tlarwa

I recently (several months ago) picked up my first pair of Klipsch floorstanders (KG4.2) and am enamored with them, especially after upgrading to Crites diaphragms. So naturally, I'm already looking ahead to an upgrade. I'm currently running the 4.2s along with a matching SW10 sub (all in oiled Oak) and though some people don't care for the sub, I'm pretty happy with the sound (although the 4.2s sound good sans the sub too, depending on what I'm listening to). My system particulars are as follows; Amp: Fisher 400 rebuilt by Paul G. with the Bizzy Bee upgrade Turntable: Empire 398 w/ Shure V15vXMR cartridge, Thorens 280 Mk2 w/ Denon 101 Preamp (phono): Park Audio Budgie tube pre (Empire) and using the Fisher 400 phono stage with the Thorens I have a purpose-built listening room, used for vinyl only. It's 12' x 19' with ~8' ceilings. The equipment is along one of the short walls, and I can get the speakers about 10' apart. I do have 90 degree corners avaialble along that wall. The listening position is approximately 8' back into the room (roughly an equilateral triangle now between the speakers and my listening sweet spot). The room is treated with sound panels at the first reflection points, behind the equipment and above the sweet spot. The back wall is relatively untreated (live end/dead end). The floor is pad/carpet over concrete. So, my question. Which models would work well in my space? I'm particularly fond of the Heritage line-up, even if I may not be able to afford all models right this minute. But I'm in no hurry, so I can afford to be patient and wait for a good deal. I'd like to learn about what I could expect to hear differently between the "big" models (Klipshorn, Lascala, Belle) especially between the corner horn and standard shape models. I'd also consider Forte II or Chorus II. I'm actually thinking about picking up a pair of Heresy's if I can score a good deal as what I think might be an upgrade over the KG4.2's (running them with the sub). I'm kind of thinking out loud and am trynig to solicit opinion. It's virtually impossible to listen to these models in my actual space,and I'd like to make as informed a decision as possible. For example, at a basic level, whcih models might be to "big" for my space ... not physically, but in terms of the space they need to sound optimal. Or is that not even a concern? I appreciate any and all input. And I'll continue to read as much as I can in the meantime! Thanks, Tom

No longer for sale. Made a trade for a reworked Fisher 400 in a wood case.

Close to mint condition Audio Analogue Puccini SE integrated amp, in the black finish. This is the non-remote version. 50W/Ch into 8 ohms (80W/ch in to 4 ohms). Uses a dual toroidal transformers. Includes a MM/MC phono stage that sounds terrific (is able to drive a Denon 103 without the need for an SUT). Includes 2 sets of binding posts to allow for bi-wiring (not A and . Inputs include tuner, video, aux and tape, and has tape outputs as well. I have been very happy with this integrated, driving both my Klipsch KG4.2 and Frugel-Horn Mk3 speakers. But, I have my sights set on going back to tube amplification, so this is on the block. That said, I'd consider a trade/partial trade for a nice tube integrated or vintage tube receiver (Scott 222, Fisher 400/500, Eico, etc.). Please read the SoundStage! review in the attached link (http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/todd22.htm). There's also more info and reviews on-line. You won't be disappointed! I have pics if you're interested, just email and ask! I'll charge actual shipping costs. I don't have the original box, but will pack it extremely well and double box it for protection. $500 + shipping. Paypal, check, money order/cashier's check accepted (will ship after check clears). Tom

Since they are different titles from BOOMAC's list I figured I'd post up some music I don't listen to anymore. To make it easy, I'm asking $3/CD. Shipping will be $2.50 for every 4 CD's (i.e. 1-4 is $2, 5-8 is $5, etc.). I'll mail them in a padded mailer. All titles include original cases and artwork, and are in great condition. I've gone to all vinyl in the listening room, and MP3 in the car. Tom Jazz CD List.pdf

Time to start cleaning out the collection of titles I don't listen to. I'm using the Goldmine visual grading system, with additional notes where applicable. Let me know if you have any questions. All albums will ship USPS Media Mail. I'll use a pretty standard shipping cost sytem: 1-2 Lps = $4.25 3-4 Lps = $5.25 5-6 Lps = $6.25. I'll quote you a cost on larger orders. Not trying to make money on shipping! Copy and paste URL into your browser to view list. List here: http://tinyurl.com/kz4c2g8

