tom b. 57

Last week when I purchased my Speakerlab Khorns the seller gave me a Luxman R-117 receiver and an old Denon cd player. I got a killer deal on the Khorns as it was. The seller told me that the R-117 had a channel going out and if I didn't take it he was going to throw it out. Well, tonight I finally plugged it in and checked it out. The left channel was scratchy and cutting out intermittently. So, I got out the old Deoxit and hit all the pots and worked them back and forth for a while and like a miracle the darn thing plays beautifully now. It does have one issue though. When there is power to it you can here a buzzing noise through the speakers even when there is no source selected and with speaker volume all the way down. I am wondering if this could be an easy fix or if this is a symptom of something serious. When there is music playing you can't here the buzz. It does not get louder with the volume. Any ideas? Also, when I had my Sansui plugged in, as soon as I plugged in the Luxman to the outlet I heard a little pop noise over the speakers hooked to the Sansui. I thought that was pretty strange. Tom

I'm not sure what version of woofer is in these, but, they hit pretty low and hard. The xover, although not looking like much, seems to be pretty good. I get a pretty clean sound through the whole frequency range. If I had the room I would just keep these. As it is, I am in no hurry to sell, as I am having a pretty good time listening to them. I am listening to some classical guitar right now and these things are performing flawlessly. You never know, I may just change my mind and keep them until I can afford and accomodate the real deal. Tom

I picked up a pair of these last week for pretty cheap. I had to replace the tweeters in them. I replaced them with the tweeters from another pair of these that I had sitting in storage that I thought I might use for a project. Weighing all the possibilities and realizing that the cabinets on the ones I have in storage are a little too rough and since they are made from MDF and one of them is broken on the bottom, I decided to gut them and see what parts are good. Enough of that. I don't have the room at this time to keep the ones I just repaired and the cab's are in good shape and made of plywood. Everything works as it should with the exception of some scratchiness from the dirty attenuation pots for the mids and highs. I am just not sure what the fair market value of these things are. I am thinking around $600.00 to $700.00 but would like some feedback. I don't want to be too greedy but I don't want to short change myself either. The tweeters are Speakerlab 3500's(I believe Atlas), and the mid drivers look exactly like the ones in my Lascalas but they have no label. The mid horns are fiberglass with the Speakerlab name on them. I have not opened up the bottom bass box to check out the woofers because they sound great and I feel there is no need to. The xovers are the cheesy looking original ones but seem to be doing the job well. Any ideas or thoughts on these beasts? Any input would be appreciated. Oh, I am in the Seattle-Tacoma area. I'm not sure if the geography is going to play much into price. Tom

These have been listed a few times in the last couple of months. I was intrigued the first time I saw them offered but when I got researching and considering all the variables, condition, price, etc., I decided against them. I have never heard them and don't really know if they are worth the asking price or not, but something just tells me to pass. You don't see these offered up much on the auction sites or ebay. Heck maybe they are worth having. I have bigger fish to fry, (Khorns). Someday. Tom

For some reason it took a while for me to get my confirmation email. Until I received it, I was unable to sign in. I toured a little last night and will check it out a bit more today. Again, thanks Max for the invite. Tom

Max, how long does it take for the administrator to send an email letting one know yea or nay?

Oh yes, I forgot to mention that there is nothing, besides McIntosh that looks as good as the old Marantz. Just my oppinion

I have a 2275 that I use as a bedroom power source with a pair of Fortes. I alternate between it and a Sansui 9090DB. I love them both. I think the Sansui has a bit of an edge over the Marantz but could never replace it. The Marantz has sentimental value as I have owned it for over 20 years and before that it was my brother in law's, who is deceased. So, it will never leave my possession. Heck maybe I'll take it with me when I go. I also have acquired a Marantz 300DC amp and a 3250B preamp. I have not used them much to date as I am in the process of organizing my spare room/office with shelving so I can accomodate several systems that I have, all of 70's vintage. Marantz does sound great with Klipsch. There is no doubt about that. Enjoy your system. Tom

Man, what a score! Congratulations. I thought I did good finding my Marantz 300DC amp and 3250 pre for $50.00. Compared to your score mine was minuscule. That is so cool. How long have you been running the Marantz now? Tom

I just shipped the Cornwalls to Montana to real cool gentleman that is really happy to be getting them. He already has some RF Series speakers. Had great communication with him and I do believe these speakers will be well taken care of. Don't be discouraged with craigslist or Ebay there are plenty of good people out there. Tom

You will love the Cornwalls. Enjoy Tom

Tom, please pardon me if it sounded like I was directing that towards you. I was not...it was really, just a more general comment. There HAVE been instances where forum members have (IMHO) suggested that the proper protocol is to give forum members a discount. If someone chooses to do that then it is certainly their business. For example, I 'gave' away a pair of AA networks to Jay because he was trying to put some LaScalas together and I had them laying around. Now...had someone suggested I should do that... would have offended me a bit as it's not their business if I want to give them to him or try to charge him $2.00. (I might even add that I paid to ship them to him) A lot of intangible value changes hands here and that's cool as beans! Why...I'm about .008294723934% sure that Craig would tell you that my blatherings on the Jubilees are of very intangible value... My over all point (and wasn't directed to you specifically) is... it's someones CHOICE as to what they want to ask for something. Choosing to give a discount is find/dandy and is just as valid as asking for FMV I understand where your coming from. Thank you for clarifying. I did not take it personal. It is just that in my little peabrain I would feel guilty knowing I made a profit off of somebody who's friendship or help in any way has enriched my life, whether it be on a personal level, financial level, or knowledge level in this hobby of ours. The joy I receive and theraputic value of music heard over the Klipsch speakers in which I have is priceless. I know that $650.00 is a good price for Cornwalls that function properly and are in good physical condition. Hell, I paid $850.00 two years ago for the ones I have in my front room. I guess it is just an ethical thing for me and only me. The knowledge and help along with the kindness I have received on this forum has been second to none, in my opinion. Tom

