jhawk92

Back to the original topic (sorry for spoiling the tangent...) decibel man- Thanks for posting this link. I sent it along to my wife and while she still doesn't understand my passion for my Klipsch, she at least accepts. I'll have to check out this latest magazine, maybe would make a good addition to my S&V, which, overall, isn't too bad a rag.

Edster- Congrats on a beautiful pair of speakers. All these great comments about Horns makes me want a pair, but there is no way I could get them to work in the current house. Maybe some day, when I have the time and money... BTW, were those your Forte IIs on eBay last week? They were in beautiful shape, and if I had room in my current HT system, I'd have bid on those. The thought of having 4 Forte IIs is quite impressive. Again, maybe in my next location. jhawk

Yes, quite amusing, especially "second behind Blose." While I cannot comment on the new lines from Klipsch, I'll put my Forte II's up against anyone's speakers (granted, I'll lose against K-horn, Belle, but at least I'll lose to a family member) :Grin I love that the Klipsch formula is for extremely high sensitivity speakers, that reproduce music quite faithfully. Not sure where this reviewer can slam horns "obvious loss of high-frequency detail and the hard, almost nasal colouration of the type often (but not always) associated with horns. With well-recorded music, the Klipsch system sounds unacceptably shut-in with material varying from a Beethoven symphony in stereo, to Roy Orbison and Cheryl Crow in 5.1 channel trim." But, he may be used to "normal" speakers, just as I am accustomed to horns. Personally, I think normal speakers sound kinda dead. Oh well, each their own.

avaddict- I also use the Panamax surge protectors, been running an incarnation of one for over 7 years. The latest one I got, couple years ago, has 8 outlets, as well as a coax spot, so not only do I shield the electricity but the cable signal as well. I have a similar set-up for my computer, but it has one for the phone. I am pretty sure Panamax makes one that has both coax and phone, especially useful for those who have DSS dishes. Fortunately, I have never needed the protection, but just like insurance, if I ever needed it, but didn't have it, I'd be one unhappy camper. And, yes, Panamax will replace up to a certain level of equipment if it is damaged while using one of their products. The $$$ goes up as you get a better unit. As far as conditioners, I have heard both sides (best product to own vs. introducing unwanted interference) on that one and haven't done any comparisons of my own. But I'll swear by (and so far, not at) my surge protector.

Um, yeah, what they both said. They just beat me to it. I am running digital coax with my DVD mainly due to slightly lower cost and I didn't want to break the optical fibers around tight corners. I have been very happy with the coax, and not have enough equipment to try the optical side. This message has been edited by jhawk92 on 06-05-2001 at 12:02 PM

DD/James- I heartily agree with you. It's up to parents nowadays to make sure their kids are brought up correctly. If that means sacrificing a second income, then so be it. They money you "lose" will be small in comparison to what could happen if a child is not brought up correctly. My wife and I are contemplating the same thing when we decide to have kids. Both of us were brought up with someone at home, and it makes a huge difference. Though, telecommuting could make a big impact as well. We'll certainly look at that as a possibility. As far as deserting the traditional roles, when you have a government like ours that taxes us at something like 40% of our income, you need two people to cover the bills. I hope we can afford it when we have kids.

DD- Who knows. I wouldn't put it past the boys in at Microsoft. They probably got some garage grunge band to write them some stuff and now we listen on a daily basis.

Ray- I'll stand with you on this. Maybe two Nomex suits can deflect more heat than just one. And you are right about Bev; she's got a system even I envy.

DD- Easier to read...um, well, since I haven't seen the actual analog one, I can't compare. But if the accuracy is about the same between the two units, then seeing the numbers rather than having to look where the analog needle is seems a bit easier to me (no my eyes aren't that bad.) And Ray, if you find out who "they" are, introduce me! As far as the THX trailer goes, yes, I certainly love that! I haven't had it up at 0 yet though...now you make me want to do it this weekend. Besides, I gotta do laundry this weekend, so if I spoil a pair of boxers, no problem! My wife doesn't understand why I replay that little spot each time I find a DVD with that. I have gotten "Life in the Fast Lane" up around 0-1, and you can literally feel Don Henley's drums pounding your body. BTW, in case any of you are interested, the THX trailer comes off a CD called Astra, by Asia (yes, the 80's group!) The track is "Countdown to Zero." I like that group, and I don't remember if the CD came before the trailer or vice versa. I think CD came first because I seem to remember hearing it in a theater, was blown away, and then realized it was on the CD. Ah, memories... T-man- Yes, Toy Story 2 was quite impressive as a DVD. Well worth exercising the lower octaves. I, too, have played around with speakers firing straight out vs. toe-in and I like the toe-in better. Haven't gone as far as 60 degrees, but then I sit about 12-14' away, so I wouldn't need as much. But, it's fun experimenting. Really off topic, how do I find all the new smilies?? I like the one with the hammer and Keith's spinning head. Um, ok, just realized I did the spinning head by normal smiley face. Very interesting! This message has been edited by jhawk92 on 05-18-2001 at 09:30 AM

