bluemando

Yeh I'm a New-Englander-of-sorts, I moved up here from Florida in ' 87 (Texas before that.... Alaska before that, Colorado before that) My two sisters moved here (from Florida) in the early 70's and married two guys who were born and reared in this area (Western MA.) They (my brother-in-laws) have extended family that probably can be traced back to the early Massachusetts settlers.... TRUE New Englanders, they are. "Wicked" is still being used, although no so much as it was in the 90's.... at least that's been my experience.

I had considered that it might be "tongue in cheek" thing; it's not always easy to figure out how a message is meant to be taken. Peace - blue

Opps. I meant *Boston Cherry* (Forget about the black part) I was probably thinking "black" for the grills... actually, I would probably opt for grills NOT black as well ). No, I'm not a 'Boston Boy,' but I attended the North Bennet Street School (north-end of Boston) for about 6 months, and have visited the area once since my graduation. Anyway, I with you on the wood grain.... only way to go, imo.

Thought I answered this already, but I don't see it, so please excuse if this shows up twice. There's a pr. of Forte's for sale on ebay right now. I'm not crazy about the fact that they are black (all my speakers are black - KEF Q15, Primus 160, MMG) I think I'm ready for something in Boston black cherry, or mahogany.... birch, or maple maybe. (anything but black!) Do you happen to know the Orion Blue Book value for Forte's? Thanks - blue

Being the newest one to post here, I'm thinking you are directing your comment to me. For what it's worth ("zero" I suspect) I support a "Yul Brenner" and, besides being retired, I *do* have a job (albeit, part time). Thanks for the welcome - blue

To Pete and "Bender": Alright you guys.... I can feel your love ) You have every right to be proud. Beautiful pooches! Thanks Blue

Thanks Pete, but I'm trying to quit! (i.e. instigating people to talk about their beloved pets

No apology necessary at all, "Bender" (okay, I confess, I watch Futurama once in awhile Anyway, I had no idea that bull dogs --with their "cute smooshy faces"-- (love your description!) are so high maintenance. The dogs, cats, and goats that I owned pretty much roamed-free and came home for supper and an occasional tick check. I lived on 10 acres in Fl... which was surrounded by hundreds of other acres, belonging to people who bought for investment, to be sold when the time was "right." I can tell that caring properly for you your dogs is a labor of love. For me it would be a chore, so I won't be buying a cute "smooshy faced" bull dog... darn! Sorry, I got off-topic... but I was interested and can only hope that participants here have cut me some slack . Thanks "blue" (mando type)

fenderbender, I think we could be friends in the real-world Noticing what you chose for an avatar, can I presume that you own a bulldog(s) I been considering getting one.... Don't know why, but I like the look of those (ahem) "ugly" pooches.

I'm in limbo right now, holding off on making any decision at this time.... The last thing I want to be is impulsive. My KEF's keep me happy for most music played in the living room, just not complex large symphonic fare, such as Mahler. But it should be noted (about Mahler) is that much of what comprises his symphonies is chamber-music-like in texture, which my KEF's and Sansui reproduce nicely. It's only on occasion that "raw power" comes into play, so again, I can get by with my KEF speakers. The British really do make nice speakers. I owned a pair of Missions in the 80's (powered by my NAD 7140, which I still own) and they served me well. In my bedroom I have my Maggies, and they are a joy. Bottom line is that I don't feel like I have to rush into anything. I'm simply going to keep and eye out for a good deal. Having said all that, I probably would have purchased the Vandy's if the screen would have been in good condition. I must admit, though, I'm intrigued with klipsch at this point in time.

Don't have to be versatile. My Alma Mater (UMASS, which I attended after MDJC and Jacksonville U in Fl) is blocks away from where I live and I worked near campus. Now I'm retired. Life is good ;o) Btw, I went to grade school and two years of highschool in El Paso Texas.

I'm fond of Shastokvich, for sure.... ever since I first heard his 5th symphony, which was being played as background music in the library of Miami Dade Community College. That was a long time ago. Sibelius was another composer I became familar with at that time. I didn't even have a stereo system! I'd "sign" for a phonograph from the audio departement and listen to records in a listening room or go to Hialeah Public Library --Hialeah is a part of Metropolitan Miami-- and listen to records that I checked out and played on their turntables (using earphone, of course). My major, btw, was music.

Well that would be 232 miles round trip on bicycle. I sold my van when I moved from Fl to MA ---a story that I'll not get into-- and never bothered ro buy another vehicle. I live in what is termed "the 5 college area" and it's "bicyle friendly" (bike-paths all over the place, including from town to town) and "everything" is easily accessible and available.... except Klipsch speakers ;o) Sure I could (probably) get someone to drive me NH, but that makes me uncomfortable..... so I'll pass, unless I know someone who is making the trip for their own reasons. Thanks

Thanks for the audition-offer Pete. I checked my Rand McNally Tripmaker software and it indicates that "your" Amherst is 116 miles from "my" Amherst. I don't think I'll be making that trip, but (who knows) maybe some day I will get out that way. I'll let you know if that ever happens and find out if the offer is still open. My local B&M is selling a set of Vandersteen 2c's for $500. I gave them a listen along side of a B&W 603s floor speakers (a demo set f/$700). I liked the Vandy's on some parts of discs I listened to and the B&W's on other parts. So you might say they are evenly matched. Given that the Vandy's are $200 cheaper, that would be my choice. One The socks are worn and I gather from the Vandersteen site that they don't sell them... I think they sell the fabric though, and of course there are places to buy fabric. It doesn't look to me like it wouldn't be an easy task for someone who isn't handy (me!) For one thing it looks like the tops and (I presume) the bottoms are *glued* and would have to be pried off. If you know something I don't regarding this, let me know. Thanks again!

The fellow who was original owner of my Klipschorns was a Mahler buff and played in our symphony orchestra. His untimely demise caused these beasts to be stored for a number of years, to be purchased by me two years ago. I promised his mother and sister that I'd play Mahler on them occasionally in honor of him and I've stuck to that. That being said, Cornwalls would be nearly as regal and obtainable at a reasonable price. Hey Maaaaahn. Why don't you sell those cornwalls to me so that Mahler will be played on them each and every day. That way the demised would be honored all the time ) And *you* could *upgrade* to the next level. Okay, I'm being somewhat obnoxious I think but hey, it a thought, no?). But tell me people, why is it that Klipsch, until recently, has abandoned the old style close-to-the-ground, wide, box-like- speakers with the big woofers in favor of slimline towers and smaller woofers. Are towers an evolutionary better designed speaker... or simply a dumbing-down to the HT crowd and the $$$ that said genre generates?