russ69

I'm not sure if I understand what the buyers problem is. Back in the day, I remember my Phase 400 would redline the meters on power off but I don't remember if that happened all the time or only when it's not connected to the loudspeakers. At any rate it was normal thing. Thanx, Russ

Chuck, I have Tesla EL-34's in the Quicksilver. I tried some KT-88's but lost some midrange so I'm not using them now. I like the sound of EL-34's, I think. Thanx, Russ Sorry, no pictures yet.

Thanx Chuck, I got another hour of listening in today. I've just had them long enough to listen a little and set the bias. The Six Pacs were quite a step up, not too different in overall tone (which is good) but a deeper sound stage, fuller, a tiny tad warmer and of course more powerful. Detail has improved without the loss of warmness. It's a very good match for my Triangle Celius, Cary SLP pre-amp and my existing cables. The Quicksilvers are now out on my second system with Klipsch RF-25's. The Quicksilvers sound fairly powerful with those. So far so good, I was worried that my complete system would fall apart with an amplifier change, I spent a lot of time and money to get it just so. I'm not easy to please so it was nice that it worked out without even a cable change. Thanx, Russ

No brainer. Just start with a tube pre-amp. C-J or AES can be had cheap, that will get you started. You might need a cable to get things just right, you'll be hooked after that. Thanx, Russ

I have Quicksilver mini-monos (not horn monos) and they are a very fine amp. Mid range is sweet and it has good extension. The Quicksilvers can play loud but lack some weight of big amps. The minis are more of a fine red wine than a shot of Jack Daniels. You might want more power to give the speakers some punch. Thanx, Russ

Just plugged in a new set of AES Six Pac mono blocks. This is my first "high power" tube amp and it's delicious. It's still fresh so I've just spun one CD, but so far so good. It adds some weight that my Quicksilver amp was missing (The Quicksilver mini-mono is still a fine amp). Anybody else have a pair? Thanx, Russ

I'm quite surprised to find so many stating that all CD players sound the same. I've been in this hobby a long time and I've never heard any two components that sounded exactly the same. Granted some CD players sound VERY similar but they are all not the same. I'm not talking about the handling of the data but more in the differences in circuitry, including the amplifier section. This reminds me of the Julian Hirsch statement "all amps sound the same". That has not been my experience at all. Thanx, Russ

Some people forget that a CD player has an audio amp and an D/A converter. The more expensive players have much better amps but again for mid price players under $1000 the differences are small. Thanx, Russ

"Are we fooling ourselves?" Yes and no. Your CD player might be the strongest link in your chain. Good players do sound better but the differences are smaller than say changing loudspeakers (the weekest link in our chain). The frequency extremes will show the biggest difference with the mid range very much sounding the same (at least with players near the same price). The 640 is a bit smooth but not in a dramatic way, it's possible that the Khorns don't show that off as much as some other speaker might. Thanx, Russ

There are some VERY good integrated amps/receivers out there today but nothing, IMHO, can compete with well matched set of separates. Separates give you flexibility, quality, tunablity. The very top of the hobby is always a separate based system. Thanx, Russ

Pete, I don't want to give a false impression, I'm not THAT old but Quadraphonic went bust because two good channels sound better than four crappy ones. I'm a true 2 channel guy. Well 2.2 channels (I run two subs). Ditto on the old movies. They just don't make 'em like they use to! Maybe some day I'll go to multi channels but chances are slim..... Thanx, Russ P.S. The SMS1 was worth the money. If you have your main loudspeakers working well, a really solid bottom end really is nice. It was like getting a new system.

