jhawk92

Mike/HornEd- Thanks for the replies. I will certainly keep it all in mind as my upgraditis condition continues. "Totally tubular." Now there is a phrase I haven't heard in a long time. Horn, you just took 20 years off everyone's age with that!

Boa- Thanks. Now what I am worried about is being up in the top 4-5 at the end of the year, which probably makes us a #1 seed in a region, unless we suck up the Big 12 tourney. KU can't seem to play well when there is a #1 ranking on the line. But, it is very nice to have them up this high. Yeah, I love my PW2200, but kinda itching for a pair of the CS+, would have a hard time deciding on 16- or 20-. I guess with a CS you can put much more power into the sub than the PC, but is there another reason? Smoother sound, etc?

How about... "Klipsch honks my horns, who honks your's?"

HornEd- Can you go into a bit more detail why you like the passive vs powered subs? Thanks much.

chuckears- You have PM as well! rob

Hey Boa- Your statement about preferring a CS-series vs a PC-series on the SVS...how come? Just interested in your thoughts. BTW, sorry about your Cyclones, though they always play Roy and the Boys at home. Hope they keep the streak going.

xj- While I must allow everything said about SVS, I would not overlook the Paradigm PW2200. I got mine and it does quite well with Forte II, KV-4, 2pr KG 1.2. SVS may be better, but for now, I love my system. I got mine for about $800, but you might be able to find it lower. This message has been edited by jhawk92 on 02-01-2002 at 01:29 PM

I'll throw my 0.02 in here. My HT is similar; my couch is about 18-20" in front of the back wall and I like it alot. In my previous house, it was flush against the wall, and I wasn't getting quite the full sound I am now. Granted, it's a different room, but I think being out a bit helps catch some of the reflected sound waves. Good stuff.

Ok, it sounds like you need someone who is on the Forte side, or at least has experience there. I helped my dad pick out his 2-ch stereo back in 1987 and he picked the Forte. Then, when it was my turn, in '93, they had the Forte II. I listened to both the Forte II and the Chorus II. I preferred the Forte II just slightly, though my judgement may have been clouded because I couldn't afford the Chorus. The Forte was a stretch for me back then, but I liked it better than the Quartet. I do remember the bass was slightly deeper on the Forte than the Chorus. Dad got jealous of my HT, so he jumped in with a pair of Forte IIs as well. I have done some pretty good listening with both sets of his speakers and I think I prefer the Forte II over the original, but it is very close. Dad is the same way as he moved the IIs to the 2-ch room and moved the Forte's to the HT, as they listen to more 2-ch than movies. I have not heard the Chorus I, but I'd be happy with a Chorus II or Forte II. Or, someday, maybe both!! I'd rank the Forte just slightly behind the two IIs. Hope this helps! Rob

orth- You have a great system...Almost identical to mine: Forte II front KV-4 center (used to be KV-3) 2pr KG 1.2 for surround and back center PW2200 AQ cables all round Denon AVR 4800/POA 5200 combo Various Denon components 27" ProScan (the weakest link) I would certainly look at any of the higher-end Denon receivers as they are incredible. I'd love to get one of the new AVR 4802 units with all the extra bells/whistles, or maybe get the 5800 and then go for the Denon upgrade kit for PL2 and other goodies.

Colin- As it seems you have made a decision, I'll agree with your decision. I have my Forte IIs about 7-8' from the receiver, so I got 10' pair from AQ. But if I end up getting a big screen TV, then I may have hosed myself if I have to move the components to one side. Go with the 15' and you'll appreciate it. As a side note, I have about a 30' run to one of my rear speakers (can't go under the floor with the wires, so I had to follow the wall) and the other is a 45' run (leaving a bit extra in case of mounting on the walls) and I can't hear any difference between the two due to the difference in length. I'd say, "go long" and you won't regret it.

I'll throw my thoughts in here. I have to agree with everyone who commented about Red Rocks Ampitheater in Denver (Morrison, CO actually.) I have seen several concerts there (I'm a Denver native) and have to think it is the best outdoor ampitheater around. Granted, I haven't been to many other outdoor ones, but the acoustics there are incredible. Nothing can quite compare I think. Besides, it's a great view of the Denver skyline at night. Best concert I ever saw was Def Leppard Hysteria at Red Rocks. My friends and I had GA tickets, got there a bit late (11am) and thought we were going to be in the nose-bleed seats. But, after scouting around, we found the last row of GA was still open. Sat down, dead-center, on perfect ear-level with the speakers and proceeded to party. By the time the show was on (Europe opened, remember them??), we were a bit worn out, but the sound was perfect! Ah, to get back there to see the show! Second place was STYX Return to Paradise at Fiddler's Green, also in Denver. Was great to hear all the old stuff with Tommy Shaw back in the band. Now, Dennis is gone, oh well. I try to get to 4-5 live shows a year, just depends on who is touring. Here is a list of what I have seen: 1st show: The Cars, Wang Chung opened (I was 14 and had a ball) Best show: See above Others Huey Lewis 3 times AC/DC 3 times Def Leppard 7 times Kiss 2 times Foreigner once Journey twice STYX 6 times REO Speedwagon once Scorpions 4 times Queensryche (Type-O Negative opened) Aerosmith once (opening show of "Just Push Play" in CT) Bon Jovi once (last show of One Wild Night in NJ) Refreshments twice, great small club band!!! Collective Soul once, another great small club band Ted Nugent twice Damn Yankees 3 times Eagles once (Hell Freezes Over) Steve Winwood once Trans Sibierian Orchestra once Others may escape the mind, but nothing like a live show to really hear the music!

