kialucky

Nothing yet. So far I've replaced the old AA network with a Bob Crites AA. Real easy. Then I replaced the tweets with a pair of his 125CTs. Again, really easy. Looking inside the bass bin doesn't seem quite as easy, and after the upgrades I've already done, might not be needed. I really like the way they are sounding. I'm waiting for a sub I bought on ebay. If that makes me happy, I'll just assume all is well in the bass bins! But now I know how to open them up when the itch returns.

Thank you so much for all of your great advice. I couldn't wait to see what was inside, but I didn't want to mess them up. I really appreciate it!

How do you open up the bass bin in the LaScalas? I just picked up a used pair and just want to see what's going on inside. I think they were built in around 1982.

Because I wasn't smart enough to pre-wire my house, are there any other ways? I'm wondering if there is a way to convert the signal to FM and re-capture it back on the kitchen receiver. I know there are ipod FM modulators, but they aren't strong enough to go room to room.

I'm interested in what you did to run both systems off your same pre-amp from different rooms. I'd love to do that, but I can't figure out how, without long wires strung along the floor...not acceptable to wife.

they say AK 2. Is that an OK crossover? I'm new to the Khorns, so I know nothing except I really like how they are sounding now. Another question, do I seal the horizontal part of the back at the top of the bass bin? That seems to make the most sense to me, but that isn't saying much.

I don't intentionally mean to be stupid, but what the heck are Jubilee's? I assume from the threads, they are a Heritage Klipsh speaker, but are they a nickname for another speaker? I've looked at the Klipsh product list, and they aren't there. People that have them seem very pleased. I'm looking for something smaller than my Khorns for another room and I'm just wondering.

Rick, I think you are right, and I really want to update the caps. I just don't know how. If there is a manual or something that explains the whys and hows of cap updating, I need to find it...and I need pictures! Really, I don't want to screw anything up. I can solder pretty good, I just need to know exactly what I'm doing before I start cutting off things that might be caps and soldering something back on that has different numbers than the old one. If you can help or steer me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it! Also, I will run down and seal the horizontal part right now, thanks. They are on carpet, so they sit pretty tight. Really appreciate your advice.

Well, for me the debate ended. I got a used McIntosh Gordon Gow Edition MC275 tube amp, an Audio Aero Capitole Mkii CDP, which has it's own tubed pre-amp and so I just run it directly into the Mac. I also went to Home Depot and got some 1" pipe insulation and sealed the Khorns tight against the corners. No other changes... no expensive cables, same old crossovers, caps and drivers as whatever the 1985 Khorns came with. It sounds WONDERFUL!!! I didn't realize sealing the Khorns to the corners would tighten up the bass! I thought it would just add more boom to what I already thought was too much boom. But since I've sealed them, the bass is absolutely perfect (for my ears). I've heard a lot of systems, but right now I would put mine up against anything I've ever heard, and I think I did it for a fairly reasonable cost. Used Khorns ($2000), used MC 275 ($2750), used AA Capitole Mkii CDP ($4000). I auditioned systems in the $40,000 range and I like my Khorn/Mac sound better. Absolutely no listening fatigue, great at any listening level, incredible imaging, spine tingling highs and what that Mac/Khorn does with female vocals....wow. Unfortunately for some stupid reason, now I really want the McIntosh C2220 pre-amp. I've heard the AA Capitole CDP sounds even better running it through the C2220 instead of directly in the MC275. I don't quite know how it could sound that much better, but would sure like to find out. So, if I can find a reasonably priced usedC2220, that will be it for me. No more upgrading. I'll be happy until I go deaf....does McIntosh make cochlear implants?

I'm in Boise, Idaho. Not many Klipschorns out here...but what about them Boise State Broncos!!!

Thank you Steve for your honest opinion! I do plan on listening to them prior to making the purchase, but they don't have Khorns, so I'll have to listen to them with different speakers...which may not be really a good audition. Maybe I should load my Khorns into my pickup, drive the 350 miles to the Mac store and have them hook them all up for me! Of course, then the room won't be the same. Good sound is complicated. Maybe I should just try not to be so picky. What exactly was it that you didn't like about the MAC 275 and the C2200 sound? I don't listen to a lot of hard rock, I usually listen to relax and escape (drug free!) I want a system that I can shut the doors, turn down the lights and lose myself in some wonderfully sounding music. I want great highs though and I was under the impression the Macs were really strong in that department.

Wow, I sure appreciate everyone's great advice. I didn't expect so much help. My listening room is 20 ft. by 24 ft. with a 9.5 ceiling. There are corners where the speakers are, but both speakers have a large glass window with wood shutters as one of the corners, so I can't really seal them. Maybe I sounded too critical about my Khorn sound, as it is pretty good, just not quite as good as what I have heard from other Khorn systems I've listen to before. The bass probably isn't distorted, so much as it sometimes seems to take over the music and become the loudest and most obvious aspect of the sound. I prefer the bass to be more supportive and harmonious and let the vocals and sparkling highs dominate...without sounding harsh. I don't talk the talk yet, so I'm probably still misrepresenting things. I'm pretty sure I'm going with the McIntosh stuff. I'm sure there are some emotional issues involved with my decision. Basically, now that I can afford them, I really want to get them. I'm mostly wondering if there are other Mac/Khorn users that can either support my choices or let me know why I should consider different Macs. Also, I'm interested in other's experiences with their CD players. It seems like the Khorns are so revealing, it is very important to find the right CD player. I will definitely call Klipsh and see about their upgrade kit for the Klipschorns! Thanks!

HELP!!! I'm a new, used Khorn owner (1980 model). Hooked them up to the cheap stuff I already had and was very disappointed with the sound. Very harsh, way too much distorted bass. Just didn't sound like what I expected. I knew it wasn't the speakers, rather a reflection of my other crap, so I then bought a used MAC 4100 and that was a big improvement, but still not great. Got a Rotel 1072 CD player and that actually made it worse! Way too harsh. I know the potential with the Khorns is there, so I'm going to try to build my system around them. I don't want to do this in little steps anymore, because I think it actually costs more doing it that way. So I'm ready to open the budget a bit and go after what I think would work best. After looking through as much information as I could possibly absorb, being of limited high end audio experience, I think I want to get the new McIntosh MC 275 tube amp, the C220 tube pre-amp and the Linn Majik CD player. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions on whether or not that would make me happy? I also just read something about needing to upgrade the cross-overs on old Khorns. How can you tell if that needs to be done?