Rusty- I think it is a cross between appreciate and tolerate from the general female population. Granted, there are a few ladies who appreciate a nice system, but most don't understand the good feelings us guys get when the walls shake with music or a good DVD. But then again, I don't understand the draw that Martha Stewart has. I guess "it's a good thing" we each have our own pursuits and passions.

Dawg- And for maybe $150-200 more you could/should look at the Paradigm PW2200. I have one and it matches up great with my Forte IIs. I wouldn't have thought those speakers would benefit from a sub, (down to 32Hz) but they did. I, too, listen to rock and the walls shake when I get everything going (I have 7-ch going with Denon driving)! As Boa said, be sure you can audition at home. Good luck.

Edster- I am with you there! I badly wanted one of those banners but the eBay gods were not nice to me. I'd also love a polo, since we can dress down at work on Friday's, why not advertise the best speakers in the business?

Well, I'll throw a reply on for you Boa, so the thread doesn't disappear. Last summer when I upgraded to the Denon AVR4800/POA5200, I went to Rat Shack to get the SPL meter. The guy behind the counter said he was out of the analog models, and that they were not being made any more. So, I ponied up the extra funds and got the digital one. I think it's a good unit, but why do people prefer the analog vs. the digital one? As far as all you other Denon owners, I, too, listen to HT around -15 to -20. Any louder and the wife and dogs leave the room. The Matrix, U-571, T2, Das Boot, etc are quite impressive at that level. Music is about the same, unless I am alone and I need some volume. Set the volume at 0 and my Forte IIs, and the other 5 Klipsch speakers, just thump! Have tried a bit above 0, and with a SPL meter, I was getting numbers around 110dB (if I remember correctly; my eyes were watering with joy!!!) with good music like Eagles' Hell Freezes Over "Life in the Fast Lane," or other similar stuff. Thank you Klipsch!! Boa- Thanks for an interesting idea about changing the delays. My system is about the same distance as yours, so I'll do some tweaking and see how that goes.

roozy- Great speakers! I have a pair of the Forte II and I just love mine. I have two pair of the KG 1.2 as surround speakers (for THX-EX) and they do quite well. Granted, some may say that to have true HT, you need the same speakers all around, but, like you, I don't have the money, or the room for another set of big speakers. I don't know how the current models will match up with your Chorus. If you check under the Home Audio section, you can see what Klipsch recommends in current models. If you like the older line, check eBay as they have good prices on speakers that are no longer being manufactured. Good luck!

A good question Boa...one I asked myself a couple of weeks ago. Wonder if his girlfriend took his computer away? He was a good poster, if not prolific, in his comments. Maybe he went above "No Life" and ascended to a higher HT plane...watching us bipeds thrash about in the dreams of tweaking our systems. Who knows, but he was right about one thing..."Nobody ever said turn up the treble."

Bloomis- Well, if that works for you, great. The separate accounts has worked wonders for us. This past summer, when I upgraded to my Denon 4800/POA5200 combo, I didn't have to ask permission, I just did it. Same way for getting my second set of KG 1.2s for the THX-EX. It kinda helped that before we were married, we both had direct deposit and we were kinda lazy and didn't want to change all that paperwork. Oh well, it sure works for me.

Add one more happy PW2200 owner to the list. I have a Klipsch HT (Forte II/KV-3/KG 1.2s) and the 2200 blends in very nice. I didn't think the Forte IIs would benefit from a sub, but they do and it will be well worth your while. You should be able to get it in the neighborhood of $800 or so. If you end up getting it, put it in your main listening area (even if you have to lug it into a sofa like I did). Then, walk around the room and listen for good response locations. Those spots are prime candidates for placing the sub permanently. Looks strange, but works great. Good luck.

