shakes

My many-months-later update: after many system tweaks (including construction of shielded/grounded speaker wire - not at all effective) and a great deal of headache, I believe I've finally beat the best of the RFI (really, WE beat it!). The RCA approach didn't help my setup at all, but the .01uF disc caps seem to have done the trick. Along with a couple split-beads, my system is now just about free of audible RFI. Alone, the beads make only the subtlest of difference; the caps alone seem to clear about 90% of the audible RFI. Together, I'm in business. As an aside: does anyone think an L-pad on each speaker (pre X-over) might have worked as well as the cap-filter?? Maybe lower the efficieny into the 90s, quiet the whole system down. Might be a nice tweak for those running big horns off big amps in small places. My amp seems wide awake at listening volume with lots of headroom remaining, but I've heard bigger amps (solid state) that didn't open up for the La Scalas by listening volume. Just a thought. Thanks again, everyone, for all your input.

Thanks again for all the input. I've checked Radio Shack (.ca site) on the web, trying to pick up the disc caps online . . . unfortunately, all the Ontario locations appear to be 'sold out' (unlikely, right). This week, I'll head over to some of the pro electronics warehouses, see what I can pick up, and update this thread. As an aside, since I first posted, the RFI has subsided significantly (spooky, since I haven't changed a thing). Probably the winter weather, interfering with my interference. Response to two posts prior: I've tried unplugging my sources (dangling interconnects from the back of my amp), as well as having no sources/interconnects plugged in at all. The RFI is constant. Also, while switching between live sources, the sound cuts (as it should) on my Exposure amp, although the RFI persists throughout (also, not attenuated with volume pot). Suggests that sources are not the problem, correct?

Ok, will do. Just to clarify: - I connect one lead of the disk cap to the + terminal and the other to the - terminal on my amp, for each speaker output. (This wont short my amp?) Also, my amp has two outputs per speaker (for bi-wiring) . . . should I be doing anything with the naked terminals? (also, could they contribute to my RFI?) An aside: I've noticed that lots of people bi-wire their La Scalas (and KHorns, etc.). Is this a common mod, and is it worth opening up the x-over for? I have some experience building speakers and wiring simple cross-overs, but not enough to conceptualize the consequences of separate power to this system . . . what's the concensus on best x-over and setup for the La Scalas? Where do you place the electronics on the speaker, or is it all done outboard? Cheers.

Thanks for all the speedy replies. I'm new to the Klipsch forums . . . you guys are really on top of things. To answer a few questions: - with no speaker wire in the amp, there's no noticable sound at all (my speakers are 'off', and don't seem to move at all) - my speaker cables do come in contact with my power cords, an unfortunate consequence of a *really* cramped setup. i've considered conduits, to keep everything isolated, but have not yet settled on any product - I've unplugged all the accessible appliances in my place . . . i too thought this was an issue of dirty power. still no luck - i've heard about these discs, perhaps elsewhere in the Klipsch forums. I will pick some up, and let you know the outcome. My fav audio dealer near toronto recently suggested jamming unwired rca connectors into the unused terminals of my amp - any thoughts? Thanks again. Cheers all.

oh yeah: the rfi does not attenuate with the volume controls on my amp. also, no mods to my LSIs; mono-amped.

I've got a pair of clean La Scala Industrials (chunky handles on the side, textured finish in black, 400 watt k-43 woofer), and am generally blown away with the performance (accuracy is right on and the output is highly musical, in spite of the rugged woofer). Unfortunately, in my last apartment, and now my new condo, I pick up a terrific amount of radio frequency interference (RFI). The RFI has been appearant off two amps (both British integrated). I've tried a number of set-up variations in hopes of ameliorating the RFI, to no avail: 1. I've lifted the ground prong on my amp's power cord, to make sure I wasn't experiencing a ground-loop . . . still RFI. Even with no inputs (no components plugged into the amp, just int-amp and speakers), the system still receives rf 2. I've tried ferrite beads (split) around my power cord and my speaker cables, but no obvious reduction in RFI. May not be using the best beads, however. I've wrapped my speaker cables in tin foil - presumably, insufficient shielding. I suspect the RFI enters my system through my speaker cables - when I switched from high-end stranded to Kimber, there was some relief. Also, the RFI is worse in my new downtown condo than my old suburban apartment. Is this a problem with all efficient speakers? Is there a good way to combat this unwanted reception? Help, please.