[Heresys]

We had the opportunity to hear both and the sound is very similiar. A lot of bang for the buck with either. These speakers surprised the heck out of me when I first heard them in Hope.

[New User to Forums and neophyte - be kind if you can !]

DTL's Wife:

"The Hereseys offer a lot of bang for the buck. "

I totally agree. We have been listening to Heresies more than the Klipschorns for music-only listening. I'm going to try either some acoustic foam or poly-fill on the inside back and side panels, which should have the effect of increasing the overall internal volume......

Whatever, that's another issue.

Great speaker for the money, for sure.

Erik

Of all the speakers we auditioned while in Hope, the Hereseys surprised me the most. I did not expect the quality of sound that came from those speakers.

[New User to Forums and neophyte - be kind if you can !]

If you don't mind my asking, what speakers do you have in your upstairs system?

[New User to Forums and neophyte - be kind if you can !]

Nobody will be able to tell you if you're going to enjoy surround sound or not...and to fully appreciate it you're going to need a dvd player or sacd player of some sort. But I think that's opening a whole nother can of worms you don't want to get into. I know I am just happy listening in 2-channel....and I even have a full fledged surround setup available. I just end up listening to more 2-channel music (CD's) than anything else.

I suppose the only other question is how happy are you with your SF-3's? Would speaker upgrades be an option? If so, is the used market something you'd consider?

I think an old clean Harman Kardon X30 (430, 630, 730, etc etc) reciever would be right up your ally. It's one of the nicer amplifiers out there with plenty of balls and will cost you around $100. [] Couple that with a pair of Cornwalls, Fortes, or Chorus speakers for under $700 and you'd have yourself one rockin setup. It's well within your budget and it would sound infinetly better. The old HK's have some really nice phone pre's as well. If you need to go smaller, then you might consider a pair of Heresy speakers for around $500 and then you'd have plenty of funds available for a killer subwoofer (maybe even two).

So many options...it's up to you to decide what kind of route you wanna take. I wouldn't recommend tubes, especially with your SF-3's and I wouldn't recommend Sony either. Every STR reciever I've listened to is just grainy and hard on the highs....but maybe that's just my young ears being annoying [6] The important issue here is system synergy (no, not the lineup). The older HK recievers and tubes are "nice" with the older heritage stuff because the speakers tend to be a bit on the bright side - so the extra warmness evens out in the end. The newer electronics are going to be voiced better for the more modern speakers that enjoy a more linear amplification. The SF-3's are also going to need a little extra oompf in the amp to handle the low impedance dips and damp them woofers.

This is probably the first time I have ever responded to a thread in "Technical", but here goes.

Having owned a Synergy 5.1 set up previously. I feel I may be qualified to respond to this thread.

I would have to agree with Dr. Who's recommendation. We have a 6.1 surround sound system using Fortes and Forte IIs. We also have Cornwall III's. (In case you haven't already done so, take a look under Pilgramage, "dtels Cornwalls" and you can see Cornwall IIIs being constructed at the factory in Hope. We won the Cornwall III's at the 2006 Pilgramage in Hope.) We use the Cornwall III's primarily for two channel listening. cds etc. We use the Forte set up for concert dvds and movies.

I believe you stated this system is primarily for cds, lps etc. If that is the case I would seriously consider Dr. Who's recommendation to upgrade the speakers. I think you would really be impressed with the Heritage line of speakers. Before you spend your available funds try to audition a pair of Heritage speakers if you have never had the priviledge of doing so. The Hereseys offer a lot of bang for the buck. If you like your Synergy speakers you will love the Heritage speakers.

BTW, welcome to the Forum.

[What is with the PLANTS?]

Watered down Coca Cola (left over from your glass of Coke) works wonders for houseplants. In the past I have poured the remaining Coke from my glass on house plants and they thrived. Diet Coke does not work. I guess it's the sugar in the regular Coke that does it.

Also, I have found ficus trees are very susceptible to leaf drop if moved from place to place. So, give them a good home and don't move them very often. A good pruning on a ficus tree goes a long way.

For orchids, purchase some Peters Orchid Plant Food, water soluble 30-10-10. Follow directions for mixing with water. I usually try to make a gallon at a time. Follow directions, for indoors apply everytime, instead of just water. This works great on all orchids.

