JSP

Thanks for the explanation; if one is really pushing the system with high volume (I would consider running my speakers at that power level extremely high since they are very efficient) then you would only be pushing less than 4 amps. If that is the case, then what is the needed wire gauge for stranded copper speaker wire? I run my power tools; many draw 15 amps on 12 ga. copper in my shop with no problem. Of course that is AC not DC - perhaps that is a factor in this calculation? I guess what I'm getting at is what size speaker wire is really needed to carry the load to the speakers? I am using16 ga copper at the present time and it seems just fine. I see folks selling big monster type cables for big bucks all the time and question the necessity of such large cables and the often over hyped advertising BS. What is your opinion? JSP

ok, so how much at high volume? jsp

I wish I had two to try them in corners - when I find another one, they will be in my den or office. If I can't find a second aristocrat, I my have to build one. JSP

yea, that is the way I went, the HT runs with Altecs L,Ct, R with Cornwalls in back. 2ch runs the altecs, I use a Russound SDB 4.1 switch box w/2 amp input selector to control speaker selection. It works for me. JSP

I recently picked up an EV Aristocrat (one only-dam!) at a garage sale. Didn't know what I got until I got it home and opened it up. Wow! It is a three way with 12" woofer, mid horn and tweeter. It sounds great, compared it to my Cornwalls and Altecs it has excellent mid range and tight bass to about 40hz, and while I won't give up the big boys, the Aristocrat is a very fine unit and has excellent corner reflection. Don't know what the efficiency is, but would guess it is around 100 1w/1m. I am in the market for another aristocrat, if anyone has a lead on one, let me know! thanks JSP

I have a very nice pair of Cornwall II's that are all orginal, I am thinking that I may want to build new xo's for them, would any one knowledegable on the design question like to suggest a proper design? 1. Should I simply replace to caps with new of the same value? If so, what type (oil,foil, etc?) and brands? 2. Should I build new from scrach (my first thought), if so a schematic or design plan is what I need. I have built xo's before and it is within my scope of ability, just need a proven plan the works well for the Cornwall II. BTW, they still sound great, the only mod I have done is to put some damping matterial on the exterior of the horns, (reduced ringing at high volume) and refinish the cabinets with watco and tunge oil. JSP

perhaps we need a 12 step program for our self help! I first cought this afflication many years ago, and have been suffering continiously ever since - it all started with the ESS AMT "sound as clear as light". Super clean highs. Things were fine for many years, until I picked up a pair of KG4's at a garage sale, the decent into horn heavan/hell has been an obsessioin ever since, from there I determined a bigger hit was needed and decended into the Cornwall underworld. That dose seemed to hold my craving for horn nirvana for awhile...untill that fatefull day at a garage sale when the altec struck...since then I have been a hopeless lost sole... now the horns from altec have taken over my HT with 806/811's 416's left, right and center. Will I ever transend this neverending need for more an more dBs? [:$]

Sounds like the amp is cutting out due to overload - built in protection against overload. Suggest you borrow a solid amp and push the speakers, I'll bet there is nothing wrong with the speakers. JP

I have been toying with the idea building some risers for my larger speakers, Cornwalls and Altes. Not sure if the effort is worth the result? Can anyone who has built or used them tell me what the effect is? How tall should I build them if I decide to go that route? Thanks for you input! JSP

Can you guys give me your opinions on the sound of the Belle vs the Cornwall? Have the CW and am considering the Belle. Do they sound the same, does on or the other dig lower base? Thanks

Electricity travels fast (186,000 miles per second). If you traveled that fast, you could travel around the world eight times in the time it takes to turn on a light! And if you had a lamp on the moon wired to a switch in your bedroom, it would take only 1.26 seconds after you flipped the switch for electricity to light the lamp 238,857 miles away! http://www.pge.com/microsite/safety_esw_ngsw/esw/science/basics.html

Electricity travels fast (186,000 miles per second). If you traveled that fast, you could travel around the world eight times in the time it takes to turn on a light! And if you had a lamp on the moon wired to a switch in your bedroom, it would take only 1.26 seconds after you flipped the switch for electricity to light the lamp 238,857 miles away! http://www.pge.com/microsite/safety_esw_ngsw/esw/science/basics.html

Well...I guess I am laboring under a different set of basic premises. The purpose of the speaker wire is to simply transmit the signal from the amp to the speaker in the most unaltered and pure form. To do this, you cannot improve upon basic stranded copper wire. If it is your desire to manipulate the signal you can use the tone controls on your amplifier; adjust your xo design in the speakers or add an EQ if you think that will improve your sonic end product. Stray capacitance in speaker wire (undamaged), or resistance, (in lengths used in home audio) is not measurable - at least not by a standard multi meter. I guess, again, I am laboring under the belief that if it is not measurable by scientific instrumentation, the likelihood of any perceived audible sonic difference is in the in the mind of the listener, not in the physical properties of the sound waves emitted by the speakers.

what's to be confused about... the speed of light is the speed at which electorns move through a copper wire.

Hi, I am not impressed with all the hype and BS around speaker wire and cables. I have used the copper stranded wire sold at home depot with fine results. I went for 14 ga on my last project, one could go 12 ga if your want to spend more. The basic laws of science are not altered by monsterous claims. As to the length of wire discussions, I defy anyone to show that a few feet of lenght one way or the other would impact sonic quality given that the speed of light remains constant.