tidmack

Hi all, Here's the scoop: I had a pair of LaScalas some years ago that seemed harsh to my ears. They had AL networks. At the same time, I had a pair of mid 70s LaScalas with AA networks that sounded absolutely beautiful to me. I put AA networks in the pair with AL's and it didn't really help. This was several years ago, but I thought I remembered reading that the K55-M in later LaScalas (with AL's) wasn't really "made" for AA networks, which is why I didn't get the same sound as my mid '70s pair. Am I remembering correctly? Fast forward about three years. . .I now have another pair of LaScalas with AL networks. What can I do to help them sound smoother? Is a steep-slope network the way to go? Would a ALK jr. do, or is a full-out steep-slope what I need? Thanks in advance, I always appreciate the help. Jeff

Lame question. . .but what does the term "tube rolling" mean? Is there some prep that needs to be done to the tubes before they're installed? Jeff

I could be persuaded into selling my pair of Klipsch Ultras. I'd have to get $2200 for the amp and pair of subs. I keep toying with buying a pair of LaScala II's and I'd have to sell the subs to make it happen. It'd surely be one heck of a HT setup! Shoot me a PM or email if you're interested. Jeff

I'm gathering that a C26 volume control will work on my MX 113?

Thanks Scott. I'll try Audio Ventures. . .as you thought, Gary was going to give Classics a call this afternoon. It's Bill over at Audio Ventures, right? Jeff

Checked with Terry DeWick. Very nice guy, I'm always amazed that people are willing to give complete strangers 5 minutes of their time and expertise. Terry says to go with the replacement control, as "I'll need something to control the volume!" He wasn't too thrilled about the replacements though either. Sooooo, if anyone may have a good OEM volume control in their box 'o parts, toss me an email please. Take care, Jeff

Quick update: It looks like the replacement volume controls for the 113's aren't the best. The gentleman who's fixing my unit is checking around to see if an original might be available through his resources. In the meantime, I thought I'd check here to see if any Mac guys might have some parts. Again, I'm on the prowl for a volume control for a MX 113. Thanks. Jeff

I could use some advice this morning. A bad volume control is the culprit on my MX 113. Mac sells a replacement, but not an original. Does anyone on the board have experience with replacement volume controls? Will it hold up like my original or should I hunt around to see if someone has a NOS control? Any input is always appreciated. Jeff

Scott, I was hoping you or John M. would chime in! Although Flanner's came highly recommended from a couple local audio nuts, I value your opinion too. Thanks for putting my mind at ease. If I recall, I think you're a Cornwall guy, but were you as impressed with the LS II's as I was? Have a good one- Jeff

Thanks for the help, guys. I ended up taking my unit into Flanner's Audio and Video today. The main tech there has been working on Macs for about 30 years and he came with a good recommendation locally. I'll be on a "field trip" to NYC with my students over teacher's convention this week, so I figured it's a great time to get the 113 looked over. Next time we have a Milwaukee area get together, would someone be willing to demonstrate how to properly clean pots? (JacksonBart: insert pun here) I would have tried this myself, but this unit is soooooooo clean, I didn't want to risk goofing anything up. Besides, at least now I know it's been bench tested, etc, and ready for another 20 years of use! Quick aside: Flanner's has a pair of LaScala II's in one of their listening rooms. One of my former co-workers from American TV now works for Flanner's and E-man gave me quite a demo. . .let's just say I think my tax returns will be spent on new speaks. I've owned 4 pairs of LaScalas over the years, with my current pair being stock 1979's. After reading other people's reviews, I had a hard time believing the LS II's could be THAT much better. Wow, I am convinced now too! They are amazing sounding speakers. Most noticeably, the bass is deeper and the "shrill" I've experienced with all my pairs at high volumes is non existent on the LS II's. Jeff

Harry and Wrangler, Thanks for the quick responses. I would like to try cleaning the pots first, but I've never done anything like that. I'll do a quick search, as I'm sure this has been covered before, but is there a brand of cleaner you'd recommend? Should I remove the glass first? This is a really nice looking unit and I don't want to goof anything up. Again, thanks for your quick assistance. Have an excellent wekeend. Jeff