FTIW, I was using a KV-3 with my Forte IIs and thought it did a competent job. I have since upgraded to a KV-4, and like that one better, but a KV-3 wouldn't disappoint. Then again, I haven't heard an Academy yet.

Steve- Is the price of $600 firm? It does seem like a bunch for the speaker. I would certainly be interested, especially in Oak Oil (matches my Forte IIs), but I don't think I can justify that price. LMK. Rob

Steve- Check your pvt mail...

For a bit less than that $1K, you can pick up a Paradigm PW-2200. I love mine, but would also love a pair of SVS... As far as cabling goes, I have a 9m run of AQ Sidewinder and it does great. It is coax and you can get it with a "subwoofer kit" which is a small second piece of cable that allows you to hook up to both inputs, theoretically giving better sound.

Ok guys, thanks for the inputs. I'll have to read through the manual this weekend and see what I can come up with. Myram- Thanks for the heads-up on the 80dB vs 85dB level. I'll keep that in mind as I tweak.

Razer- I have the same set-up you do. For the SPL, you need to set it on C-weighted, slow response. That will yield you the best mode for checking. The 4800 has a built-in program that you can use as part of the set-up which will allow you to calibrate the SPL at 75dB, which is what most manufacturers recommend. Just run through the program, and point the meter "up" so the silver microphone points towards the ceiling. Then it is just taking the time to tweaking the 4800 until the meter reads 75. The 4800 manual is pretty good while working on this. However, you must use a composite video cable between your receiver and TV so you can see the on-screen menus. If I remember correctly (manual at home), the menus only work in composite, not S-video and definitely not in component. I don't know much about the Video Essentials DVD. I got the Avia disc for Xmas and was playing with it this weekend and like it alot. I do have one question for the board. Denon and many others recommend calibrating at 75dB, yet the Avia disc said 85dB was better, but 75dB could be used. Other than 10dB extra, what is the main difference? Hope this helps. Good luck!

Ray- My best wishes to you. Now I may not have anyone close by to hear those 'Scalas. Maybe we should try and hook up for an audition before they have to leave...If you ever need a quick fix, I'll still open the door to my Forte-based system. jhawk

I'll have to throw my $0.02 in with Justin and Kilowatter. Good sound track, especially in DTS, but the movie seemed very predictable and, to me, ended rather abruptly; poof, the Marines arrive and all is well. Not at all like JP, a much better movie. I would disagree with synth, I thought the dinosaurs were excellent and well-done. The movie folks did their homework there. Overall, a 6 is about the right grade. Worth a rent, or a gift, but I probably wouldn't go out and buy it.

Jim- Well, I'll throw my $0.02 in for the Denon crowd. I have the DVD-2500 and love it. I got it for Xmas 2 years ago and have been pleased. It was a toss-up between that and the -3000, but I knew I was going to be upgrading my Pro Logic receiver to DD within the year, so I was not worried that the 2500 did not have on-board DD/DTS decoding. Both the 2500 and 3000 have had great reviews, but, of course, are no longer being manufactured. The replacements, DVD-1500 and (I think) -1000 didn't have much good written about them That said, I would think the new line from Denon, DVD-2800 (single disc, progressive scan) and DVM-4800 (5-disc changer, progressive scan) would be quite enjoyable. I have heard the -2800 has the chroma bug, but maybe the newer units have been fixed. The latest issue of Sound&Vision reviewed the -4800 and gave it good marks, including great CD play. I must admit, I am partial to Denon; my entire HT electronics are that brand, except for the Sony VHS deck. ListenUp in Denver helped me pick out that Pro Logic receiver and as of last year, they still carry most of the Denon line. Good luck.

Big K- I have a KV-4 and use it with my Forte IIs and 2pr of KG 1.2s for surround/back center. I used to have a KV-3, and upgraded to the -4 about 8 months ago. Good stuff. You should be able to find some used Forte's or Chorus on eBay or the other audio web sites. Enjoy.

Good to see other people learning about Enya. I first heard her "back" in 1988, in college. One of my buddies bought "Watermark" on vinyl because of the song "Orinoco Flow." We listened to the rest of the album and commented, "Man, that is good f$%k music!!" Yes, that's what we were all interested in at college. Who wasn't. But, on the right system, it is quite moving music, and a nice stress reliever after a long day. My Forte IIs certainly sing out when I have any of her CDs on. I can't imagine what she is like or 'Scala's or K'horns! I have all her albums and think "Watermark" is the best, followed closely by "Shepard Moons." Welcome to the club! jhawk

Mike- John Albright and I have traded some info emails, but my work got busy the past couple of weeks and I haven't been able to devote any time to trying to plan a trip. Mike is right, this will take a large amount of time. Not sure if I will be able to help much with planning, but I will where I can. John's comments would be helpful to the next planner. I would love to go, meet the folks who pointed my ears in the right direction.

Steve- Ah, I hear ya. I would like to find a OO pair of KG 1.2s and I'd swap out the black pair I bought off eBay to round out the 7-ch system. I will keep the black KV-4, since I have a black TV, but I sure like the OO of the Fortes and KGs. There was a black pair of Chorus IIs on eBay about a week ago, and that seems to be a pretty popular color for the Forte/Chorus family. Probably second behind walnut. Best of luck in your search.