TWEETER: K-85-K 1" (2.54cm) Phenolic dome compression driver Replaced with Bob Crites Ti diaphragms. Nothing at all wrong with them, though. Will ship in the Crites plastic boxes to make sure they arrive safely. $30, and I'll ship them to you via USPS. I have photos, just email/PM me and I'll send them. Tom

Great info, thank you! I've looked at Madisound and PE, just wasn't sure what to order. I'll take a look again now that I know. Tom

I know I need one 33uF cap per speaker, but which voltage? I don't know much about cap replacement (okay, nothing). Any recommendations as to the best bang for the buck as far as brand/type goes? Mylar, from what I read, but Mundorf, Claricap, Solen?? I did the Crites Ti diaphragm upgrade, now want to work on the crossovers. Thanks! Tom

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll pop the rear spikes back on and level them up to see how that compares to my current set . I installed new Crites Ti diaphragms today, and they sound great. Sounded good beforehand, but have a more even sound to the highs now. A noticeable change, I think for the better. Next up is replacing the 33 microfarad cap on the crossover, which I read should make a difference as well. I'll report back on how leveling them back up (still on the 2" oak risers) works out.

Well, I've got them sitting on 2" oak platforms, with the rear feet removed to allow them to tilt back. And I do believe its made a difference in soundstage and in tightening the bass up a bit. I'm going to keep experimenting, but so far I'm pleased!

Looking to elevate my KG4.2's to get the horn at ear-level. What's the preference for horns ... a flat riser to keep the speaker level or a slanted riser, ala the Heresy riser? I've heard the opinion that slanting the speaker messes with the soundstage. My DIY Frugel-Horns have a baffle that is slanted back at a 5 degree angle, and they have phenomenal imaging (they are a full-range design, though). Opinions? Any nice looking riser/speaker stand designs out theere that specifically compliment these speakers? Tom

Great info, Moray. I'll play with the speaker height tonight. If I sit on the floor in front of my listening couch my ears will probably be at horn level, or damn close. I'll see how much of a difference that makes. That is often one of my listening positions anyway, just havent done it with the KG's yet. I'll also try the ping pong ball diffractor. I haven't heard of that tweak yet, but it makes sense. In fact, there is definitely a difference between the "hotness" with the grilles on vs. off, so it makes sense that this would affect it even more. I'll try the Ti tweeter diaphragm upgrade, speaker height and ping pong ball twaeks first, then decide whether to fool with the crossover rebuild at some point. One more question ... is the tweeter protection switch the component labeled "RDE 070" in the schematic you attached in an earlier post? How exactly do I go about bypassing it? Thanks!

Moray, Thanks for the response. The room was actually purpose built as a listening room, with the size following the "golden ratio". The distance between speakers and the listening position is indeed an equilateral triangle. All the room treatments were done based on the room characteristics and speaker placement (e.g. First reflection points, etc.). It was an interesting project (I did it all myself) and a great learning experience. One thing I did read in pretty much every reference I used is that the speakers should really never be placed on the long wall ... goes to show how much variability there is and how important it is to go with what sounds good to you! I'll get the speakers raised, or raised and tilted, to that the horns are at ear level. The Frugel horns are a little taller, but they are also tilted back at 5 degrees so the driver points at your head, The imaging is unreal. The issue with them is that they can't handle much SPL given they only use a 4" driver, so they're not the best for rock, progressive jazz, etc. So I'll keep both sets in the system and have the ability to switch between them based on what I'm listening to. I just ordered the Ti diaphragms from Bob Crites after reading all the positive reviews. I also read your post on upgrading the crossovers. If you could tell me where I can find 10AWG inductors I'd appreciate it. Or did you make our own. Also, which Mylar caps did you use? I haven't bought components much, so I'm not sure of the best place to go for them. Thanks for the input. Tom

The Frugel-Horns the red speakers) are not hooked up in the picture, just being stored there since I placed the KG's. The KG's are placed in the corners, for the most part. I'm interested in knowing how far from the side and back walls the KG4.2's like to be, and whether toe-in (and how much) is beneficial. They do not have a rear-firing radiator, like their predecessor, the KG4, so I assume the distance from the back wall isn't as critical.

