George Roland
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Posts posted by George Roland
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Wow! That's some serious audio purchase travel!
I had to rent an Enterprise cargo van to pick up my Model 19s.
I also own a Prius and Model 19s aren't fittin' in that vehicle!
Good story!
Enjoy your music!
George
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I wonder if I hold the distance record for CL out of town sales? Anyone beat 17.5 hours round trip? I drove from Meadville, PA to Sparta, MI for a pair of Altec Lansing Model 19s that were one-owner, all original components, great cosmetics (walnut) at a *very* good price.
I would recommend phoning and having an extensive but polite conversation with the seller beforehand. Write down ahead of time all the questions you have. I did that and was satisfied, after some conversation, that the seller was trustworthy. I found the sale via zoomthelist where one can search CL nationally. I arranged to audition the speakers prior to purchase. I would never have purchased them without an extensive audition, visual inspection and so on. I took money with me and it was understood from the get-go, that I would buy them if there were no concerns raised by differences between the descriptions and what I saw and heard.
I know of only one recourse if something isn't satisfactory--don't buy them.
Hope this helps,
George
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Thanks to those who replied. I shall contact this individual and let him know these are posted. I am excited that they may thus be made available on the net for future Karlson enthusiasts!
Best,
George
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Hi Guys,
I write with an offer of some free literature on Karlson Speaker enclosures. These were given to me by my older brother who built a set of Karlsons in the '60s. Some are original, most look like Xerox copies.
What I have are:
1.) two one-page Instructions sheets from University Loudspeakers for Series 100 15-inch and Series 200 8-inch "Diffaxial" speakers that, I guess he was considering buying for his Karlsons.
2.) A reprint from Radio and Television News, January, 1954, article "The Karlson Speaker Enclosure" by John E. Karlson.
3.) Karlson "Data Sheet 1" giving some assembly instructions and suggested drivers.
4.) A dimensioned drawing of the Karlson enclosure.
5.) A reprint from September, 1952 Audio Engineering Magazine entitled "A New Approach in Loudspeaker Enclosures" by John E. Karlson.
6.) A price list from Karlson Associates, undated.
I am not trying to make any money on this stuff, but would like $3.00 to cover postage.
The first person who e-Mails me at groland@allegheny.edu and says he/she wants this gets it.
Please send $3.00 to cover postage to:
George Roland
435 Sunset Drive
Meadville, PA 16335
and include your mailing address.
Best,
George
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Hi,
I have been enjoying exchanges on this forum for a long time and appreciate so much the good advice I have been given. I would like to "give back" a little to its members. This is not a big deal, but back around 1974, I purchased my first Klipsch speakers--a pair of C-WO Cornwalls that I enjoyed for many years.
From that era, I have some items of Klipsch literature that I would be happy to give away to any of you guys who'd like some original, "vintage" Klipsch literature. These items were from The Sound Machine, an audio store in Charlottesville, VA, and have their store stamp on them. There are also some random notes I wrote on the literature here and there, so this is by no means "mint" stuff.
What I have is a Klipsch Loudspeaker Systems booklet, an 11 pp. black and white booklet showing the speakers Klipsch offered for sale at that time--K-Horn, Belle, Cornwall, Heresy and LaScala. There are three one-sheet fact and spec. sheets on Belle, Heresy and LaScala and a one-page "Comparison of Standard Models and Values" from July 1, 1974 that shows the models and prices at that time. For example, a C-WO Oil on Walnut Cornwall with riser at $525. This is, in fact, what I bought at $1,050 a pair.
I am not looking to make any money on this, so the first person who sends me an e-Mail at groland@allegheny.edu and sends me $3.00 to cover postage gets it. Sent in a plain brown wrapper ;^)
Send the postage to:
George Roland
435 Sunset Drive
Meadville, PA 16335
include your mailing address.
