kdcarroll

I posted in "garage" as well - I am looking for a set of Cornwalls close to Arkansas. I'm not overly concerned with the condition of the exterior, or the amount of Crites footprint involved (i.e. new crossovers, new woofers, etc.); just would prefer not to have to travel too far. Drop me a note so I can finance your next upgrade..... My best thoughts to all involved in the storm. Thanks as always! Ken

UNSTUMPED - took your advice and removed the top. Replaced five fuses, cleaned and checked all connections; I'm listening to the amp as I type this. Sounds great in my system - very detailed and warm. Thanks for all the help! Ken

removed top - checked all jumpers/connections - nothing loose or unattached. Did "discover" four 6.3 20mm fuses (two per channel) not listed in the OM. I'm going to replace the fuses and see if that will do the trick.

Yes, like I described, the unit cycles all the way to "ON": i.e. master switch on, standby light goes out, green "on" light comes on. The gain controls are turned all the way up. I checked fuse - it looks fine, and the unit turns on, which it would not do if fuse was bad. Standby light on when front panel power switch set is off. Thinking some grim thoughts at this point.....

I am stumped. I bought a ATI 1202 2 Channel Amp from a friend. It was shipped here to frigid AR by Fed Ex. The 35 pound amp was packed great, and the box looked fine with fragile stickers. The amp sat on my door step for a few hours until I got home from work. I took the amp out in the house and let it warm to room temp for a few hours. I hooked the amp to my HK 3380 using the pre-outs, attached the Heresys, plugged in the amp: the amp powered up, shifted from stand-by to on and ......nothing. No sound - no fuzz, not a relay click, nothing. My question is - where to now? I checked the signal from the pre - it is fine (sub is working as well). The speaker cables are fine as are the speakers. The interconnects are fine. The amp is powering up without any limiter signal. Could temperature be a factor - the amp was basically frozen on my door step in 10 degree weather. A friend mentioned temp affecting/engaging protection circuit. I have learned everything I know about my hobby here, and I'm looking for some more help guys. In addition, no place in Jonesboro to have the amp checked (except by my Navy friend). My friend who sold the amp said it was fine when he shipped it. Help! Ken

Actually, that speaker I was working on went into my sons minivan! (True story). Everything is bigger in Texas!!

Not to begin to actually contribute in any meaningful way; but I want to point out that Whattaburger in Russellville ought to have a steeple on top. Most churches do.When I went to Tech (just shortly after the earth's surface cooled), the ONLY food in town was the kindly faces at Whattaburger. In the day, you could get a "double-double", large fries and a shake in a glass big enough to hold Lake Dardanelle; all for the college friendly sum of about 5 bucks. I met my wife in line at Whattaburger, and had many meaningful dates there. Now, a billion years later, I have traveled all over the globe, and can say without fear of any dispute; that place is still the best. When I am lucky enough to have business take me within 60 miles of the place, I always detour. I have preached the "gospel" of Whatta so many times to my students that they arranged a pilgrimage this summer. They were quite disappointed when they arrived just at the beginning of the family vacation when the place closes for a week (where do people eat?). The place has changed - they have cool "new" indoor seats; but, most of the wall art is the same and many of the people working there are still familiar. What a great place and group of people in this cold, distant, "make a buck" world. All of you not having eaten there will die the poorer for the absence. I may get up and drive there tomorrow. Envy me!

LOL - That was my EXACT thought . . . I also thought, if that is what he did to the bass module; what must those little acoustimess modules look like. Just a thought -he is living in one, and rents out the other four? K

While replacing my Heresy K-77's with the OUTSTANDING Crites 125's, I noticed (again) that the original wiring inside the speakers appear small (high gauge) with some brittle points on the insulation. As the speakers were wired in 1979, would I derive any benefit from "rewiring" everything but the crossover (replaced with Crites crossovers) with at least a lower guage? I'm not thinking about anything exotic like silver; but would I "hear" any improvement by rewiring the pair with 12 gauge wire (Blue Jean) with better insulation?? I look forward to hearing your thoughts as always! Ken

OK, OK! I am convinced that the lamp cord was wrong. I rewired all the lamps in my house with Shunyata Diamondback Platinum supported by Research Dark Field Cable Elevators. Each is plugged into a Hydra V-Ray to a dedicated circuit. You know, even the wife mentioned how the lights seem to have more definition without even a hint of shadow or veiled light. The bulbs burn so much more consistently, and have a much tighter pattern. I think I may just eliminate lamps all together and plug in a bunch of Mac tube amps for light. What platform should I use? Thanks for all the help guys; wish I had listened sooner.

Though I most certainly fall somewhere near the lamp cord group, and by transitive property, shouldn't speak, I find it difficult to feel intimidated by somebody whose avatar features a scooter. Is it just me, or would you have been beaten up at most high schools riding that thing? Hard to explain about great gas mileage while the captain of the girls' basketball team is stomping you in the parking lot. No harm meant or taken - I freely admit my scooter bias.

