Bonzo

I have a chance to get a MINT pair of Chorus II's in oak oil. To pull this off, I would have to sell my RF-7's. I do miss the thump of the 15 inchers! Two 10's just can't move the air. I will have to do some hard thinking on this one! Someone talk me out of this, please!

Hey Duke, If you ever get out to my neck of the woods, NoCal, you have to go to the Sierra Nevada Brewery and resturant. It's in Chico CA and is a killer place! Not only good food but they have a brown ale you can only get at the resturant! It is the BEST! They also have some good concerts there. I saw Robben Ford and his brothers a couple of years ago, great show!

Hi Terry, Great speaker in my opinion. It uses a slot tweeter and a horn/compression driver mid-range. The lens is used to disperse the sound for lack of a better description. The 15" woofers should have alnico magnets and would certainly need the foam surrounds replaced if it has not been done all ready. You need to be concerned with originality of all the drivers, especially the woofers. If you go to the Lansing Heritage Forum, you can find tons of information on them and members who are certainly more versed in what to look for and value than I am. Hope this helps! Mark

Hey, who hi-jacked this thread??? Just kidding!!! I have an old Hafler 255 watt amp that I have used for home periodically. With the exception of the fan noise, it's a great amp and drives most any speaker I have used it with to gut busting levels! I mainly use it to power stage monitors when needed. We have gone to powered JBL EON G-2's, w/subs, for house mains. A simple Mackie board and we are good to go for the stuff we do. I have packed my share of big Crown amps and every year that goes by, the less I miss them! For home, I am almost sold on a moderate main amp/receiver and a quality servo sub. My Velodyne HGS-12 is very tight and very fast. It keeps up nicely with the RF-7's and can be adjusted to however much bass I want! At times, I just turn it off. This is mainly when I'm listening to simple acoustic music. I have had a few subs in the past and have never been happy with them, until now. I shouldn't be too surprised that a $2K sub blows away a sub costing less than $500. I guess you do get what you pay for!

My list is in the order of speakers that worked best for me at the time. I really, really liked the 4430's and 250ti's but never had enough power, IMHO, to drive them properly. This is especially true at low to moderate listening levels. The LaScalas I used with an Antique Sound Labs integrated tube amp. I could never get the mid-range to my liking. Maybe it was the amp, the metal horn, source or a combination of all three. I switched to an NAD amp/pre-amp and still too much mid! The Cornwall's and Chorus however, sounded great with whatever I was powering them with or wherever I put them. This also seems to be the case with the RF-7's. I am currently using a Nakamichi RE-10 stereo receiver which drives them nicely. It is 100 watts per channel and has a dedicated line level sub out. That is a nice feature and rare in stereo receivers. Due to space reasons I need to go with a receiver at this time.

Hi all, I'm going to resurrect this thread one more time just to comment on my RF-7's. In a word, HAPPINESS! Great overall balance of sound and little to no edginess on the high end. The compression driver in them is first rate and blends very nicely with the woofers! I will say they are certainly in the top three of the speakers I have owned. For what it's worth, this is my list of the top ten speakers I have personally owned. My criteria is overall sound, ease of placement, compatability with a variety of sources and aesthetics. The latter weighed less than the rest but, you married guys know how important that is! 1. Cornwall II 2. Chorus 3. RF-7 4. JBL 4430 5. JBL 250ti 6. LaScala 7. Forte II 8. Altec Valencia 9. RF-5 10. Heresy I I have had countless others but, these have been my favorites. I plan on keeping the RF-7's for a while! They work perfectly in my living room and just plain sound great! I just got a Velodyne HGS-12 sub that really rounds out my system. Crossover set at approx. 50hz at a low volume. Cheers!!!

I actually had the 4430 and would still have them if it were not for the all important WAF! That, and they are just too big for my room and need some real power to do them justice. I thought about the new Cornwalls but, again, too big. The low end on the big JBL's is hard, if not impossible, to beat! The bi-radial horn give a larger soundstage and pressence. The RF-7 has them beat in the top end and seem to be a bit more articulate though more directional. As I said before, the bottom octaves are a bit lacking for me but I know a good musical sub will help. I seem to go back and forth from JBL's to Klipsch and back. In my current situation, the RF-7 is certainly my best option and I am very happy with them! I am considering the crossover upgrade. For now, I just want to live with them for a while and see and hear what happens. As far as the HK receiver, I also believe it is a true bargain! I got a refurb from HK's web-site for under $200. Best $200 I ever spent!

