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The La Scalas shown are real La Scalas -- they've just been modified to add handles and a full frontal grill. Belles are essentially the same as La Scalas, they just have a slightly different cabinet for cosmetics purposes (slightly smaller mid-horn also, but all other components are the same). Belle's do run higher in price though, so if looks aren't a concern then get La Scalas. There are many that believe the Belle is the best looking speaker ever made.

Not all birch Khorns are decorator models. Some in fact are B-style with risers and edge banding veneer. Some even came with cane grill as can be seen below. Birch can be beautiful! It does look like Khorns would be difficult to fit in that room. If Khorns won't work, have you considered Jubilees? They are slightly larger than Khorns but don't have the corner requirement. If not, Cornwalls would still be an excellent choice.

That's what I was going to suggest, then I saw his post...

Now that is cool!!

The Heresy does not go very low. One thing that will really help the bass is to move the speakers into the corners. On the floor or at the ceiling would be best. Doe some experimentation and see what sounds best to you.

For just movies / TV, I would agree that an AVR can be sufficient. For music, that has not been my experience but I guess I can say I haven't listened to every AVR out there. Within the budget of $1,000, to include phono, I'd expect finding an AVR that can perform as well as separates for music difficult to find. Keep in mind he is using Klipschorns and La Scalas which are VERY revealing when it comes to quality of amplification. I think my solution also provides a better method for future upgrades in the chain.

Assumed you were referring to HDMI video switching but wasn't sure there was some other reason. Yes, I agree using HDMI would be best. However, the solution would be to connect the HDMI directly from the source to the TV/projector and bypass the AVR or Pre/Pro altogether. Yes, this means you have to press two buttons each time you switch video sources, but if sound quality is more important than convenience, this is the better way to go as an HDMI-equipped AVR or Pre/Pro will consume a much larger chunk of the available budget leaving less available for better amplification.

My recommendation was going to be to insert the TSGG between your AVR and the 2-channel amp that goes to your front L/R speakers (see diagram --> "2-channel preamp"). However, I probably need to state why I did things my way which may not meet your objectives. My primary consideration was 2-channel sound quality. I wanted to listen to 2-channel music using purely 2-channel equipment designed and optimized for 2-channel music reproduction. I wanted to be able to add on the HT components using my existing 2-channel system and get the best sound possible in HT-mode without compromising my 2-channel system, while also not having to disconnect and re-connect cables every time I switched between 2-channel and HT modes. If this is not your same objective, then there may be better ways for you to go. I think I assumed you had similar objectives but may have assumed in error. If this is a HT system only, then I am probably steering you in the wrong direction.

Ok, I didn't realize the Elite was the only amp in your system -- assumed you had a 2-channel amp with the TSGG preamp. So, the below diagram is what I am suggesting. The blue boxes are your standard 2-channel setup. The beige boxes are what you add on to your 2-channel setup to use it in HT mode. Your 2-channel preamp is already tube so you're set there. You can use tube amps for every box shown below that indicates it is an amp, although I would not suggest that for the sub (but since you have an SVS with built-in amp, that's not an issue). If you are only listening to movies in 5.1, I don't believe you need tube amps all around -- not sure you'll see much benefit. Where you do want tubes is in your front two speakers (mainly for 2-channel), and if wanted/needed, in the center channel. Tube amps for the surrounds is probably not necessary. Sound quality should be outstanding with this setup. Cornwalls are among my favorite speakers and you have to go to the Klipschorns to beat them for my tastes. The SET amps I had in this steup were Wright Sound 3.5 monos.

Yes, connect your L/R output from the Pioneer to one of the inputs of your TSGG. Since your TSGG does not have a HT bypass, your signal will go through your TSGG preamp including the volume control which means the front L/R channel volume can be adjusted with the Pioneer or the TSGG. You don't really want this and is why having a HT bypass is best. However, you can still make it work without too much trouble. When setting up the volume settings of all your HT channels, keep you volume setting on the TSGG at one place that you can easily repeat (Say straight up at 12:00). Then, whenever you want to run HT mod, switch over your TSGG input selector to the input coming from your Pioneer and adjust the volume on the TSGG to the 12:00 position. The tube power amps have not moved from your 2-channel mode set up. They will be powering your front L/R when in HT mode, same as they have with your 2-channel system. Sound quality will be similar to what you are getting with your current 2-channel system.