I didn't mean to imply that a forum member has to give a break in price. I was only stating that I, myself, and only me, would want to give a break in the price. My reasoning behind that is, you guys have given me great advice and as stupid as this may seem to some, if I were to sell to a forum member I would put that forum member on a level with my friends that I am in contact with in my personal life. The forum community supports one another and they may differ on subject matter at times and things may get a little heated from time to time, but, at the end of the day there is support for each other. That seems to me to be a trait of a close knit community that I am very happy to be a part of. If I were to sell this to a friend, I would not try to make a profit and I feel the same way when it comes to this forum community. You can call me strange or whatever, but that is basicly my feelings on this issue. Tom

I live in the Seattle-Tacoma area and there are not many members in this area. I certainly would not ship them. Besides, I need to get $650.00 for them and would feel compelled to sell them for less on this forum. I feel that there is a comraderie (probably spelled this wrong) here and I would want to give a break to another forum member. That wouldn't be the best choice for me at this time. Tom

I replaced the K77m's in a pair of Cornwalls that I had for sale. I can't believe that I didn't realize the darn things were blown when I bought them. Now, with the fully functional tweeters, there is some hesitation on my part to sell them. But, alas, I must. No room in the Inn for these babys. This was my first time replacing drivers in any speaker. I really don't know why I have always been so worried about the procedure. It couldn't get much easier. Well off to list them on craigslist. Tom

What do you guys think of Mc. receivers? Particularly the 1900. I am asking because I have an opportunity to pick one up for $300.00. I would really like to buy and then sell it for a profit. The seller also has a 1700 for sale for $25.00 less. I just don't have any experience with these and don't know if I would be able to turn it for a profit. I need to make a little money to fund another purchase, if possible. Seller says it works fine and is in good condition. What do you think? Tom

Is a pair of 81' Cornwalls with blown tweeters worth $500.00. I have a pair that the tweeters don't seem to be working. I don't know why it took me this long to figure that out. I used the "stuff the mid horn with a sock and listen test". I picked them up a little over a week ago and when I tested them in the guys garage I covered the mids with my hand and listened and it seemed like the tweeters were working but not quite as loud as they should be. So, I attributed that phenomenon to the caps needing to be replaced. I have someone coming to look at them today and I want to be fair on the price. Everything else is in great shape. I have tried to reach the buyer to let him know of this situation but haven't heard from him yet. He will be driving around 150 miles one way and I don't want him to make a trip for nothing if he gets here and chooses not to buy. Tom Heard from the prospective buyer. He decided not to go through with the deal. I feel bad about the fact that he was on his way here when he contacted me. At least he wasn't too far from home. This is a lesson learned. I will carry a rag or sock with me from now on when I go to check out possible purchases. Not feelin' too bright right about now. I guess I will replace the tweeters and relist on craigslist. Tom

Right now my electrons are gettin' off on some Jimmy Thackery and the Nighthawks.

Can I swap out a Cornwall tweeter (1981 era) with a K-77M tweeter from a Lascala without changing anything else? They appear to be the same size. I am just not sure of their compatiblity with the xover configuration of the Cornwall. Tom

Mine sound pretty damn good to me the way they are, but, I must admit I don't have any around that have had the xover replaced to compare with. If it's not broken don't fix it. Tom

About a year ago I took a first dive into tubes. From the information I gathered from this forum I chose to keep my eyes peeled for an HH Scott 299 integrated amp. I was lucky enough to find one (299D) in good condition for $200.00. I used it for a short time before I had it looked at by a tech in my area who was an authorized Scott service tech back in the 60's and 70's, until Scott folded. He replaced a few capacitors and put a few new tubes in and gave it a clean bill of health. I am using it right now in my main system. I alternate between it and my McIntosh MC-2105 C-26 combo. I really enjoy the Scott. It seems to me that technology has come a long way, but , even though the Scott is from the early 60's it does it for me. Great sound is great sound. I suppose in a few years or so I will venture into a more expensive tube realm, but, I am satisfied for now. I think that a Scott would be a good starter for a small price. Tom

I already have a pair of KG4's, but, I have just acquired a pair of 1981 Cornwalls that I would let go for $600.00. I live in the Tacoma-Seattle area. Shoot me a pm if interested. I do have someone that wants to look at them tomorrow, but, if he doesn't take them they will be available. Tom

I just picked up a Pioneer Elite DV-46AV dvd player that works great and the audio section of this thing is fantastic. All for $140.00. It was a clearance item. The thing is a great replacement for my old Curtis Mathes DVD player. If your looking for a cheap but good dvd player check it out. Tom

Almost 2008 for you Eastcoasters. Everybody have a Happy New Year and try to stay out of trouble Tom

Thank you guys for the input. I decided to pass on it, even though it was only $60.00. I just figured it made no sense to bring it home just to sell it down the road a bit. I forgot about the sonic turd bit from Duke. He had told me that once before on a different PL preamp, or maybe it was a Carver I don't remember for sure. Tom