The previous owner dropped off the RF-7's Saturday morning and I just got around to do some serious litening today. My usual suspects, Little Feat, Robben Ford, Jennifer Warnes, Wes Montgomery, Led Zep. etc...... First, condition was just like new save for a couple of marks at the bottom of one from those damn plastic feet! I replaced them with 1.5" cone spike that screw right into the bottom, size M6. I noticed a slight improvement in tighter low end. First , I hooked them up to the Yammy RX-777, 100 watt stereo receiver. Very goog sound with most music. The adjustable loudness control helps the bottom end. I then switched to my bedroom receiver, an HK 3480, 120 watt stereo rec. The horn seemed to smooth out a bit and pretty even with the Yammy in the low end. I will certainly be looking for a new integrated amp. Anyone have experience with the Denon PMA-2000R Mk. IV? Wish I could have compared them to the RF-83's but I am very happy with the RF-7's. The real good news is my wife likes the way they LOOK! Mike, Clyde's Home Entertainment in Redding is where I auditioned the RF-7's some time ago. I will check next week to see if they have the new Reference stuff. The only thing I miss is that thumping bottom octave I was used to with the big JBL Monitors. Hard to beat those 15 inchers! I guess I will look at getting a sub at some point. Cheers!

As luck would have it, I got a reply to a want ad I placed on Audiogon some time ago. A guy close to me is selling a near mint pair of RF-7's in cherry! I was able to cancel the RF-83 order and am getting the RF-7's which is what I wanted in the first place. He is even going to deliver them to my home! I feel better getting a pair of speakers I have actually listened to and really like! I guess I should learn to be more patient. I do have a question about the woofer frames on the RF-83. The RF-7 boasts cast-aluminum frames but no mention of the RF-83 frames. Just wondering if they were stamped or the polymer frames or??? Thanks

Well, the distributer my dealer uses says there are no more RF-7's available, at least on the west coast. The black RF-83's are shipping now, cherry in a week or so. I guess I will go with the RF-83 in cherry. I did a search and have found good reviews on the forum. It will actually work out better size wise as, in my room, width is an issue. I would love to have the Cornwall III's but they are just too big! They will be used in a dedicated two channel system. Looking at the specs, they are rated to go lower than the RF-7's. I hope that is usable bass? I am basically buying them as a leap of faith as I have not been able to audition them yet. Fortunately, the dealer is giving me a two week audition period in my home to see if I like them. If not, he said he would use them as a demo pair and I would go to plan B, whatever that is? Hope to have some input on them soon.

I decided to go with the RF-7's. Did a listening session with them at a local dealer. As I remembered, great soundstage, tight bass without bloat and seemless integration between the horns and woofers! I ordered a pair in cherry which should be here by next week. Only going to be driving them with a 100 watt Yammy receiver for now but will certainly be looking at more power. Any suggestions on an integrated amp would be appreciated.

Hey Michael my friend, great to hear from you! The skins are pretty good. I've been playing in a "power trio" lately. I even get to play guitar a bit and sing! I save my singing for the end of the gig to clear the place out at quitting time! I picked up The Cream DVD live at the RAH, got us inspired! I got a wild hair and bought some JBL 4430 Studio Monitors. Had to re-foam the woofers, naturally, but they do sound very good! I just don't have the power to do them justice nor the room. They also have ZERO WAF, so they must go! Have them sold to a Lansing Forum member. He's a great guy and one hell of a bass player! Always liked the sound of the RF-7's but didn't think they were much of an improvement over the old KLF-10's I had. Lots more money though! I would like to hear a pair of the RF-83's. I'm going to The SF Bay area this weekend. Maybe I'll find them there? Digital huh, welcome to the 21st century Michael! Look at me talking, I like horn speakers and CLASSIC ROCK AND ROLL! Cheers, Mark

Hi guys, I have been away for awhile dabbling in the dark side of audio.[6] Well, I'm back because I have seen the light! I am looking to buy new speakers and have an "in" with a dealer. Has anyone compared the RF-7 to the new RF-83? I have listened to the RF-7 in the past and was very impressed with their overall performance even with modest equipment. I hear Klipsch is dropping the RF-7 and want to jump on a pair quick before they are gone. I would consider the RF-83 but can't seem to find a pair to listen to. Any help would be appreciated! Oh, it's good to be back![]

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1146085418 Nice looking pair of Khorns. Sure wish I had the room, and the cash for them!

