theclipper

I might try moving them back a bit while keeping the right one from being obstructed by the small wall. Will it mess up the soundstage if they are not very equal distances from their respective side walls though? One more thing, I am strongly considering adding some spikes to these speakers to help tighten everything up as well as mainly getting some increased height on the stereo image. I searched the archives and it seems like there is generally a positive reaction to these. I see that there are some cheap ones from parts express. Over on audiokarma there is a great Forte thread where the main guy used some spikes from Star Technologies but they are consideribaly more expensive. Any comments on spikes in general and if this would be a good idea or a dumb one? Thanks []

Hey Wuzzer, I tried having them closer to all the walls but I wanted to get the right one far enough towards the center so it was in no way blocked by that little part of my wall that juts out. I may try moving them directly back. Should I move the TV and stand back at all, or is that ok as is? Also, anyone have any idea on how I could reduce the hiss I'm hearing? Thanks! -Clipper

**Update** Hi Everyone, I have been trying to follow the collective advice as possible. I wanted to let you know how I have them now. I added new pictures at the end of the album so you could see the new setup and let me know what you think. Anyhow, I tried to follow the Cardas site for the most part. It seems that I finally have the vocal centered for the most part. I have the right speaker 43.5'' from the rear wall and 29'' from the side. I have the left speaker 42.5'' from the rear and 26'' from the side. These measurements are from the side closest the wall and the very back for the rear measurement. They sit 3' apart, and the couch is about 6'9'' back from the speakers. I have them pointed directly forward as that seemed better than they did when toed-in. Any glaring things about this setup you guys might change? To my ears it sounds pretty good but I'm sure it can be better. Its tough to tell if I have it right since I have never experienced anything better. One issue I have noticed is that when I have the reciever turned up to about 4 you can really begin to hear some tweeter hiss whenever the record player is on and not playing something or when it is a very quiet part of the record. Is there anything I can do to quiet this aside from turning down the receiver? Well, I think that about does it for now. I really can't thank you enough for how helpful and generous you have all been to me. My roomates all say thanks as well as they are reaping the benefits of my rig! Thanks, -Clipper

Wuzzer, I'm actually not sure what type of stand that is, its probably just an IKEA model. My roomate let me have it, its a piece of junk, I had to move the record player from it because it wobbles so muuch. I'd like to try the speakers on the long wall, but I feel like if I did I wouldn't have any room to put the couch back far enough to listen as the room is only 10' wide. I might give it a try tomorrow and see how it sounds though. Any other ideas about possible tweaks/movements I could do? Thanks again guys, I can't tell you how much you have helped me learn about good sound reproductio.[Y] -Clipper

Hi All, Some of you may remember some of my past posts. I have been helped a great deal in the past through this forum. I am now feeling pretty satisfied with my all my gear but would really appreciate some help on how to properly place my speakers as well as any cheap tweaks I could do. I provided a link to a photo page that has a few of my set-up. My current gear is; Forte II (upgraded xovers by Dean, also Crites titanium tweeters), Fisher 400 (restored by Craig), Rega P1 (w/Denon DL-160 cart). I'm sure it has been said before but I must say again that Dean does absolutely excellent work. I can't believe how much clearer my speakers now seem to be, I am very happy I decided to go for the upgrade. I had never really even experienced a soundstage before hooking my speakers up to my Fisher. I have the Fisher set on the 8ohm setting. I now am trying to get the proper set-up to maximize my sound and the soundstage, and sweetspot. My speakers are in a room that is about 10' wide and 18' deep. The wall next to the left speaker is mainly windows from ceiling to floor. The wall on the right speaker is not much taller than the speaker and serves as a divider between the family room and kitchen. Also, as you can see in one of the pictures, the wall kind of juts out a bit in front of the speaker. In the back of the room on the right side there is a wood burning stove that sits up about a foot on a bricked platform. I sit on a junky old couch that is about 7'8'' back from the speakers. The speakers are about 16'' off the back wall, while the right one is 19'' off the dividing wall, and the left is about a foot off its side wall. They sit about 5' apart from each other. If anyone could provide any feedback with how I would be best to set these up I would greatly appreciate it. I am willing to move them anywhere as long as I can get some great sound from them! Please let me know if I can provide anymore info that would be helpful. http://picasaweb.google.com/wolford.chris/SoundSystem?authkey=kjL9iPFnVi8#5289048206581223330 Thanks so much! -Clipper

Sorry the photos are so big and that this took so long to get up, I've been very busy with school. Anyhow, the first is my very humble set up. I need to really try to make it look nicer. The next two are close ups of the 'ole girl. I have it on that top shelf for now to keep it from overheating. I moved the TT under the TV bc that stand is a little sturdier. You can't really see it in these photos but I have an innertube under the TT to isolate it from any rumble issues and footfall. It has worked incredibly well. Its hard to tell but I have my speakers about a foot from the walls in the corners, slightly toed in. I just installed the Bob Crites titanium tweeters last night. I can't really hear any difference in them compared to the old ones yet but I will do some more listening today. Hope they don't turn out to be a waste of money. Well, its back to the books for me. Thanks for looking!