Pete, 2 channel audio only. I'm too old to buy more channels! Too cheap also! Thanx, Russ

Pete, It's a very exciting product. It works much better than anticipated. I can't imagine a system without it at this point. It's only weak point is you better have a lot of amplifier and a sub that can handle it because it's going to add many db of boost if your room needs it. If your amps and sub are up to it........ no problem. Thanx, Russ

Pete, The next step is room correction. I use the Velodyne SMS1 on the subs that don't have it built in. This makes a big difference and might be the best money ever spent on low frequency improvements. Deeper, lower, smoother. Thanx, Russ

Pete, I don't have any experience with the Klipsch Subs but I have worked on my sub system lately. Subs are difficult to integrate sometimes. Keeping the crossover set as low as possible is good advice. Give different locations a try and report back how it's working. Getting away from room corners and walls will take some boom out, if it gets be too much. Try it and see. Thanx, Russ

Sammgood, More info needed. What is your system? Maybe we can help but we'll need the details. Thanx, Russ

Carl says: "Thereafter, if you want to somehow improve on the sound, wait until you have your Rotel already hooked up - and then if need be, seek cables that are supposed to modify your sound." Carl and Fish, Good advice. You have to know where you are and where you want to go. I own about 8 different cables (interconnects) that I am very familiar with. After setting up any new piece of gear I use the cables as the final tune-up. I don't have any really expensive cables but I know how my different cables sound and can apply the ones that will take me in the direction I want to go. My very modest garage system has some fairly expensive cables (leftovers) attached so I can say that even very inexpensive systems can benefit from the right cable. I enjoy the hobby and I enjoy getting the most out of my music systems. Cables are the most affordable way to tune the sound to get the most out of what you have. Thanx, Russ

There sure seems to be a large number of "Flat Earth" believers around here. I'm curious if it's just a belief without ever trying a number of different cable designs, or people have vast experience and can't hear the difference? It's concerning either way. Audio cables are designed specifically to have a particular sonic signature and the cable manufacturers are doing a good job of providing many choices. I could demo a simple cable change on my system and the differences will hit you over the head, it's not a small change. On the other hand spending 300 bucks for cables on a 500 dollar system doesn't seem right either. Thanx, Russ

Iceman, Cables do make a difference and not a small difference. If you want a warm midrange try some copper cables Kimber Timbers, BPJ's,Tonic or perhaps a Cardis brand. For a more detailed and dry sound try a silver cable (a bit costly). The cable from your CD player will make the most difference and your pre to amp connection will be less noticeable but still significant. Thanx, Russ

If you get a chance, catch his live show. He can still play. He throws in a couple Humble Pie tunes and really tears the house down. Thanx, Russ

Guys, The last pair of large horn driven loudspeakers I listened to were the large floorstanding JBL L-200 StudioMasters (back in the day). Which new Klipsch model will give them a run? I know some of you guys have had both (large Klipsch and large JBL). Anybody want to discuss big Klipsch vs JBL or Lansing? The strengths of the Klipsch sound? Thanx in advance, Russ

Jay, My apoligies.... being blunt is my strong suit but it did start an interesting conversation at any rate. You got me thinking, I'd like to try a "pod" but don't really need one. It would be fun to play with. My main system is: Triangle Celius 202, Quicksilver mini-monos amps (Tesla EL-34), Cary SLP-98 pre, Cambridge 640 CDP, Velodyne HGS 12 with SMS1, Velodyne SPL800R, Kimber and Cardis interconnects, Audioquest Type 4 cables.

Maybe this is too much of a nubie question but are other veneers, than birch available? Do I have to call the factory for pricing? Pardon my ignorance but are the Cornwalls and LaScalas made in Hope? Thanx, Russ

Jay, I didn't mean to bust your chops, sorry if I was too harsh. I have a solution. Just send me your ipod and cd's and I'll test them. I'm sure I could get them back to you by the end of the year! Happy listening. Thanx, Russ

You HAVE to keep the spouse happy. I always use the 15 hundred dollar rule. Any new gear that comes into the house costs $1500. I haven't bought anything that only costs $1500 unless it was for the garage but like I said, you HAVE to keep the spouse happy. Thanx, Russ