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1145677862 I couldn't seem to post pictures here, probably the loose nut behind the computer! I posted them on Audiogon if you want to see pictures. I am in no hurry to sell them and I will accept offers from forum members. I will not ship them however. Thanks, M

Excellent pair of stock Chorus I's in oak. I will try and post pictures later today. No boxes so I will not consider shipping them. Willing to meet someone within a reasonable distance of Redding, CA 96003. $750 for a forum member. Have my eye on a pair of Cornwall II's but need some cash. Will probably put them on Audiogon today. Thanks, Mark

I don't remember Family. About what year were they around? I have more albums than I care to mention. Every couple of years I go through them and find stuff long forgotton. Last time I found a couple from a band called "Bloodrock." I don't remember buying them. Although, my uncle worked for a college radio station in the seventies and he gave me a lot of their demos. It was probably one of those. Another band that I think deserves a mention is "Frank Marino and Mahogony Rush." They were great live! I didn't realize Parchment Farm was a remake. Who did it originally? By the way, they did a great version of Summertime blues. Wonder if Eddie Cochoran was turning over in his grave? Mark

Man, Those have neodynium magnets and I believe were only used in that model. It may have been a Klipsch pro driver but I'm not positive. You may want to send a PM to Bob Crites, BEC on this forum. He may be able to help. He has a lot of connections. Good luck with your search. You may also try ebay but that's hit and miss at best. Mark

Savoy Brown, one of my favorite blues bands from Brittain. Honorable mention for "BLue Cheer," arguably the first Heavy Metal band. The song, Parchment Farm, is the first real Heavy Metal song, IMHO. Great thread by the way! Good to hear others opinions and open up good music to those who have never heard of some of these great artists before! Kuddos to the members who mentioned Rory Gallagher and Little Feat!

My two cents; 1. Paige 2. Peter Green (THE GREEN GOD) 3. SRV 4. Clapton 5. Steve Morse (Dixie Dregs) 6. Jeff Beck (Funny how I named 3 guitarists that were in one band, The Yardbirds!) 7. Albert Lee 8. Lindsey Buckingham 9. Brian May 10. James Burton Maybe not the best but my favorites to listen to.

Hi, How old are your Cornwalls? I have had Cornwall II's and they were the best, most versatile speaker I have ever owned, besides the K-horns in my old house but that's another story. I currently have Chorus I's which are close to the Cornwalls but not quite there in terms of low end performance. You may have a crossover problem? I would hit up Bob Crites, BEC, about getting those old caps out and freshen them up. It may make a difference. Could be the crosses are letting too much mid-range creep into the woofers? I know that's not very technical but it's the best I can do. You could also check into some "full race" crossovers from DeanG or Chris Munson, popbumper. In any case, I think it will make a big difference! I would stay with the Corns! Good luck! Mark

I will have to disagree with you Keith. I have had most all of the Heritage speakers, and IMO, the only two I liked better were K-horns and Cornwall II's. I had the K-horns in another house, they would not work in my current home. The Cornwalls were only marginally better than the Chorus. The bass is tight and accurate and shakes the walls when you give them some juice. But, where they really shine, is with acoustic music and small ensembles such as a jazz quartet. Dave Brubeck is spot on through them! They seem to be more placement friedly than most speakers I have had. They do like a big room though. I am seriously considering doing a crossover upgrade, just unsure if I will get enough bang for the buck? Hey, Bob (BEC) Crites told me they were one of his favorite speakers. Sounds like a damn good recommendation to me!!! Mark

Hi Dean, I did not receive an e-mail from you. I thought you were ignoring me. I may a lot of things, but a chicken I am NOT!!!

I should just leave them alone but..... Anyone have experience with upgraded crossovers in the Chorus I? Mine appear to be first year production as the serial numbers start with 85. Looks like all the diaphragms are original. Any help would be appreciated. Mark

Hey Michael, That would have been a perfect time to do "Smoke on the Water," or in your case, "Smoke on the Speaker!"[] Mark