frankphess

I can't belive it's "normal" either but that's exactly what happened. Deltronics here in Chicago that repair electronics quoted $400 or so to fix it, said "there's a bunch of blown components" and like I said, I saw the fire erupt as I was moving the speaker. I'm having them fix it and I'll give it another try, but I was pretty disapponted in it's performance even before it caught on fire, so I'm not sure if there may be other issued with it or what. The person I bought it from I would consider to be a stand up guy, and he stated that he enjoyed it for the two years he had it, so it doesn't seem like there has ever been a problem with it, but I guess you never know. I'll post on it when I get it back. Maybe Deltronics will work some magic, and bring it back to what it's supposed to be.

I purchased a used Musical Fidelity A5 integrated. I used it with some Klipsch reference bookshelf speakers (and a MF A3 tuner) and listened for a couple of hours. I then moved the speakers out wider to try to get it to sound better, which yanked the speaker cable, which made the + & - spades touch at the amp output, which shorted out one channel. I saw fire and smelled a burning smell. That part is done, and it's in the shop getting fixed. I understand there's supposed to be a fuse to stop that sort of thing from happening, but sadly it happened. Of the couple of hours I did get to listen, I didn't think it sounded that good. Could it be that MF gear was designed to work with "harder to drive" speakers? It also is supposed to be 250wpc. It sure didn't seem to have that kind of power. Of the review's I've read, people love MF with B&W, Paradigm, Dynaudio, etc. I've heard the X-series with Sonus Faber Concertino's and thought it sounded wonderful, but my combo at home, not so good. Anyone have any ideas as to why?

I take that back, I guess I can post pics.

This is one of the "first" Peaches I believe, as I purchased this unit from Dean Wescott. So I guess it would have Hovelands? It has the teal faceplate and a maple case. I'd post pictures, but am unable to post pictures for some reason.

I've spoken with Craig once (when I received the amplifier from Allan Songer) to ask some basic questions regarding the use of other tubes with this amplifier, and of course he was very helpful. Other than that, I have had no reason to bother Craig. His amp has been maintenance free, and not one lick of trouble. Who say's tubes are high maintenance????

I would never say never, however I'll be starting on a second system upstairs that I anticipate will require most of my attention. I will need to go with a smaller speaker than the RF-7 due to space constraints. (thinking Palladium bookshelfs possibly, with ????, but 2 channel only, no theater.) Any suggestions????

2 emails sent..talk to ya soon

MY RF-7 journey… I started with RF-7’s because they were the king of the reference line at the time. I’ve lived with them for better of for worse for more than a few years now. While I enjoyed each combination and learned a lot along the way, I always knew there was room for improvement. But now, I’m finally satisfied. At present it’s really 2 systems using the same 2 front RF-7’s. Below are the different components I’ve tried.. My pre/pro/amplifier progression with RF-7’s: 1- Sony 110w AVR- first foray into Klipsch, bought full 5.1 RF-7 line. Crank it! Awesome!2- Replaced RF-7/RC-7 networks (by Dean). Highs not so harsh, smoother response.3- Added room treatments. Reduced room reflections.4- Sony AVR w/ Anthem MCA 20 – pretty nice, first try with 200W SS, MCA series is warm, not as detailed as B&K.5- Bottlehead Foreplay w/ Anthem MCA20 – first try with a tube pre, noticeable improvement in detail.6- Sony DA50ES AVR w/ B&K 220M monos – great with movies, DVD concerts7- JM Peach (LoZ) w/ B&K 220M monos – Great for 2 channel, lived with this combo for quite some time.8- JM Peach w/ XXXX 100w tube monos – XXXX’s couldn’t handle the impedance or amps needed restoring, just didn’t sound very good with the 7’s, IMO. Truly disappointed. Ditched the XXXX’s. (Popular manufacturer’s name withheld to protect the innocent.) Current system: 9- B&K Ref 50 S2 w/ B&K 220M monos – nice pre/pro, can turn 2 channel stereo music into 5 channel surround, can crank out some high SPL’s, when I feel like letting it fly!10- JM Peach (Hi mode & CCA in V1) w/ VRD ST-35 w/ 350B tubes – Ultra Linear on 4 ohm tap – Finally, what I’ve been looking for. Handles the 7’s easily, sound is effortless and comes from a dead silent black backround with a wide soundstage and precise imaging. I enjoy the B&K Combo with subwoofer for music videos in 5.1, and I absolutely LOVE the Peach/VRD combo for long 2-channel listening sessions. If anyone is interested in hearing either combo, shoot me an e-mail. Frank.p.hess@sargentlundy.com – South Chicago suburbs