Bloomis/Mwiener- The easy way to work this is to have separate bank accounts. That way, when you want to go out and buy that new amp, you can. If she wants to go out and buy new drapes, she can. Different pots of money sure makes life easier; no ***-for-tat.

4977- Let me know if you are serious about getting a KV-3. Like I said, I am in the middle of auditioning a KV-4, and if everying stays good, I will probably put my KV-3 up for sale. It's mint, black satin, still have the box. LMK.

4977- JMON speaks the truth, but since Academy's are hard to find, you could also look into the KV series. I have Forte IIs also, and have been using a KV-3 that does quite well. Currently, I am auditioning a KV-4 that sounds outstanding. Either of these would do you proud. I have only seen one other KV-4 on eBay, but the KV-3s come up fairly frequently...another may be up soon. S2000- I'd love to have the space for another Forte as a center, but no luck there. I assume you have placed it on its side? If so, how do the horns sound, since they are supposed to be 60x90 tractrix? I would think placing on its side would play havoc with the sound stage. I'd be interested in what you have done.

orthj- Sorry for the slow response. Yes, you will love the PW2200. I picked mine up for about $800 when I lived in CA last year. If you go to Paradigm's website, they have a dealer locator. As far as hints...it is nice to have a second person around so they can work the phase & crossover settings while you sit in the sweet spot and can judge what is best. That way you can tell as it happens, rather than listening, getting up, tweaking, sitting back down, listening. For me, that also included jumping over the sofa as the sub found itself tucked behind an end table/love seat combo. Good luck!

orthj- PW2200 is a great unit. I don't remember exactly where I have the unit set at, so I'll check at home tonight and let you know. I got the black finish; didn't know there were other finishes, but I don't mind, since the sub is tucked away behind a sofa and end table. If you get it, an easy way to find a location for the sub is to place the sub where your listening position is, then walk around and find a sweet spot. It works. John is correct about the LFE being sporadic on some movies. My PW2200 has both settings; "always on" and "on with signal." Since I have the low freqs going to both the sub and the mains (set to "large") I don't run into the problem of missing out on an explosion if the sub were to power off. I think it does that after 10-15 min of no signal. But, you should be able to tweak the sub so that is doesn't cancel out the thump of the Fortes. I never thought a sub would help, but I am a believer!

As an owner of a pair of '93 Forte IIs in oiled oak, I must agree that these speakers are some of the best ever made. In fact, as an extended family (parents and I) we own two pair of Forte II and a pair of the original I's. Times change, amps come and go, but my Forte IIs will be with me for a LOOONGGGG time. I must gently disagree with orthj when he says they "trash the Quartets." I listened to both when I was in the buying mood, and the Quartets were quite spectacular, but I liked the slam factor of the Forte II better, as well as overall "feel." The Quartet is an excellent speaker, and while the Forte, IMHO, is a better speaker, it, by no means, "trashes" it. Nickel- I have a near-identical HT set-up as you...Forte II, 2 pr KG 1.5 (for THX-EX), and a KV-3 (in the process of auditioning/upgrading to a KV-4). I'll put my system up against most and be quite pleased (may not be able to match up with a K-horn-based system, but I'll give it a run.) There has to be some other compromise you and your wife can make to allow you to keep the "big guns" down with the big screen. It would be near-tragic to have to "delegate" them to the B theater (though that would be where I would end up spending my time" In summary, Forte I/II rules!

111- I have a pair of the Forte IIs and had them as the L/R mains of my Pro-Logic HT for 6 years and love(d) them dearly. As I was on the path to upgrading to 5.1, I did a bunch of auditioning/research and finally decided on a sub, Paradigm PW2200. I have to say, it makes the Fortes even better. I leave them as "large" and the sub compliments them nicely. My Denon AVR4800/POA5200 system brings out the speakers in all their glory, whether 5.1 (THX-EX) for movies, 5-(7)channel music, or straight 2-ch stereo. Why limit yourself to only a couple speakers when you can have great sound "surrounding" you. Good luck

Stu- I would be interested if you compared your Hitachi to any of the Pioneer Elite units. I got to audition the Hitachi when I picked up my sub, and auditioned the Pioneer in my new locale, but nobody has both of them in the same store. Thoughts? Thanks.