kdcarroll

I am in need of a Fisher 500C for my initial trip into tube amps for my Heresy main set. The trouble is, for some reason, since the Stereophile review, everyones wants far too much money for items that are usually not in shape for regular use. The converse; those that have refurb units want a MINT. I have been searching for sometime all the usual suspects (Craig's List, E-Bay, etc.), and can't cover enough ground. The Forum has been so nice for so long, I want to ask to "use" the resources to at least identify this missing amp where ever it may be. Can I get a hand? Anybody know of an estate sale or a 500C sitting on the side of the road? My best!! Ken

Dave - I am VERY interested in the 222-c. Can you email me pictures? Drop me a line so we can talk about pick-up vs shipping. Thanks! Ken

Aren't all lawns by definition "organic"? Does this mean the clippings should include "gifts" from area animals? Please help, because I want to generate the greatest number of bidders and the highest price for my clippings. Should I mention my positive feedback? K

I'm sorry Bob - you know how very much I respect you and your work; but I must call bull#@$% on that one. If you are being close to true, and you actually did receive something remotely close to that 2 pound pile of crap for "restoration"; I'm not sure who should receive the bulk of the blame. The thing that scares me the most is that someone has placed a bid. I'm going out now to take a series of pictures of several bags of grass clippings, which I intend to post with a generous BIN. Ken

Thanks Seti for the North Little Rock "heads up" - I will be going there tomorrow. Craig felt the amp might not be the one for me, so I'm still looking. If anyone has any other ideas, I'm "all ears". Thanks all! Ken

Thanks all!! Dropped a note to Craig, and am waiting on his verdict. I sure like the look of his vrd stereo amp. Ken

I have heard all the experienced recommendations, and am now ready to wade into the world of tubes. My two channel rig is a pair of Bic-improved Heresys plus sub, driven by an old HK integrated, JVC turntable, grado cartridge, and a modded adcom cd. While I am certain I would enjoy a great pre- and amp; I have to take this one step ($) at a time. What tube integrated fits my needs? Smaller listening room (10 x 13), carpet, big furniture, no real standing waves or problems, and I listen to just about everything with emphasis on jazz and classical. While my listening style is moderate, I do like to crank it from time to time (not to "Saturn rocket taking off" levels . . .) I need your help, because I'm getting no where on my own (ps - I HATE ebay, and have little luck there). My best! K

I guess I qualify: I'm one of those "learned" professional players and teachers with more degrees than a thermometer. I'm a saxophonist, my wife is a saxophonist, my Dad is a saxophonist, and his Dad was a saxophonist. My brother was the rebel - he plays trumpet. My day job is as Director of Bands for a state university. I don't see a love for outstanding sound reproduction as an extension of my 'day job'; rather, a beautiful hobby that doesn't require goofy clothes or that I look like I'm participating in a hobby. It has always just been about the music. Growing up, we didn't have a television (by choice - Dad thought music was enough), just a gigantic record collection, and my Dad's bands rehearsing in the living room. My earliest memories are of my Dad explaining to me the wonder of Stan Getz and Paul Desmond. When I started listening to 'Trane and Bird, he thought I was going through my rebellious phase. He'd politely leave the room when, coming home during college, we'd listen to Dolphy, Coleman, Kirk, Rollins and others. When I was a senior in high school, I sat on the piano bench next to Stan Kenton during a rehearsal (way cool!!!). A few years later, I started skipping classes to take pick-up work with "names". My last recording was with Lou Marini. Believe it or not, I really can't imagine life without music. Why would you want to? I am a firm believer in the fact that you don't have to play an instrument to be a musician. This really is a Western cultural idea - in non-Western countries, there is no such thing as "professional musician". It is assumed that all are musicians (and many are!). It should be obvious, even by this thread, that there are a lot of musicians who "play the stereo". It's all about the music - makes no difference how you interact or communicate - only that you do! My best! K

Speedball - What do you want for the 2039? I'm in need of a sub for a two-channel Heresy set-up in a medium room. Thanks!! K

First - keep the ipod because your wife loved you enough to get you a present! She thought you would like it, and it might hurt her feelings somewhat if you turn your nose up at it. Second - the ipod has myriad applications, many more you will discover as you start using the device. Third, you can upload all your work cd's to itunes, and eliminate the clutter while gaining a greater degree of access. Fourth, in the tractor, the device will function exactly like your cd player, only with the above mentioned greater access and storage - you can carry thousands of cds with you in that little shirt pocket. Also, your ipod plays videos, so if you have any desire to watch a program/dvd while cutting, you can. While I won't debate the sound quality (though you can take steps to maximize the device), you can't debate the portability and access. In addition, the device functions as a hard drive, so you can transport files/pictures, etc. The reason ipod has become so popular so fast is because the device, and others like it, performs so many functions so well. My portable cd player is gathering dust in a drawer, and my TWO ipods get used everyday in everyway. For Christmas, my wife gave me an iSoundSpa, an alarm clock that docks/charges the ipod. I gave her an iGroove - the Klipsch speaker system for ipod for her classroom. So keep the ipod, take a look at all that is offerred on the iTunes Store, and enjoy great portable music. Just my two cents, your mileage may vary. K