Fellas, I've been having channel cutouts in my system over the past 6 months or so. The left channel would cut in and out from time to time and then it'd work well for weeks or months. It happened whether I ran my MC 2100 or 2105, so I'm guessing it's my MX 113 preamp/tuner. Today, the left channel quit altogether. Now I have an excuse to spend some money I guess. . . I know the 113 is known as just an "average" or even below average preamp, but I don't have mega-bucks to stick into a C26 (I think that's the SS unit most around here recommend) and a tuner. I still listen to the radio a fair amount of time, so a tuner is necessary. Soooo, the million dollar question is: does anyone know of a good Mac shop in the Milwaukee area that could refresh/fix my 113? What kind of dollars are fair to pay? In the long run, am I better off looking for a C26 (or other preamp) and a tuner anyways? The 2105 and 2100 amps have been good to me and I like the ease of a SS rig. This is a two channel setup that gets used almost daily. Any help or suggestions are always appreciated. Jeff

I saw an ad on Craigslist last night for a single LaScala in the Milwaukee, WI area. I'm not interested, but forgot to post last night. I can't get to Craigs here at work, so I can't paste a link for ya. I think the guy was asking $250 and from the pics, it looked to be a late '70s vintage. . .alnico k55 can be seen in the pics. Maybe someone could use a center channel. . . Jeff

IV Stringer Thanks for your input, it's appreciated. Anyone know when these will be ready for production?

I too am excited to hear these new phones! As an owner of at least one pair of Heritage speakers since I was 18, I can't wait to have Klipsch in my ears at the gym too! I currently use a pair of very inexpensive Koss Spark Plugs that suit my needs, especially at their price point. Here's why I'm somewhat reluctant to buy a more expensive ear phone: I listen to earphones every day while I run and during nearly all outdoor chores around the house. . .about a total of 10 hours per week. About every 6 months, a channel cuts out and I need a new pair. I switched to Koss because of their "no questions asked" return policy. Heck, they even gave me a 2nd pair so I had a backup when the ones I'm using don't work anymore. I'm guessing the main reason I experience problems after about 250 hours of use has to do with the gauge of wire needed to make these phones. What is the warranty on the new Klipsch phones? Is the life expectancy I have with my current phones typical of all ear phones, or just less expensive ones? My limited research of reviews on Newegg tells me that nearly all earphones, regardless of cost, suffer from a short shelf life. I want to stress that I store my phones inside my house and the cord doesn't get hung up on anything while they're used. . .I'm trying to say that I take care not to abuse them. Anyone else have similar experiences?

This might help. . .no affiliation with seller: http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/ele/402735117.html

PM sent. The server was acting weird, so if you don't receive my PM, please let me know. Jeff

I'll give 'em more credit than just white van quality. [] I ran 2 pair of AAL's with dual 12's in college. Although boomy and nothing like the Cornwalls I had back home at the time, they did the job. If you can get them for $50 or so, I think they're worth it. As always, just mho. Jeff

I have a single 3.2 that I thought I was going to use as a center channel. That never happened and it's just taking up space. I was going to toss it, but thought maybe a forum member would want it. It's Oak, has a couple light plant stains up top, but is in overall nice shape. Works well, no blown drivers. If anyone in the Milwaukee area needs a KG 3.2, toss me a email at: tidmack@yahoo.com. Thanks. Jeff

Sky, I'm just south of Milwaukee, in Oak Creek. If these don't work out for you, I'd be tempted to part with my 81's for that kind of money. I have some 'Scala II's coming this summer. tidmack@yahoo.com Jeff

Sorry to hijack, but a quick question: I've heard from some on the forum that SS Mac amps (I have a 2100 and 2105) don't require service unless they're not working. This is going to sound dumb, but what would I gain from sending one of my units in to have looked at? Is it more preventative maintenence? Jeff

Just to throw this into the mix: those that have heard LaScala II's, how do their new networks compare with some of the higher order offerings? Jeff

Thanks Mark for clarifying what Al now offers. Like Carl, I think the partial ES would probably be my best bet for now. If anyone in the Milwaukee area is running these in a pair of LaScalas, I wouldn't mind hearing them sometime. Jeff

BS, Do you know which version of Al's crossovers you listened to? Thanks Jeff

Mark, Although I'm familiar with Al's networks, I didn't realize the ES's were THAT expensive! I can't access his page here at work, but I thought he made a network in the $400 range?? Are his less expensive networks still higher order? Jeff