I have an ADC SS-215 that is in very nice condition and worked the last time I used it. I'd have to check it out and make sure it is still that way.

Take a closer look -- the 27.5" dimension is the perpendicular distance from the front of the speaker to the corner of the wall. The 22" dimension is the length that the Khorn touches the side wall.

The problem is that specs will not tell you how an amp will sound. As an example, go look at the specs of a tube amp, then go listen to it.

Here is what I do and it works great! My two-channel system is full tubes. I augment my 2-channel system with the HT system. In other words, I have a HT system that simply feeds the front two channels into my two-channel system as another input into my 2-channel preamp. All other channels are driven by the HT amp (or AVR). This works best if your 2-channel preamp has a HT bypass, but even if it doesn't you can make it work by simply controlling the volume position. This allows me to meet my primary goal of integrating a 2-channel system with an HT system with no compromise to the 2-channel system. I also don't believe there is any compromise to the HT system either despite the fact that the front two-channels go through two preamps (HT preamp to 2-channel preamp). I have used a 3.5 wpc SET tube amp driving the front channel Klipschorns and even in HT mode, it sounds wonderful.

I point them out to my kids so they can pick it up. They don't have any issues getting dirty whatsoever.

Can you please explain your rationale?

As mentioned, the walls form the final part of the bass horn and the minimum length should be 48" to be ideal. However, don't let a less-than-ideal situation stop you from using Khorns, especially if your other three sides are good. You should still be able to get good results.

I would agree, but need photos to be sure.

Three-channels, music + home theater, and phono for under $1,000 is going to be a pretty tall order. Used is not only going to be your best option, it will probably be your only option. While you can go the simple route and just get an AVR that has a phono section, I don't think that will bring you the best sound. I prefer vacuum tubes but don't think you can get all you're asking for in vacuum tubes with that budget. Here is what I would suggest: First off, get yourself a used, inexpensive pre-amp/processor. To keep the price down, look for an older one that doesn't have all the fancy processing features such as Atmos and doesn't even have HDMI video connections. The very good old ones (15 years old or so) will still sound great, just won't have the latest features (which you really don't need). I don't think there is going to be any vacuum tube options for a pre-amp section (as you'd likely need both a tube pre-amp and a pre/pro since I'm unaware of any vacuum tube pre/pros) that will fit your budget so you're probably stuck with solid state. I have a Rotel in very nice condition that I picked up used and have never actually used myself that might fit the bill if you are interested. For amplification, you're going to need three channels of power. Vacuum tubes would sound best, but I'm not sure how easy it will be to find three-channels for something in the $600-700 range. It may be possible, and worthwhile looking for, however. In lieu of vacuum tubes, you can find some nice three-channel solid state amps. One that I would recommend would be the Classe CAV-75. It can be configured for 3, 4, 5, or six channels. I have seen them sell for $650-800. I like Classe solid state a lot for Klipsch heritage. Get the Classe and the only upgrade you'll be able to make later on in my opinion would be to move to vacuum tubes. Acurus also makes some good three-channel amps at lower price points. While I haven't heard them, I know others here own and have recommended them highly. For phono, you'll be unlikely to find a pre/pro with a built in phono section so you'll need to find an inexpensive external unit. You didn't mention if you have MM or MC, but one that I would recommend that should fit within your budget on the used side would be one from Creek. The OBH-8 is for MM and there is an OBH-15 that will do MM and MC. P.S. I agree that the Khorns should be along the 22-foot wall.

I haven't heard the IIIs but the Cornwall IIs are excellent speakers. I can't hesitate recommending them. Add some decent tubes and you'll have a very musical system.

That's a lot of speaker for $100!

Nice pick up -- congrats! If those are the same ones I saw for sale this last weekend, you got a great deal.

Congrats on the SCORE!! What are you going to be powering them with? They are not dry, but they could use a slight rubbing of oil. Don't worry about their size, Khorns tuck away neatly in corners and really don't take up much space -- and if you have a set in nice condition (like yours are), they look like fine furniture. Most people that visit my house don't realize they are speakers.

That's a great deal!

Agree with the rest, price is high for the cabinet condition. That is still assuming all functions correctly.