Peach I http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube Peach II http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1208978140 on Audiogon

Crank Led Zeppelin's MOBY DICK. RKelly - Snake (from Chocolate Factory) NERD - She wants to move (from FLY or Die) Silverchair - Israel's Son (from Frogstomp) Any TOOL song

I've only heard their entry level concertino's, which sounded great to me for such a small speaker, but I would think the Sonus Faber Cremona Ellipsa's might warrant some consideration, although a little over budget.

I can vouch for B&K, JuicyMusic, & NosValves products, as I have and use all three. I currently run a full B&K system for 5.1 and use a JM Peach with NOSValves stereo amplifier for 2-channel listening. I absolutely love both. If you're going with KHorns and stereo, I would go with a JM Peach (or Blueberry) with a NOSValves (VRD or ST) creation. If you stick with 5.1 HT, I would look at B&K.

Some more pics here... http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/09/hands-on-with-denons-super-separates/

Wait 'til Otis see's us, he love's us!

I have B&K 220monos and had an Anthem MCA20. I prefer the B&K's to the Anthem MCA20. I haven't heard Anthem's Statement line, but it would be a step up from their MCA line. I wouldn't think you could go wrong with B&K Reference amps or Sunfire. Either should be overkill for Heritage.

I hope these will come with some type of grill, as silver/grey is not everyone's cup of tea, aestetically speaking.

I believe Mark Deneen of Juicy Music created a box just for this purpose. You may want to contact Mark to see if has any left for sale. http://www.juicymusicaudio.com/index.html

Check Audiogon periodically as used gear is added each day. You can also search by zip code if you'd rather find something in your area. And buying used, you can try it for a while then if you're not happy with it, just put it back on Audiogon for close to what you paid. Buying new is like buying a new car, the value depreciates as soon as you take it home, so you'd better be sure it's what you want when buying new. Below are a few 200w solid state amplifiers on Audiogon right now. Good luck in your search. B&K - 7 channels @ 200 - http://buy.audiogon.com/cgia/cls.pl?ampsmult&1204442641 Rotel 5 @ 200 - http://buy.audiogon.com/cgia/cls.pl?ampsmult&1205610646 Aragon 3 @ 200 - http://buy.audiogon.com/cgia/cls.pl?ampstran&1205645167 Sunfire 2 @ 300 - http://buy.audiogon.com/cgia/cls.pl?ampstran&1205379443

The RF-7's will sound very good with high current solid state amplifiers that can handle low impedance loads, i.e. Sunfire, B&K, Rotel, Aragon. If you're going to try a tube amp, at least make sure it has a 4 ohm tap and use that. My guess is that a $500, 30W amp isn't going to produce the best results, unless low-med volume in a small room is what you're after.

Parts Express has them. http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=095-678

If you plan on keeping the RF-7's and eventually buying different equipment to use with them, get the networks done first and be done with it. If you're going to use the 7's for 2 channel, you're not going to want to use an AVR, you'll eventually want separates. If you want to use them for home theater, at least the networks will be done. My 2 cents.