Cheers,
George
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This is really off topic, but these kinds of postings really irk me. Don't get me wrong, I have a wife, and I love her dearly, but isn't it your house too? What about sharing? Why do so many wives assume the domestic scene is entirely under their jurisdiction and that they have an automatic and total veto over everything they do not personally approve of? I have had complaints from my wife from time to time, but, hey, I don't like everything she buys for the house. I let her know, as she does me, then we get on with our lives.
How about this: photos are very unreliable in terms of suggesting how anything as big as a Cornwall is going to look in a 3D environment. I'd suggest that you suggest to your spouse a trial run. Or just move the speakers in and tell it's for a "test" to see how they might look. Do NOT offer to remove them if she doesn't like them, just tell her it's "for awhile". I think this is fun. It's a sort of counter to your wife's "tasteful" which is vague to say the least.
Any piece of furniture that big is going to look enormous...for awhile. It s surprising how quickly one adapts to the new piece and the object actually starts to feel smaller. I hope your Cornwalls really are presentable--good-shape veneers, etc. That'll help a lot.
You could also consider other decorative possibilities. Might they be incorporated into a built-in unit--a wall of bookshelves or entertainment center? I remember seeing one install where the speakers were covered with beige cloth bags that so well matched the room's decor, that they nearly disappeared. A two second process of lifting the bags off for listening and restoring them afterwards eliminated the problem.
You certainly want to protect small children. A Cornwall toppled over on a toddler could be messy--the speakers might get scratched! Think through logical solutions to these valid objections and you're on your way.
I see some others have actually responded with photos as you requested, but the photos can be of decor ideas--they do not have to show Cornwalls. They could be adapted to the Cornwalls, and the better they look, the better she'll like them.
Good luck!
George
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I have not read all the other responses, so I apologize if someone already suggested this. Do you have any acquaintances with decent audio gear? If so, it might be worth your while to ask one or two of them to lend you a receiver or dedicated amp setup or two to try out with your system. Invite them over, give them a drink and listen to some tunes with which you're familiar. Amplification can make a huge difference. Hopefully someone might have some tube gear you could audition. Tube electronics sound really nice with efficient speakers.
Keep us posted.
Good luck!
Georg
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Sounds like a good time!
As was mentioned, the clarity of efficient speakers even at low volumes is a treat.
Another comment I often get is, "Those speakers are so big! It must take hundreds of watts to get music out of them." People are surprised the speakers can play very loudly on just a few watts.
Cheers,
George
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I love to see people do what you are doing. Taking components that are such wrecks and restoring them to solid structures that are functional and beautiful, so that you or the next user can enjoy them, visually and sonically, is a satisfying project!
Special speakers. A wonderful effort!
Can't wait to read your thoughts on hearing them and see pics of the final product.
Keep up the good work!
Vintage audio is a gas.
Enjoy your music,
George
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Rhetor, There's a nice-looking walnut pair on e-Bay right now with an $899.00 bid. They're in Farmington, MI. Why are all the model 19s for sale just now in Michigan???BTW, George, when you are ready to sell them (without remorse), remember, I am first in line! I am looking for a pair now because of your crazy thread!
I'll give my wife your e-Mail contact. After I'm dead, if I'm not buried in these speakers, I'll have her contact you. (Usual line here about the only way these will leave me is when they are pried from my cold, dead fingers.)
Here's my new equation: Remorse + Altec Model 19s = Rapture. Ahhhhhh.
Enjoy your music!
George
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Arky,
I paid $1,200.00 for this pair. Walnut veneer, all original components, very good condition.
Might have scored a pair for less if I was willing to wait or dicker. The seller said I was the first of about one-hundred phone calls he got for them. He said he was getting calls on them even after he took the ad down off of Craigslist. Maybe a mite of exaggeration there, don't know for sure, but I'm delighted to have them in any case.
They have been in the house for over a week now. Lots of hours listening to all kinds of music. Everything sounds great.
all the best,
George
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"Completely rational and justifiable" eh? Sounds good to me. Yeah, that 17-hour drive will result in, likely, hundreds of hours of music listening pleasure. These are the only speakers I have ever owned that can produce goosebumps when I listen to big orchestral music. Last night I listened to the conclusion of Mahler's 2nd Symphony. Goosebump time!