[Keeping you informed]

Thanks so much everyone. This is really a family here and I do feel you all pulling for me. In just about 12 hours from this post, I will be on my way to the OR! I need to check in by 5:15AM for my 7:30 surgery time. Thanks all, when I come out the other side and can contact the board, I will!

Hey man good luck, i'm sure you will be fine though I must have missed why you are having surgery in the first place. I guess I just don't come her often enough anymore.

Cal we are all thinking of you. Moon, he is having surgery to enable him to lose weight.

And, another thing Moon, you don't come here often enough anymore, we miss you.

[Knockdown]

I feel the heavy texture gets very dusty quickly. When cleaning walls like this the edges of the texture tend to hold dirt over time.

I thought you were referring to the knockdown, but I wasn't sure.

I had not seen knockdown before damon's post. Looking at the photograph he posted I immediately thought, "How in the world do you keep those crevices from holding dust?" The only solution I could come up with was to vacuum the walls.

Even with regular vacuuming I would think dirt would still accumulate, over time.

A darker paint such as damon is using will help conceal the dirt, but it will still be there.[]

[Knockdown]

I am in the hotel business. Many hotels choose this wall finish as it does hide imperfections better and is easier to repair in case a hole gets punched or what not.

Hotels also use this finish in high humidity areas, Mississippi, as it tends to not mildew as much. Used in bathroom applications for this reason as well.

I like this finish where these items are a concern. If thise are not concerns, I feel the heavy texture gets very dusty quickly. When cleaning walls like this the edges of the texture tend to hold dirt over time.

Your home solution will certainly not be like a hotel environment though. In a hotel, people rent a room for say $75 and think they own it. In your home you will be more careful.

Phil, are you referring to the "knockdown texture" or the hand applied texture?

[60 Minutes' Reporter Passes...]

Something about the guy. I always liked him.

Ditto here. He always seemed to be fair.

[Knockdown]

We chose our texture because it has proven to be a timeless classic. It is relatively easy to achieve an "even" look, although it is a labor intense application.

As far as interior finishes go, popcorn is no longer popular because it is a nightmare to maintain. Even painting "popcorn" can cause damage to the finish and create a "mess". IMO, "popcorn" will not reemerge as a popular texture.

I am not familiar with the finish damon has chosen, but believe it is a spray texture. I like the look, especially with the colors he has chosen, however I would be concerned about dust accumulation. I guess you could "vacuum" the walls.[]

The finish we applied is excellent at concealing imperfections (not large tape bubbles) I painted our master bath eggplant purple and had no problems with imperfections.

A hand applied finish is generally considered "timeless" because of the labor involved. Most paint contractors do not offer the finish we used because it is so labor intense. There are one or two specialty paint contractors within a 100 miles radius offering the hand applied texture we used, however the cost is extremely high and the waiting list is six to eight months. Kind of like the "swirls" on the ceilings. That treatment has reemerged in high end homes recently because it is "hand applied", another "timeless classic". It is even being applied in "two-tone" on ceilings. Light blue and white to represent clouds???

I only comment on your question, because dtel and I have the opportunity to see a lot of custom built homes in our profession. Most of our client's homes are in the $750,000.00 and up price range. I usually tour the interior of the home in an attempt to gain a glimpse of their exterior views(from inside the home) before landscaping. So, I see virtually every room in the house from the master bath to the library.

BTW stained cement floors are another up and coming treatment. I have seen this floor treatment in 3,000,000.00 homes. This treatment is beautiful when properly applied.

[Knockdown]

...see next post

[Knockdown]

if you have little kids I would think twice about walls like that, those little nooks and crannies will be great for crayons, dirt and etc.

Those little nooks and crannies will show dust, in a real bad way. It will be almost impossible to ever clean the dust from the nooks and crannies. Maybe use a wall color that won't show the dust quite so bad. Just something to think about.

I do like the appearance, it is real nice.

[Happy Birthday Michael]

I am beginning to believe, they are a set, buy them all.

The speakers or the Dtels? [A]

Btw, Mike...I just realized I have an entire week off for Thanksgiving Break. And aren't weekdays better for you anyway? Maybe I can swing by early in the week or something - and I believe you still owe me a return phone call from the other night []

The speakers....

[Happy Birthday Michael]

Thanks guys, and as a Scorpio I can say stubbornly that the LSI are NEVER for sale.

The FII's are intended for a differerent room, but I will give them a side by side comparison with the LS and CW's- probably when Doc gets his butt down here.