Here's a warning that was posted on Craigslist last week about people selling speakers out of a van Not worth $50 New DiVinci DV-606 msrp $3659SCAM Kirsch K3 DA-803 - $50 Reply to: sale-482509394@craigslist.org Date: 2007-11-18, 9:33AM CST Please Copy now, repost somewhere and share this info with others. The scammers don't want anyone to know about their scam so they will flag and remove this ad ! Do a good deed and save someone from getting scammed ! The speakers sold by the speakermen are of exceptionally poor quality, typically obtained for less than $50 from a local distributor. The speakers themselves have been reported as potentially damaging to any amplifier they are connected to. The risk of damage stems from an impedence curve that in some cases may drop below 2 ohms, which may overheat, short out, or permanently damage an amplifier not designed to handle such loads. Do a search for " white van speakers " you'll see how this scam goes Guy in suv or van drives up to you has these $3000 speakers , extras ?? You can have em for a deal you can't pass up . He will try to get you to give him $50 or more up to $1500.00 for these $40 china speakers. Look out for the guy in the suv with the cock and bull story about the extra home theater system he's got to unload. He will tell you it's worth something crazy like 2000 or 3000 dollars show all kinds of crap like receipts , invoices , magazines , ads sheets, etc. He'll even point you to the company website to prove they are worth the 3 grand. Don't be fooled ! So when he lowers his price to $100.00 you'll think you got the deal of a lifetime. $3000 speakers for $ 100 bucks , no you got a crap set of $40 speakers and paid $100 or more for them. Just do a search for "white van speakers" and you'll see that not only are they worth only 40 bucks shipped from china , they may also be UNSAFE and damage your system. Watch out for the speaker guys in suv's or pickup trucks and vans selling home theater equipment. Many of the sales take place in the parking lots of Best Buy, Home Depot, Circuit City , Banks , Carwashes , Gas Stations , Construction sites , etc heck they will even flag you down while you are driving down the road. Do not fall for the white van speaker scam , they are looking to rip you off ! If you see them , drop a dime , CALL A COP , let's get these scumbags of our streets. Get your phone out , Take a PICTURE , get the PLATE number and CALL the Local POLICE !! Law enforcement WILL issue citations, as rarely do the speakerguys obtain the proper permits and license to sell "out of a vehicle". In Pennsylvania, the act of selling white van speakers is punishable by up to five years in prison and up to a fine of $10,000 . Here's one of many reviews I found ... I've been involved in the audio industry for over 25 years, and have to say that these speakers have the worst components I've ever seen. As someone who has built and repaired speakers, and written published audio reviews well before the Internet came around, I am appalled at the chutzpah shown by manufacturers and sellers of this junk. The 'reviews' and 'guides' that speak positively of these things have undoubtedly been posted by those who stand to profit from the sale of these inferior items. Take the Kirsch, Theatre Research, Genesis Media Labs (Genesis PHYSICS was a good brand in the 1980's) and DiVinci speakers, with their glossy ads and websites full of meaningless techno-babble and claims of outrageous 'retail' prices - not that any reputable retailer would carry these dogs. There are good reasons why they are mostly sold out of the back of white vans, and here, where comparison to good equipment is impossible. Most recently peddlers of the Genesis Media Lab and DiVinci's have trumpeted an ad taken out by the company, and purchase of a booth at an electronics show as evidence that this is an established brand-when you have the kind of profit margins based upon $ 50 worth of components in a "$ 3600" package, I suppose you can afford a booth or an ad. Imagine if a peddler of fake Rolexes', or 'Rolex quality' watches posted a website claiming that their junk that cost maybe $ 50 to manufacture is worth thousands - that is basically the case we have here. I've had the opportunity to take apart a number of these speakers, and all I can say is if you read Wikipedia and other search results you obtain from Googling the term "White Van Speakers' or 'White