These big ol' efficient horn speakers can really pump out the music when necessary...no sense of compression, sonic congestion or strain, they just pour forth the music, and in such detail! Wow!
George
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This is wonderful news, and we all appreciate the cautions you provided. It puts a real human face on the impacts on loved ones of health problems.
Years ago, I was doing a lot of solvent-based screenprinting. When we had children, I stopped because I didn't want them exposed to a lot of petroleum distillate solvents. Probably saved my life as well.
Be well,
George
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Yes indeed. I have owned Quad ESL-63s and several pairs of horn speakers including Klipsch Cornwalls, Klipschorns and Altec Lansing Model 19s (I am on my second pair of 19s!) I have that combo--ESL63s + Altec Model 19s in my listening room now.
I have not tried an ESL Combined with horns. I have just listened to one system or the other.
This should be an interesting thread!
all the best,
George
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Thanks!
There's always more to learn on this forum. It's such a pleasure to participate.
Great advice.
Cheers,
George
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Great for you GR! 17 hours WOW you do have it BAD. Now call the Darst's, rebuild those crossovers and do the lug bypass. Enjoy!!!
I will definitely get ahold of the Darsts for new foams. I did that on my first pair and they certainly made a difference. The Altec engineers knew what they were doing!
I have thought that I might redo the crossovers at some point...I'm unfamiliar with the term "lug bypass". Can someone enlighten me on that one?
Many thanks,
George
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Did you fix your sellers remorse or just pass it on?
Ha ha! I don't think the seller is going to miss these too much, he has TWO more pairs of Model 19s!
Cheers,
George
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Awhile ago, I sold my Altec Lansing Model 19s and subsequently suffered a severe case of seller's remorse. I posted a WTB on the Klipsch Garage Sale section seeking another pair. Several of you offered good suggestions for finding a pair. Many thanks!
Yesterday, I scored a real nice pair. (I made a 17+ hour round trip drive to get them. That's how bad it gets sometimes, I guess.) I attach a photo taken just after I moved them into the living room this morning. I do have the grilles too!
This may be an odd posting on this forum, but I know many of you are fans of this speaker and would share my enthusiasm for locating a pair. These guys are in even better cosmetic condition than my original pair, a few dings and scars, but really in quite nice shape for thirty-five year old speakers.
I am in heaven!
Enjoy your music!
George
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Yes they do.
Happy listening!
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I have had Cornwalls and K-Horns, Maggie MG 1.6QRs and Quad ESL-63s with Gradient SW-63 subs--my current "heart throb". Maggies seem to need a lot of amp power--they aren't very efficient and need to be playing at moderately high levels before they sound good. They do sound really good when you get them set up properly.
I think the biggest differences are dynamics, bass and radiating patterns. Klipsches are very dynamic. They can sound huge and pack a punch. The have a crisp, clean sound that I find a bit harsh and constricted at times. They produce a very exciting, immediate sound.
I had the Maggies and Quads in my room together for awhile. In my view, for clarity, phase coherence, detail, accurate timbre, less "hi-fi" sound" and more natural sound, it's very hard to beat the Quads. They wont "Blow you outta the room" the way Klipsches can, but being blown out of the room is not part of my requirements for musical pleasure.
If you're ever in NW PA, give me a buzz and you can listen to my Quad/Gradient setup for yourself.
Find what you like and enjoy!
George
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Hi,
I had the same problem with my ARC SP-8 preamp and a pair of Klipschorns. Have you phoned Leonard at Audio Research? I believe they had a provision for lowering the gain on at least some of their preamps for situations like yours. Maybe they can offer you a fix if you want to keep your preamp.
