if the newer RC3-IIs or RC-7 would fare any better than the KLF-C7 with the Cornwalls. Now, is there anyone out there with ONE Heresy for sale? Regards, Dave