kdcarroll

Sonny's career was hardly marred by a comparison to Charlie Parker. Sonny himself made the claim of "stepping out of Bird's shadow" to describe the switch to tenor (though he never quit playing alto, just didn't record for a period of time). Along with Johnny Griffin, Stitt is by far one of the most technically adept players of his generation (you still have to deal with Phil Woods, Jackie McLean, etc.) Stitt did so much more than just "run the changes", communicating a great deal. One of the recordings not mentioned is a set with Dizzy, Stan Getz and Stitt (also Verve I believe). The original session was to be generous to include vehicles for Getz to further the bossa idea. Instead, a fantastic set of bop tunes got shreaded, leaving one of the most passionate contributions by Getz. A great number of people never realized Stan could play any style he wished, and the presence of Stitt was no doubt the inspiration. One of the most important jazz saxophone voices: not to be left out of any discussion. Happy Birthday Sonny. (yeah, yeah, I teach saxophone......)

Chris - I am VERY INTERESTED in the HK 630. Please email pictures kdcarroll@astate.edu Thanks! Ken

I have the RC7 with RF35 Mains. I listened to all the talk about the RC35 having voicing problems, being "tubby", "too non-distinct", etc.; then I listened to the two speakers back to back in two different listening rooms. I had to agree - the 35center is not the speakers the RF35's are; nor within a distant city block of the RC7. With the idea of someday upgrading to RF7 mains (when I upgrade my house!), I got the best sound reproduction. I realize it may sound less than practical; but, within reason, the money is far less important that the quality of the reproduction. The RC7 is the best center channel speaker currently available (discounting customs and units matching other arrays), and you can do no better. As to the idea of the center "out classing" your mains - this is possible though unlikely. A few seconds with a good pre- (or integrated) and you can easily match up the timbre/balance for theater as well as music. If your pre/amp provides a self-setup, the machine will make the adjustments for you. If not, simply use a test tone and a Radio Shack meter to match the dynamics. I had a decent center with the 35 mains and received my C7 for my anniversary. I've logged a zillion hours with it since, with movies and music, all with a permanent grin on my face. The amazing impact this single speaker makes on a system is just not worth reading about - please go listen immediately and decide for yourself. I learn so much each time I read this forum, which has become a daily ritual for me. That said, I'm always leery of anyone who expresses their opinion (though most are always so well informed and useful!) without encouraging you to decide for yourself. A quote usually attributed to Duke Ellington said "if it sounds good, it is good". Go listen - it sounds good!! I read here not long ago where an individual snagged a RC7 in maple for $400! What a deal!!!!! Hope this helped! Ken

(thanks for the response sunburn!!!) So, the amp of the integrated is "removed" when using the integrated as a pre? You get no accumulation of watts; rather just what the amp is rated? I have RF35's, rated at 150 (I think...), and I was concerned about too much power to the speaker. (I realize that the 35 will handle 500watt spikes). Still learning.....(I hope!) KDC

Late night silly-math question: I have an integrated, rated at 115watts x 5. I use the integrated now as pre for the new B&K reference rated at 200watts. Do I now have 315 watts at the speaker??? If the pre is turned all the way down (-60); is there 200 already at the speaker? I'm concerned about over-driving the speaker. I'm certain I will never clip this amp/pre. Please all jump in and finish my mis-spent education! Thanks! KDC

Got the speaker home late last night with every intention of waiting until this morning to do all the elaborate "moving" necessary to swap out the old center channel. Instead, the "gravity" of the box sitting next to the rack was too much for me. I got the install finished about 11, and "tested" until about one, when I think my eyes were swollen shut. The RC-7 is an amazing speaker, and a SIGNIFICANT upgrade. The wife noticed and commented about the difference and improvement. That soundtracks are clear, distinct and appropriately positioned is to be expected; but the impact on music was a little suprising. While I originally hunted this piece to end my "upgrade-itis"; I'm afraid it has only served to make matters worse. On a related note; I spoke with Custom about my interest in an amp to increase headroom. The sales manager approved of my request, and asked if I was familiar with B and K. When I said I was, was very interested in the reference 5 channel, and was aware that Custom was an authorized dealer; he said: "Great amp, we don't have them in stock". I just smiled and left with my speaker. Hard to sell what you don't have; and that picture just won't cut it. Thanks again! K

Good News!!!!!! Custom Audio woke my wife with good news; my speaker is in!!! Can't get off work until Saturday to go get it (thought seriously about quiting!) Now I don't care about cost or driving distance or gasoline; I just want to hear this baby dance!! Thanks all for the help; esp. Tkdamerica I'll update when I get it in....after I recover from my coma!! Best! K