Michael

I heard those LSI and I almost didn't send them to you...I happen to appreciate the " ugly black boxes" .[]

Seriously, Michael I hope you have the best birthday ever. I can't think of anyone more deserving.

The Forte II's are excellent a low listening levels. I love everything about the Forte II's. Thank you for giving dtel and I the chance to say that.

I am so happy you finally got your Forte II's and oak-oiled at that.

I also will be awaiting your comparison on the Forte II's, the LSI and the Cornwall's. I think the Forte II's will continue to impress you. IMO, each of these speakers Forte II's, LSI, Cornwalls, Khorns, etc. have a unique quality that sets them apart from the other and I think the Forte II's are just what the doctored ordered for you home office.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!FROM ALL THE DTELS

MAW-MAW, ELDEN, CHRISTY, JAMIE, JOHNNY, ALICIA, JOEY, JONI AND BUDDY. BTW, that is just the dtels living here. All the others said to send Birthday Wishes to you.

I am beginning to believe, they are a set, buy them all.

[I have a confession.]

I have never, ever, heard any Klipsch Heritage speaker[]

It's not that I have looked. I live in a small market and my dealer will not even get the new RF-83's.

Anyway, I felt I should share.

One day...one day!

I will tell you the truth I have never, ever heard a Klipsch Heritage speaker that did not sound downright awesome...all the way from a pair of "Industrial Heresey's" that were in the backseat of someone's car at the Piligramage in Hope, to Colterphoto's locally purchased "Industrial LaScalas" which graced our living room for around a month, to the Cornwall III's we won at the 2006 Pilgramage in Hope, to Me Loves Khorns that were "updated" by BEC and son on the kitchen floor of the farmhouse in Hope to our three pair of Forte's(which some still argue aren't "Heritage").

In addition before hearing any Heritage speakers we owned a 5.1 Synergy set up. That is what sold me on Klipsch. (That darn WAF thing keeps coming up)

There...that's the key...start the wife out with Klipsch as close to the low end priced products that you can bare to listen to. Sell her on how those sound. Keep telling her, "Can you imagine what the Heritage speakers would sound like". It will work, ask dtel, he knows.[]

As far as I am concerned I have never heard a Klipsch speaker that didn't impress me in a dollar for dollar comparison to all others.

If she says the Heritage speakers are too big, tell her you always say, "Size doesn't matter." Now, the WAF will not be a factor and you can buy all those big a_ _ speakers you have been wanting for years.

Buy a pair, any pair, it doesn't matter which pair, every pair will impress you.

[Textured Walls]

Looks very nice dtel and Christy! Thanks for sharing with us. Nice to see those walnut Cornwalls again , too!

The effect of what you are discussing is simiar to that of Venetian Plaster. Except in the case of Venetian plaster a two-tone ragging technique is employed. The walls are first painted with the lighter color and then a complimentary darker color is painted over it and than is then wiped-off with a rag, thereby leaving some behind to help define the high and low spots of the surface. Finally, a high or medium clear gloss glaze is applied as a top coat, giving the wall a "sheen" much like marble. The effect is very pleasing to the eye. Yes, it's a lot of work!

Below is an example. No it's not my house and I did not do the work. I am envious...

Aw...thanks Picky.

I think Venetian plaster may be a little more difficult. Because...you have to get the "wiping technique" mastered to achieve a quality finish. I would love to try this this technique at least once. That finish would look really nice in a home theater also.

I have used the "feather dust" method a couple of times in the past on accent walls.

I have also used the "feather dust" technique on the sides and floor of our utility trailers. We put two foot wooden sides and plywood floors in the bottom of our utility trailers. It makes it much easier to haul plant material and bedding soil and it doesn't show scrapes and marks like a solid color paint.

I also "feather dusted" the bottom of one of dtel's boats. He had an aluminum flatboat that he "floored" and he asked me to do that "feather dusting" thing on the floors.

[Textured Walls]

My dad did this kind of thing for about 40 yrs. Another method is that there is a type of brush, circular in shape, that makes it very easy and quick. You apply the mud using the brush, which probably has a diameter of about 12 inches. Then before it dries use your trowel to lightly flaten the peaks, but not to hard, just basically running it over the wall with VERY little pressure. This will cut down on the sanding time when it all dries. Still recommended to run over it with a mesh type of sandpaper to smooth everything out. My dad constructed his own tool, where it employed 3 of those type of brushes and had a total sweep of roughly 30 inches.