Hey, I'm on my way to school right now but I will post some when I get home later today.

Hey Cal, Its great to hear back from you. I have really been givin her a workout the past week. This is the first time in my life I've actually encountered sound stage. Its just so different than anything I've ever head. The music is so much more engaging and fun this way. I need to work on my speaker positioning. I decided to upgarde to the Bob Crites titanium tweeters and see what kind of difference those make before deciding on the crossovers. I have the Fisher set to 4ohm even though the speakers are 8ohm as I was told the bass response would be better. Do you think that messes with the clarity at all or is that a good way to keep it? Also, would you have any other suggestions about tweaks or upgrades I might want to think about. Well, thats all from my end, time to spin some LPs and get some studying done. Thanks again, I really do appreciate it! [H] *Edit* It is really fascinating to me that I can now differentiate between what is a truly great recording as opossed to one that is muddy and subpar. Never before had that been possible with my old gear. I am so fortunate to heed the advice of all the smart people on this forum! Clipper

Sweet, thanks Dean! I guess I need to do an estimate of how much Christmas money I'll be left with []

Thanks for the explination Dean, I guess I need to do more research on their methods as well. I'm sure you do great work but I want to try to get a feel for all the options before making a decision. I want to make sure and get the biggest improvement possible without breaing the bank. I'm sure that is a pretty common sentiment [] Also, will this upgrade be noticeable if my speakers aren't very worn? I'm not sure if they have been used very much throughout their lifetime.

Hey Dean, Thanks for the reply. 2 questions. First, is this an upgrade that an everyday person can hear or is it sometihng that can only reallly be heard by an audiophile. Second, how hard would it be me for me to put the new crossovers in the speakers? I have no experience with this at all. Oh, also what is the difference between your crossovers and the ones made the by the other two guys? Thanks, Clipper

Hi Everyone, I haven't been around too much since the summer [H]. You all provided me with great advice of purchasing a pair of Forte II's, and then Wayne was nice enough to give me an old Fisher 400 which Craig rebuilt for me. Fast forward to today and I have now had a week or so to get used to the tube sound. I think it took a few days for the new tubes to break in but they sure sound pretty great now. I have, although, noticed that the right channel always seems to be louder than the left, so I have tried to compensate by moving the balance knob more towards the left. Is this a normal issue, any better fix than what I'm doing? I have posted my current set-up below. I feel like all of my components are fine for now so I thought I may focus my attention on tweaking my speakers. I was wondering if you guys could give me any advice on whether it would be worth it to upgrade my crossovers? I was also thinking of maybe upgrading to a glass platter for my TT. Or is there any other tweak that would be nice? I feel like I'd like to spend my christmas money on my system this year. I'm just not sure what would provide the greatest bang for my buck. All suggestions and feedback are greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for making this such a great community! [] My System: Forte II Rega P1 (w/Denon DL-160 Cart) Fisher 400 (rebuilt by Craig) -Clipper

Hey everyone, I haven't had a chance to get on here in a while. But I just wanted to provide an update and give Wayne (Cal) a well deserved thank you for providing me with the Fisher for Craig to work his magic on. I hooked it up and was surprised at how different the sound was compared to my Kenwood. It really seems to make the voices much more clear and prominent. I did have to turn up the bass knob a bit which I never did with my Kenwood. I can't wait to spend some time with this in the coming days to really see what I have. In the meantime, I was wondering if anyone had any tips or tricks about how I can maximize my sound. As well as anything I should know about tube amps as I have never used one before. Oh, one last thing, do you think a preamp is necessary? The sound is plenty loud for me, I just didn't know if they would make it sound even better or not. I have listed my current set up below. Thanks to all of you who have helped with my audio evolution! Klipsch Forte II Rega P1 (w/Denon DL160 cart) Fisher 400

Hey Cal, I talked to Craig and I think he is just waiting to hear back from you, lemme know when you find out how much shipping is. Thanks Cal, Chris

Thanks Cal, I will try to wait as patiently as possible, but it is going to be tough. My excitement is through the roof right now! I really can't express how much I appreciate this!