Van Scam' the conclusion that the components are of 'exceptionally poor quality' is well founded. For example, as I write this, there are at least 3 pairs of the "K803 Prodigy" speakers being posted on E Bay for $ 1500 or more, yet superior drivers (the speaker drivers -woofers, tweeters, midranges and the like) can be had for $ 15 or less per driver. The internal electronics such as the crossovers, are by far, the absolute worst I've ever seen in nearly 3 decades as a hobbyist. The DiVinci hucksters have the nerve to advertise their 'high energy crossover', which is a $2 piece of junk - a good crossover is complex, not inexpensive, and is critical to sound quality. Even the glossy cabinets are made of cheap, lightweight wood, whose resonances distort the already awful sound, and lack the internal bracing you will find on quality speakers. The drivers on the Kirsch and DiVinci "$ 3000 pair" (K803- DiVinci 1740-Dahlton- same speaker) are pretty much the same as on another set of these towers sold under an earlier "White Van Scam" name that a friend bought for $ 59 in a local pawn shop- one set of DiVinci's' is listed for $ 2500 buy it now - that is on line piracy. Just for fun, we compared these Kirsch 803 beasts' to a pair of Infinty SM-255's bought off of E Bay for $ 300, using both analogue and digital sources, receivers and high end separate electronics. A sound level meter was used to ensure that the listening occured at the same volume level. One of the girlfriends said it best : the Kirsch sounded like a clock radio compared to the Infinity's and one thought that a clock radio might sound better. Technical measurements confirmed what our ears told us - a ragged response curve that is the worst I've ever seen, bar none. Maybe it was unfair - the Infinity's weigh 77 pounds versus 28 for the Klipsch... er Kirsch - but then the Kirsch is a $ 3000 speaker, the Infinities were $ 1000 new ... the weight alone should tell you just what junk the White Van Speakers are. We also compared the Kirsch with a vintage set of Klipsch KG-3.5's which you can get for around $ 200-250 - needless to say they blew the K-803 Prodigy away. We've also performed listening tests comparing the "$ 2495"- oh please - Kirsch K3 home theatre system to a vintage set of Infinity Qb speakers dating back to the 1980's, which you can buy for $ 150 or so; a Samsung Home Theatre in a box and to Logitech Z-5300 and Klipsch Pro Media 5.1 computer speakers, hooked to a 5.1 receiver via the headphone jack ( a decent option for a small room). Experienced listeners suggested the best use of the Kirsch's was as a boat anchor or firewood, kids unanimously preferred the other sets and as one eloquently put it - ' the fancy ones stink like poo.' You would be much better off with a used set from Energy, Polk, or another quality speaker company. I also had the (dis) pleasure of listening to a set of the "$ 3600" DiVinci's often posted here - even the best electronics cannot make a silk purse out of these sow's ears. We compared the DiVinci 607 model to a Polk RM-6800 5.1 home theater set up that can be had for $ 400 or less- $3200 less than theDiVinci's so called retail value. It was no contest-- as my 12 year old put it 'where did all the instruments go' - there was no category- NONE- imaging, detail, tightness of bass- you name it- where the DiVinci's were remotely competitive. Not only are the speakers unspeakably bad, the 'receivers' included with the DiVinci, Theatre Research, Digital Research and other "White Van Brands' lack even basic AV functions such as Dolby and DTS processing, and HDMI and component video outputs -as well as measuring and sounding horribly - try watching "Master and Commander" with one of these pieces of 'bleep'- a used Denon, Yamaha or Onkyo at any price is light years superior. With profit margins that would make oil companies jealous, I can see where they could now buy ads in magazines - one E Bay posting claims they are an 'established high end speaker' - you would have to be high to consider these anything but the low level junk they are. Scam is not a strong enough term, and these have earned their place on rip-off report.com White Van Speaker List Acoustic Response Series 707 Acoustic Image 3311 / 3312 Acoustic Lab Technology Acoustic Monitor Acoustic 3312 Studio Monitor Acoustic Response Advanced Sound Technologies AST X2 1055 Audiofile 583LR Audiofile 835LR Audiofile THX 