Obviously your father was very talented.

The technique you describe it extremely difficult and you must have lots of patience to get all those circles in the correct pattern. This technique is almost obsolete as very few individuals are talented enough to employ this method.

I would love to see a picture of that do it yourself tool he constructed.

[Forte II vs Forte]

dtel sez: 'We love our Fortes, all of them. I sure am glad you didn't ask me to compare Fortes to Cornwalls. That would be a tough one.'

really? I think the CW would blow away any Forte. Now the Chorus would be neck and neck, imho.

put one of them next to each other, hook up to same amp and give a good listen. Do the same with F and FII. Then report back.

M

Okay, it wasn't dtel that said that, it was "dtel's wife". But for the record..."I do love our Fortes, all of them. I sure am glad you didn't ask me to compare Fortes to Cornwalls. That would be a tough one."

And I do love the Cornwall III's. However, all things considered, including pricing (you know the little WAF thing) I would have to say it would be a tough decision. Yes, I would definitely love to own a pair of Cornwall III's ( we do, but we did not pay for them, they were given to us by Klipsch)

Hands down the quality of the sound is considerably better with the Cornwall III's. But...two pair of Forte II's and one pair of Fortes for less than one third of the price for Cornwall III's???

Which brings me to the next point, the Cornwall III's will remain in our home long after any other speakers we may ever own, yes guys, including Khorns. Remember, the WAF, well the sentimental value I have attached to the Cornwall III's make that last statement a certainity.

And you guys thought ya'll had women all figured out?[]

[Textured Walls]

oh wow you know what you are talking about [] as this went well above my head in what exactly you are doing. Its one of those if I saw it I would know..... But few things go over my head though! I lived in a old house circa 1915 and had walls that looked similar. It was plaster and as the wall started to crack and such the previous owners just painted over it and cause a similar effect. But if that is drywall that does look labor intensive

Labor intensive...yes

Level of difficulty...easy

Result...attractive, versatile, unique, durable and relatively inexpensive, considering the cost of drywall contractors, and with a drywall/painter you will end up with your typical "orange peel texture". I guess it's all in what you like.

I love old houses, rustic houses, cabins etc. so we eventually decided on the "Lawnwood" paint color. However this texture technique can also have an air of elegance, depending on the color paint you use. It also reminds me of some of the nightclubs in the French Quarter.

Did you read damonpayne's post regarding drywall bids for his home theater? I can't remember the dimensions of the room, but I think he mentions the dimensions in the thread. Take a look at the prices for drywall and the square footage of his home theatre room.

[Textured Walls]

Jay,

We hung the drywall in the usual manner. We then taped and joint compounded each seam (and screw holes). We then used a six inch trowel to apply an uneven layer of joint compound all over the wall. There is about a 1/16" to 1/8" (sometimes even a l/4") layer over the entire wall.

It looks like plaster,(spreading technique creates effect) but it is in fact, joint compound painted with semi gloss acrylic latex paint. The paint color is Lawnwood, a real subtle green.

We discovered this technique when installing and floating our own drywall. We liked it and used this technique throughout our entire house. We later found out through a painter friend(35 years plus) in the business that this is a "high end painting technique" that has generated $10,000 to $20,000(labor) per house for a company of three women in our area. The homeowner purchases for the materials, the three women apply the texture, then the paint contractor takes over. Most paint contractors won't apply this technique because it is labor intensive. IMO, it is a super easy technique for the do it yourselfer, just takes a little time.

BTW, you can also add latex paint directly to the joint compound for a "duller" finish.

[Forte II vs Forte]

I agree with dtel.

We have two pair of Forte II's, one pair of Forte's and a pair of Cornwall III's (courtesy of our name being pulled at the 2006 Klipsch Pilgramage in Hope)

IMO you can not possibly go wrong purchasing Forte II's, or Forte's for that matter. It is an individual preference.

We love our Fortes, all of them. I sure am glad you didn't ask me to compare Fortes to Cornwalls. That would be a tough one.

Good luck.

[Textured Walls]

I just came across the pic. It shows the textured walls from a distance. This wall treatment technique is very subtle, as you can see from this pic.

[Textured Walls]

One more...

[Textured Walls]

Next...

[Textured Walls]

I am going to try to upload some pics of a textured wall in our home. I hope this works...

These are the pics mentioned in "insulation passed/drywall next"