PM Sent! K

Hey Colton - That Peanuts reference was from Halloween, not Christmas; and I know for a fact you got more than a rock for Christmas! K

Arky is right (again)! I use and adore the 990, and ran the auto setup because the instructions said so. Then I went back and placed the sizes/crossover based on what I thought it should be. Winner: my ears. Run large speakers full range - use a slight pad in the crossover to the sub: i.e. if the speaker is rated down to 40, use a 50 cross to smooth out any obvious cutout. Makes a real smooth transisiton. After you follow Arky and everyone's excellent suggestions, put on any dvd with the THX test sets, and use your ears to listen for any crossover transition problems. I have my mains and center set large with a 40 cross, my surrounds set small with a 100 cross, and lfe to the sub. One of the many cool things about the 990 is the ease with which you can just "start all over" if you don't like a particular result. Don't forget to forget the numbers, and just enjoy the sound. Klipsch and Outlaw - match made in heaven. K

I literally fell out of my chair. I'm sorry; that's just wrong. That's gonna leave a mark all day tomorrow. Please don't do that again, ever.[]

I think I have a handle on audio; but I need help with video options. This month, I'm going to "finally" upgrade to a flat panel. I am relatively certain I am going to purchase the Sony 32" xbr4 for a smaller living room. I THINK I want to "feed" the Sony through HDMI. My present receiver, which I am using as a pre, is a big Yamaha, but without HDMI. I can purchase a HK avr with HDMI for not a great deal, and the output power doesn't matter a great deal as I am using it as a pre anyway. My questions are: Do I need HDMI? If so, which Receiver to utilize as a pre? (5.1 speakers, all KLIPSCH 7's). Which DVD player? Is upconverting in the DVD player necessary? Would upconverting in the receiver be useful? Please excuse all my naive questions; but, this is the greatest place on earth for this information in a "safe" environment so I thought I would start here. Thanks! K

Thanks much Kaiser! I've gotten a few GREAT pieces from Audiogon or Forum members. I got a great set of Heresys from a guy in Mountain Home I learned about from Craig's List. I haven't yet dealt with the reviewer, though his piece was originally advertised on Audiogon. I trust the unit is exactly as he advertises - I'm just not sure if I'll want it after paying $650 (admitting that this is not much in comparison, but a lot for me for a piece I have not heard.) I guess I can always resell it, but I don't really want to get into the business - I just want to listen to music through tubes (I think?).

yes, that had received extensive restorations. As explained very well above, some was necessary just for safety; however, after VAST part exchange, is what's left remotely similar to the sound that is being reviewed/bragged about. the reviewer is selling one of the units that has been almost completely rebuilt for $650. He had to do some more work after a buyer returned the unit and did not pack well. K

fini . . . about that helmet? K

it's a way good thing - you get discounts! I'm for anything that gets discounts!! K

Well put - it should be a default that anyone involved in the audio hobby obviously prizes pleasure over money (though I admit that I always have to run purchases past my wife). I think, as a novice "owner" with well trained ears, that I "want" the Fisher. Like many, if it doens't live up to expectations, I can just send it to the next person. I love the idea of tubes running my Heresys. I'll keep looking. At least in audio, you don't have to wear funny golf pants.

Valid or not, I have no idea; but it would stand to reason that a used "new" piece of equipment would be at least safer than a vintage piece. Additionally, less work would be necessary to arrive at "everyday" status. At some point, you quible over timbre; but cost effectiveness has to have some part in any discussion about vintage - especially the estate ebay vintage. I see everyday descriptions which start with "great shape" and the like, and then the two foggy pictures clearly show all manner of problems. The seller then quotes recent sale prices of the item, comparing his beater to pristine "old lady on Sunday" pieces, or completely redone, cared for by audiophile examples. My question remains - if the great new "used" piece and the vintage piece are the same price; which do you purchase? Ken

Not to "steal" a thread, but today 9/20 is MY birthday! I'm just a couple of exits back from dtel, I still haven't gotten my AARP card. Happy Birthday to all. Amy is 32. If she isn't, she will be soon. If she is past it, that's all she'll admit to. My wife started counting backwards, like I would forget? Ken

Thanks again Thebes, and Harry. I agree and understand your point. I guess I'm just selfish enough to want the $600 refurb for $250. One other point - if "everything" that makes a 500C a 500C is replaced, including caps and power tubes, is it still a 500C? Will I hear the golden voice of the past that all including 6Moons and Stereophile rave about? I understand (and am not a little scared) of the idea of a potential fire hazard. Would you not be better off getting a new product than a rebuilt one; so rebuilt it only bears the nameplate? Thanks millions - sorry for the ramble. Ken

Thanks all! One of the MANY reasons I love this Forum!