It was in "TV, Radio" etc. I think the date was 12/10 or 12/11. Ad said "three Heresy's, $225 a piece". GOOD LUCK!!!! I just got my set last week, and they are amazing! New set of BEC crossovers coming soon - Living in Arkansas has MANY advantages! Ken

Arky - Check out the classifieds in the Democrat/Gazzette.......... They are in Arkansas, south of Pine Bluff . . . . . Don't know about condition - Good luck Thanks for the info on Audio Express; I'll check it out. Ken

Thanks for the good advice!! I'll check around tomorrow. As to your holiday wish for Heresy - I just read an ad for a guy selling three (3!!!!) Heresy I's for 225 a piece. I'd be glad to forward the number if you wish?

I'm buying Sat. Radio for my wife's suv for Christmas. She prefer's XM, even though her Mazda is pre-wired for Sirius. So, assuming I want to make her happy in light of her buying me Heresy for Christmas,;what make/model do I get, and which vendor for the install? I've seen DIY kits at Sams, etc.; but I want the installation to be clean without any of the dangling wires my fellow faculty seem to endure. What do I get, and where do I get it?? Thanks as always! Ken

So, now I have the Heresy set I've been waiting on my whole life (go get them first thing in the morning); now how do I get the riser stands for them? Is there a suitable substitute for the Heresy? I am a little leery about just setting them flat on the carpet floor. Anyone have any ideas?? Ken

This one is fun! I try and get a few new holiday recordings each year. My favorites: Chip Davis and all of the "Mannhiem Steamroller" from 1975 until now. They are all great. I also love the GRP Holdiay Collection, especially Tom Scott playing Feliz Navidad. I also enjoy "So This Is Christmas" by John Lennon. My latest favorite, that I'm listening to right now, is last year's Diana Krall CD. Truly amazing. "Live in Paris" was good, but her Christmas set is exceptional. I still listen to all the classics; Mel Torme, Bing Crosby, Renaissance Christmas, etc,etc, etc. I love anything done well.

I never thought of it until just now - the reason for the sale of drivers/crossovers/cabinets as seperate parts for financial gain. I guess if you overlook the greed, the idea of someone "ressurecting" a set of speakers is a beautiful thing. A story I heard last week; I'm paraphrasing, so any errors are my own: Dan Ross, a faculty member at Arkansas State and close friend of PWK, was traveling to the board meeting in Hope. He was picked up at the airport by PWK, and driven to Hope. As they drew closer to the "plant", a rumble could be heard which Dr. Ross described as akin to a gravel crusher. Dan asked PWK if that was the concrete company accross the street, and Mr. Klipsch replied, "nope, I'm afraid that's us". Dan asked what all the noise was, and PWK explained that "they were testing drivers over the weekend". It seems the drivers could not be placed in PWK creations until they had been run "wide open" with white noise all weekend. Only then would PWK consider the driver good enough to place in his speaker. Loud enough during this test to be heard through the sealed door, out in the parkinglot, in a running automobile. I haven't heard of this kind of devotion in a long time - something I see mirrored in the devotion of those who have consumed the product. Klipsch products aren't things to make money on; they are a man's life creation, and something that should be treated with at least a degree of respect. Sad we all at summer's passing. Thanks again to all! I'm cancelling classes and leaving on Wednesday to go pick them up. Even if my trip is far shorter than many speaker journeys detailed here, it will be amazing to me. Ken

It seems my LONG search has finally drawn to a close; after seeking a Heresy pair for my two-channel rig in just about ALL the wrong places, I will soon be the PROUD owner of an 1980 Heresy pair. I have so many people to thank, most of all Bob Crites. He was nice enough to take a break in his busy day and drop me a note when he was approached by a fellow Arkansan who wanted to part with these jewels. I came periously close to quiting my job, such was my desire to hear these speakers! By Christmas, I hope to have them returned from Mountain Home, rebuilt crossovers installed and serenading the house. I have the usual nasty stories about eBay. After a year or so, I am convinced that trying to buy Heritage speakers in this manner is a fool's errand. If the dangers of shipping aren' t enough, whenever you do find a pair close enough to "go get"; some professional buyer pushes the price envelope or uses better eBay buying technology. I can't help but be irritated by the idea of someone buying speakers to resell, while I'm trying to fill a lifelong dream. I am as excited as a child at Christmas. I can't wait to hear the heritage sound. Thanks again to all who "enjoyed" this search with me; especially Bob Crites! My Best! K