6.1 Audio Tech Dahlton KV 1500 Dahlton KV 2500 TI Speakers Dahlton AV 5.1 THX DanWave DW-6 DanWave DW-606 DanWave DW-607 DanWave DW-608 Dan Wave DW-1000 Diamond Audio Prodigy DA803 http://www.divincisound.com Divinci Sound DiVinci Innovative Sound & Bass Divinci Sound D6 D-6 Divinci Sound DV7010 DV-7010 Divinci Sound DV6030 Dv-6030 Divinci Sound DV505 DV-505 Divinci Sound DA6.1 DA-6.1 Divinci D-52 Divinci DV-606 Divinci DV-607 Divinci DV-608 Divinci DV-1420 Divinci DV-1450 Divinci DV-1412 Divinci DV-1450 Divinci DV- 607 Divinci DV-2150 Divinci DV-2100 Denmark Denmark Loud Speaker E830LR Digital Audio DHT 5.1 Digital Audio SL-3810 Digital Audio DA 2000SL / 2000CS Digital Audio 2000 Digital Audio 2002 Digital Audio 2012 7.1 Digital Audio Professional Speaker Systems SL-3810 Digital Audio Skyline 900-SL Digital Audio SL-3910 Speakers Digital Audio 2003 DA 5.1 Pro-Series III Digital Dogg Audio Digital Pro Audio Digital Pro Audio SL-T 2.8 Digital Research 5.1 Pro Series Digital Research DA 5.1 Pro Series III Digital Research DR-1000 Digital Research DR-2810 Digital Research DR-1610 Digital Research DR-1611 Dogg Digital Dynalab Epiphany Audio speakers Elite Audio Elite Audio EA-505 Elite Audio EA-608 Elite Audio EA-1620 Elite Audio EA-7012 Epic Sound 7.1 Fleetwood Audio Genesis Genesis Media Labs Genesis G-6.1 Digital Series Genesis G-505 Genesis G-506 Genesis G-507 Genesis G-608 Genesis G-609 Genesis G-610 Genesis G-1420 Genesis G-1620 Genesis G-1630 Genesis G-2810 Genesis G-2815 Genesis R-2810 Genesis G-2840 Genesis G-2850 Genesis G-2870 Genesis G-2875 Genesis G-2880 Genesis G-2885 Genesis G-2950 Genesis G-2960 Genesis G-6030 Genesis G-6035 Genesis G-6040 Genesis G-7012 http://www.genesismedialabs.com Grafdale Hauffman Innovative Sound Digital Pro Audio Kirsch K3 Kirsch K10 Kirsch Prodigy K803 http://www.kirschloudspeakers.com Linear Phase studio monitors http://matrixaudioconcepts.com Matrix Audio Concepts Matrix MX-1300 MX1300 MX1300S MX-404 MX-550 MX-6160 MX-2060 MX-605S Millenium Millenium MTS-2006p Millenium MTS-2208 Millenium MTS-2328 Millenium MTS-2300 Millenium MTS-2605 Millenium MTS-3100 Millenium MTS-3200 http://www.mtsspeakers.com Omni Audio PSD (2.8) PTS PT-5500S PTS (Precision Transducer Systems) http://www.ptswoofers.com Palermo VA6.1 Palermo VA 6.1 Paradyme Pro Audio Pro Dynamics Pro Platinium Series Pro Dynamics PD-9600 Proline Acoustic Protecsound PT-5000 digital surround sound system speakers Samurai 518 Skyline AD-900SL Skyline Digital Denmark 800 or 900 "series" Studio Tech (Pro Poly Series) Theater Innovations (Ti 5100) TI-440MR TI~440MR TI-440R TI~440R TI-440M TI~440M TI-5100 TI~5100 TI-5150T TI~5150T TI~1250 TI-1250 TI~1255 TI-1255 TI~1300 TI-1300 TI~1650 TI-1650 TI~1655 TI-1655 TI~6000SD TI-6000SD TI~6100 TI-6100 TI~1750 TI-6200 http://www.theater-innovations.com Theater Logic http://theaterlogichomecinema.com/ Theater Logic L5ti Theater Logic L6 Theater Logic L8TI 5.1 Theater Logic T 2400 Theater Logic T 2450 http://www.trtheaterresearch.com Theater Research TR-501 Theater Research TR-900 Theater Research TR-1120 Theater Research TR-1400 Theater Research TR-1410 Digital Sound Speakers Theater Research TR-2380 Theater Research TR-2810 Theater Research TR-5210 Professional Home Theater Theater Research TR-5160 Theater Research TR-6000 Theater Research TR-6100 Digital Sound/5.1 Home Cinema Theater Research TR-8010 Theater Research TR-8810 Theater Research Pro Series III Professional Home Ultra Digital Labs

One thing I did which helped clean up the bass from the 15 was to get it up on spikes. Without spikes, the whole room would shake because the rubber feet transfered the bass to the floor and walls from the cabinet. Once on spikes the bass seems more defined and audible rather than everything shaking. Thread size for the RSW-15 is the same as the RF-7 feet, 1/4-20. Just a thought.

There is a small removeable plastic plug in each terminal, best removed with an xacto type blade as it is very flush. When this is removed the terminals will accept banana plugs. I wouldn't thread bare wire, you won't have a solid connection. Either terminate the bare wire to spades or bananas or clamp the bare wire uner the screw terminals.

Those Tangents are just "big" Heresy's with a passive radiator. If you get the chance try some tubes on them. I have a pair in the garage being driven by a Bogen DB212 which is 12 watts per side and enough to get them plenty loud.