Day 11....sadly, no speaker. I took your advice and contacted the Searcy store. They had a single "demo" speaker ("it has never been hooked up") which they were willing to part with for at about $150 higher than the "mystery" speaker I am currently waiting to appear from Little Rock. With the much higher price and the sorta` strange "not in box" status; I felt I wasn't going to be much better off than I am in my present situation. In abject frustration, I broke down and called the local dealer (who I promised myself I would NEVER do business with again). He was nice, and told me he had no RC-7, but could get one from the Searcy store.... The institution where I teach, Arkansas State, was blessed by PWK; we have every room stocked with LaScallas, Forte's etc. I love the sound of my home speakers; but I have to admit; this situation has caused me to rethink a great deal of issues. I love this forum, and have learned so much; but I might not be a klipsch owner for much longer......

Thanks for the good advice. I'm thinking very seriously about taking it. I will call about stock today. K

(through gritted teeth!!) The story doesn't seem to have a happy ending. When I purchased the RC-7, they told me Custom Audio does not keep stock of the RC-7, and would have to order the unit from the factory. The Sales Manager assured me "it would be in the store in 5 to 7 days". Well, Thursday was 7 days, and no speaker. I called, and was told "we got a shipment of Klipsch speakers yesterday, but yours wasn't there". He said "they ship it sometime next week". When I asked if he could be any more specific so I could get off work to drive to Little Rock and pick-up the speaker, he said "no". Wish I had my speaker.....still

Thanks to all for the great advice. I spent a blissful hour at Custom Audio today (listening to a demo room of Klipsch THX driven by Denon flagship). At the end of the hour, I purchased the RC-7 for a decent price. They ordered the unit, and will call for pick-up next week. I was sincerely impressed with the quality of the shop, and most especially the helpful, knowledgable staff. They are obviously a serious audio retail establishment, and I would have no problems recommending them to anyone. They spent time impressing my nieces with Shrek II and Nemo while explaining technical questions to my wife. I can honestly say I haven't had a more pleasant experience. I can't wait to shop there again (as soon as I save the change for that Denon......) Thanks again for all the great help! K

Thanks for the quick reply! I bought speakers from Custom here in Jonesboro, and was VERY DISAPPOINTED with the level of service (NONE), and the stock. The local store seems to only care about car audio, with a very small sampling of speakers, etc.; which they seem to price about 20% higher than average. Is the LR store more "home audio" friendly? Do they have any amps, etc.? Thanks again for the news.

Does anyone know of any high end audio/theatre retail in/around Little Rock? I've got the upgrade bug, and looking for RC-7 and want to listen to separates and tubes.... Thanks!

Thanks for the advice! I have RF-35 mains; don't know if the rc-7 would "overpower" the 35's. I have read hours of good things about the rc-7. The obvious difficulty is availability; there just never seems to be a "used" rc-7 available, except some I've seen in ebay water which always are a "little" beat up! I'd listen to a cheap 8-ohm AM radio speaker before I buy ANYTHING from my local dealer again (wouldn't even make eye contact when I went back in the store looking for the rc's; two weeks after buying an amp and rf-35's. This usually would not bother me, but the lack of ANY attempt at service just gave me pause. I'll keep looking, and saving! Thanks again for the word. KDC

Evening All.... Relatively new to the forum, and learning daily. I'm in need of a center channel upgrade, and I would like to get the RC-7; but relatively certain I can only afford the RC-25 for now. I don't want to wade in the ebay water, and the local Klipsch dealer wants HIGH RETAIL. Does anyone have a lightly used RC-25 they would part with? I am certainly interested in the RC-7 as well, but must be a great price. I look forward to any help, and will continue to "learn" daily. All my best..... Ken

Evening All - new to the Forum; but not to Klipsch or jazz. I teach/play for a living. I thought all of the lists are great. I was just a little interested in the complete instrumental emphasis. No singers? How about Nancy Wilson singing with Cannonball? Get both fixes at the same time. Lady Day with Lester or Joe Williams with ANYBODY???? I understand the new list every hour, and am glad for it. Another way to look at it is you could go on the island with ten Monk recordings, and spend the rest of your life attempting to wrap your mind around that genius, or Miles or Bird or Coleman Hawkins. Hawk's influence on the development of bop is sadly often overlooked. I admit NOT understanding the "not friendly" parrot droppings. I guess it is a "had to be there thing". Thanks for all the help.....I don't miss a day "studying" here at the Forum. All my best! Ken