My ARC SP-8s had *WAY* too much gain for K-horns. I was using a VT-100 Mk I for power. I ended up using a Juicy Music Blueberry Xtreme and some 300B SETS (Welbornes) that produced some great sounds with my K-horns, but to be honest, I've never heard another preamp as clean and detailed as my SP-8. ARC makes good stuff!
Let us know how it all works out.
George
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Have you had the opportunity to hear any tractrix horns George? The Chorus II might be an equal cost comparison against the Cornwall...I'd be curious in your impressions. Of course there are also more expensive tractrix horn options that I think blow the Chorus II away too.
DrWho,
I have not, and I'd be curious to do so. With the K55-V midrange driver, ALKs Trachorn was the best I could do. I haven't had the pleasure of hearing any of the newer Klipsches with tractrix horns. If an opportunity arises, I'm there!
Best,
George
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Congratulation on a beautiful job! Your work is both well crafted and aesthetically pleasing, and I'd love to hear how they sound. Love this hobby. Thanks for sharing your work. You have every reason to be proud.
Best,
George
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I have written on this topic before, but will do so again here. I have owned Cornwalls, Klipschorns and presently have a pair of Altec Lansing Model 19s. When I owned the Cornwalls, I spent additional funds on cartridges and better amplification trying to reduce the constricted, honky, hard midrange they had. Finally I couldn't stand it anymore and sold them. This was before I became aware of tube electronics, that probably would have improved their sound. This was in the 1970s.
More recently, I have been buying and selling a lot of speakers and trying them out, so I picked up a pair of Klipschorns. I worked with them for a couple of years. I changed the crossovers to Crites' excellent ones, along with his replacement tweeter. I swapped out a whole bunch of midrange stuff--Altec 511 horns and ALK's trachorns--best I had with the K55V, and Altec drivers, 290s I *think* and 311-60 horns. I also bought a new preamp, Juicy Music Blueberry Xtreme, and went through several tube power amps--Dynaco ST-70s, Mark IIIs and my present ARC VT100 MK I. I was trying to reduce the K-horns' constricted, hard, honky midrange. Many of the changes I made, most of them in fact, improved the K-horn's sound, but ultimately, it was not enough.
I will provide one example. I enjoy acoustic music and listen a lot to a Gordon Lightfoot CD that is one of my favorites. I was auditioning a pair of Magneplanar MG 1.6QRs at the time, and nearly jumped out of my chair at the end of one particular song where there were backup vocalists that came in right at the end. I had *never* heard them before. I switched back to the K-horns and had really to strain to hear them at all. They were nearly not there. "This can't be right," I thought.
I am an opera enthusiast and attend a lot of opera performances. Any speaker that makes vocalists--unmiked or "produced" sound--just a human voice in real space in real time, sound hard, metallic and unnatural really grates me the wrong way. I have to say that the Model 19s do a far better job at this than any other horn speakers I have owned. I love the big, dynamic ease and power of such large efficient systems, but for accuracy of musical timbres, naturalness of sound and lower listener fatigue, for me, there's no contest. The Altec Lansing Model 19s are the preferred choice. And those backup singers on the Lightfoot album are there.
Despite having said that, I will probably be putting my Altecs up for sale pretty soon. While I love them, I have been tweaking my Quad ESL-63's with Gradient SW63 subs, and with some alterations in the Gradient active crossovers, they are singing most sweetly just now. Quickness, smoothness and clarity to die for, they are a hard act for any speaker to follow, particularly on vocals.
I think it only fair to say, too, that I did not have a room that would have allowed my Klipschorns to perform at their best. My room is 14 x 22 x 7.5 and its form made it impossible to set the K-horns on the 22 foot side. On the other hand, I had the Cornwalls in several different rooms, in and out of corners, etc. and in my experience, the fundamental nature of the sound, particularly in the mids, was not that different.
Everyone's tastes in music and sound are different. I think that if you are curious, you ought to try to listen to a pair of Model 19s and see what you think. We all have our favorites, but only you can decide what "does it" for you.
All the best,
George
JBL L100 Century
in Garage Sale
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A location would be helpful.