I have a burning question that I simply can't arrive at any meaningful conclusion with the information I have. Please help me out with any and all thoughts related to the subject! Here in Jonesboro, AR, the cost for cable is HIGH; due, in part I assume, to the absence of any form of competition. I am tired of paying gigantic cable bills while getting few "percs": i.e. a single movie channel, etc. Many in my neighborhood have Dish, as do some of the faculty at the university. They "rave" about access to sporting events, multiple movie channels, and cheaper monthly bills than I enjoy. What is "the right way"? Is Dish a cheaper way to go than cable? (I have NO COMMERCIAL application for any information you provide...) Thanks!! K

Larry - Your email is not in your profile. I am interested and would like to see some pictures. Please forward to kdcarroll@astate.edu when you get a chance! Ken

mandi - If it is any consolation[], my wife is quite certain we are both nuts (though I don't seem to demonstrate as many of the symptoms as your present array). I think it must be an Arkansas thing. Try this: whenever my wife really leans in on me and the cost of my hobby, I muse about taking up climbing. With the injury rate and travel/equipment costs so high, it seems to quiet her for at least the time necessary to hook-up that new piece of equipment. My best! Ken

No, not cruel; but a preface might have helped: i.e. you may very well listen to this the rest of your life and not understand all of it. With Trane, you don't have to "understand". You can still like something, and have not a single clue as to the nature of genius. That was a great part of Trane's creation - there is so much emotion communicated on every level that a large population can respond to different parts of the story. I teach large "non major" classrooms in jazz history, and I am always stunned by alternative-looking students with ipods banging away who come to me at the end of the semester showing their new Trane albums purchased at the local Hastings. It reinforces the point - they are reacting to the emotion of the music, similar to what they hear when they listen to Green Day or Cobain.... My best friend in high school, Mike Medrick (one hell of jazz trombone player) would make the rounds at the local Sonic drive in, considered de-rigeuer in Ft. Smith in the 70's. In the next car, the unhappy teen angst would be blasting the bubblegum pop of the day. In order to impress upon them their poor manners, Mike would turn up Ascension, or A Love Supreme, or my favorite, anything by Dolphy, and presto....empty slot next to us. Jazz serves many purposes, and communicates many things to different people. It's all good!!! Your friend will love you in time (make up to him by giving him the Corea/Brecker "Three Quartets" Album).

Mike - Although they are "contemporaries" - having lived during virtually the same time frame - John Coltrane is most closely associated with modal jazz, Miles Davis, and all things post-bop. Sonny Stitt is/was one of the driving forces associated with bop: he could double-up the National Anthem! Julius "Cannonball" Adderly much the same - he was certainly an OUTSTANDING bop saxophonist - but is most closely associated with Miles, a quintet with his brother (Nat), and all things post-bop. Toward the end of his career, during the turbulent 60's, he recorded a number of albums dedicated to race relations including some spoken-word material. Both the finest of the bunch; no conversation about saxophone ever strays far from Trane and Cannonball! An important, but overlooked fact: Cannonball was a college graduate (Florida A&M) and worked briefly as a high school band director. Bet that band swung at halftime!! Cannonball also lived under the moniker of "little bird" - though all would agree he certainly outlived that attachment. Both Trane and Adderly both have immediately recognizable sounds. I am a big fan of those that have such an established presence (i.e. Paul Desmond....who could confuse him for anyone else??). Any album by any of those listed above is fine. Try "Africa Brass" for Trane, and begin with the many "greatest hits" compilations for Cannonball (or, as everyone is now mouthing along, buy "Kind of Blue" Miles Davis and get both.) Ken

"bothers me" is perhaps a tad extreme - just doing my part.... Along the lines of "best tenor battle ever" - how about the discussion between Dexter Godon and Johnny Griffin on "The Blues, Up and Down". A strong contendor, no matter the category! Ken

Ok, for the last time (I hope)[] The word is "saxophone", not sax... Sax is the family name of a legion of great folks in and around Dinant on the Meuse River. The famous one, Antoine-Joseph, invented the instrument you are talking about in c. 1840. Please don't get trapped into shortening the instrument's name into the family name. (getting off soapbox) From the same period, there were (are) any number of fantastic technical players (far advanced from their "swing era" brethren); but Stitt certainly stands out (in many areas) in sheer speed. Not content to let the tempo of a piece impact his playing style, his most fantastic work is done on ballads. He conveys an abundance of emotion in a very small space. Johnny Griffin has a similar approach. You can compare this with Frank Mogan who also loves to "triple" ballads, yet doesn't muster the communicative emotional content of a Stitt ballad. All great players; some "greater" than others. Agree totally on Stan (a good friend of my dad) - he could do anything he wanted. He was commercially successful with the bossa craze (he was his era's "Kenny G" - only with talent). I love to hear the giant arsenal of articulations/rhythmic approaches Stan utilized. He was very close to Sonny Rollins in this aspect - always searching for another way to say it. Ken