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?

Actually Sansui's have quite a cult following [see Audiokarma (Manufacturers Forums Section)]. The AU 555 is a sweet little amp that I will keep until death do us part. The sound is said to be as close to that of tube amps as one can get... if you like that sort of thing. I recently audition a Jolida 102b in my home and the Sansui out-performed it. In fact, I prefer it to my $900 Cambridge Azur... unfortunately, the little Sansui just doesn't have enough power... hence, my search for efficient speakers. I may simply end-up getting a Klipsch subwoofer (or another name brand sub, perhaps) to my KEF's, which, imo, are fine speakers for baroque, chamber music and venues of that sort.

I was thinking the same thing. I looked back through the posts, but haven't seen where you are located. There is probably someone close by you could visit to here different models. (We have one member in central Illinois who has 46 pairs of Chorus II, if I remember correctly) Bruce Yeh, you guys are right about my needing to give Klipschs a listen. I I've never heard ANY speaker that's horn loaded The nearest place that carries the line is 51.5 miles away and I have no (other) good reason to make that trip. Anyway, anyone live near Amherst, MA and is willing to give a home audition?

Agreed. I think Chorus is very good, too. Between all of them, Cornwalls are the better choice. You can find them for $700 if patient. As to the question about being low to the floor, when you open them up, you'll never ask that question again. It does seem reasonable to think that a 12-15" woofer is going to give more of that "big orchestra presence" than ones less than that. Having said that, I do have a rather small living room and it has wood floors, although there is an 8x6 oriental rug in it and rather plush leather sofa that would likely help contain sound waves from bouncing all over the place. I sort of fancy owning Cornwalls.... I like the simplicity-look of them, Of course I will have to be patient. I noticed that the new III's cost a hefty 1,750 EACH. No way!!!

Doh! Thanks MIke. Don't know how I could have missed that darn 'quote-button'

Gosh all my replies seemed to be addressed to no one in particular. After reading a *particular message* from someone on the list, I immediately pressed on "reply." I assumed that my follow-up would reflect who I was addressing.... Instead it was simply placed in the order that it was received. So my apologies to all those good people who tried to help, but seemly got not direct response from me to *them.* To make sure this doesn't happen this time around, I'll mention that this response is to "jbsl" who still doesn't know what my budget is. As stated before, things got screwed up after I attempted to edit my initial post - some of the text was'nt shown (including the part where I mentioned my budget. Anyway, jbsl, my budget is $600 - 700 . As I stated in my initial post --text that is now missing-- The amount ($700) isn't arbitrary. I have a pair of new MMG's (magies) that only set me back $630 (delivered, with a 60 day try out). I figure that other speaker companies should be able to compete at a similar price point. Having said that, I suspect my reference is a tall order in a new speaker, so I'm resigned to go the used-route. Anyway, jbsl, you anticipated my budget very well, and I apprecitate your recommendations. Question: Are the Forte 1's the same thing as "the originals" (or are there Forte's - Forte 1's & Forte 2's? Also, I would like to ask, again, for commments regarding the low height of the older klipsch's. Almost all floor standing speakers these days are towers. Isn't it a disadvantge to have the horns firing (considerably! ) below ear level? Thanks for your help!

I'm going to check that out right now. Thanks for the heads-up

Well I take what I can get (new or used) depending on how well it fits into my budget. Great to see there are some Mahler fans here! Thanks bluemando

Lately, I'vebeen obsessed with Mahler. Mahler, Mahler, Mahler.... that's all I want to hear! I don't think I'll be listening with a Klipschhorn though (given my budget) Thanks bluemando

Exactly Jeff. Cost is an important factor. I already have two other systems (KEF w/ Sansui amp; Maggies with Cambridge Azur amp; Infinity bookshelf on stands w/ an old NAD receiver. So I'm having a hard time justifying getting yet another set of speakers. What's bugging the heck out of me is that my KEF's (bookshelf's on stands) at 91 db sensitivity (6 ohm) and a frequency response of 50 hz-20 khz just "lose it" when trying to reproduce large symphonic works. The KEF and Sansui amp are in my living room and are probably used more than any of the my systems. Each system has to stay in the room that they are in (I won't go in to specifics for that.... just trust me ) Thanks bluemando

Thanks for the welcome Jim. My Sansui is the AU-555. I bought in a Army PX while serving Uncle Sam in Germany. I have been checking craigslist, but the local stuff is disappointing, at best. I didn't know that the kg4s didn't employ a horn loaded mid range, maybe that explains why they are not as efficient as other Klipches? I'm encouraged that you and others here are convinced that Klipch will do justice to classical music. Thanks