My Puccini has two sets of speaker output terminals ... for bi-wiring, not to accomodate two separate sets of speakers. I have both sets of speaker wires runing off the same set right now, but I'll try it using both sets when I get home. I didnt wire them from the sub to the speakers because I wanted the full-range signal to go to the KG4.2's.

Picked up a minty set of KG4.2's and an SW10 sub for 2-channel use this weekend. They are in my 12'x19' dedicated listening room, placed on one of the 12' walls. Right now I have the KG4.2's placed the same as my Frugel-Horns were ... about 18" from the back wall and 12" from the side walls, toed in slightly. They are sounding good, and the imaging is okay (although not as good as the full-range Frugel-Horns), but I'm looking for suggestions on how these are typically placed (i.e. toes in or not, distance from walls, corner placement, etc.). A pic of the set-up is attached. Thanks! Tom

Just picked up a screaming deal on a minty set of KG4.2 speakers and an SW10 (original version) sub. I have them set-up in my listening room (dedicated 2-channel ... vinyl only!) but am not sure the best way to blend the sub into the mains. My Audio Analogue Puccini amp doesn't have a pre-out, so the sub is now connected at the speaker level, with the wires running from the amp directly to the sub. First, is that the best way to run the signal to the sub in a 2-channel set-up, or should I run the wires from the KG4.2's to the sub instead? I beleive there's a high pass filter that kicks in if you do the latter, while the mains run full-range the way I have it set up now. Is that correct? Next question is where to start with the low-pass setting. Right now I have the sub crossed at 50hz, and the volume set at about 4 or 5. The phase switch is flipped to +. Sounds pretty good, I think, but I have nothing to compare it to to determine if it could sound better. By the way, a picture of the room as it's set up now is attached. The room is 12'x19' and treated as a dedicated listening room. Comments on sub and speaker placement (toe-in especially) are welcome. Thanks! Tom om

To switch between 3-4 pairs of speakers. Similar to the Adcom GFS-4 would be good. Needs to have binding posts that will accept banana plugs. Thanks! Tom

This unit is practically new, with less than 5 hours of use. I bought it thinking I'd like to be able to play music that is not on vinyl in my listening room, but I've decided that won't happen often enough to justify it! Per the TEAC website: TEAC's DS-H01 is a digital docking station for playback of Apple's iPhone, iPad, iTouch or iPod through your audio system. Unlike most iOS docks, the DS-H01 has a high-quality D/A converter built in – the 192kHz/24-bit Burr Brown PCM1796. This takes a digital signal directly from your iPod, bypassing the audio components of the portable device. The result is the best-possible audio playback quality from Apple's iOS products. Also available on the DS-H01 is a USB jack for connecting the iPhone, iPad or iPod to your computer and iTunes library. A video output can be connected to a standard monitor for playback of movies or television programs, and digital outputs are included for digital throughput of the iOS signal. The officially licensed dock connector provides power to your device for charging. For those who want the portability of an iPod with the high-fidelity of a TEAC audio component, the DS-H01 is a must-have for your listening system. The unit ships in the original packaging, with remote, manual and all cords. There are NO issues with this unit! By the way, I've used it with my iPhone 5 (with the Lightning connector) as well as my iPod Nano. This is the black version. If my Photobucket links don't work, PM me and I'll email photos to you. $160 + $15 shipping inthe CONUS http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab65/tlarwa/photo1.jpg http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab65/tlarwa/photo3.jpg http://i850.photobucket.com/albums/ab65/tlarwa/photo5.jpg

Sorry about the oversight on the price. The amp sold a couple days ago. Tom

This is an excellent ("giant killer" some have said) 6.5W SET integrated amp, in perfect physical and functional condition. This amp is my first foray into tubes, and I've been very happy with it. Only reason for selling is that I'm looking for a little more volume from my less-than-efficient 86db speakers. That said, the amp is capable of driving them to adequate levels. If you have 90-93db speakers you should have no issues with getting all the volume you can use! The amp has inputs for 2 components as well as a discrete headphone curcuit. I have only used it with my turntable, although all functions work perfectly. See the following review and discussion for more insight into this great budget amp: http://www.head-fi.org/t/553325/review-musical-paradise-mp-301-mk2-vacuum-tube-integrated-amp Amp will ship in original pakaging (double-boxed). I'll include the original power (6L6) and pre-amp tubes as well as a matched pair of JJ EL-34 tubes with less than 50 hours on them. I prefer the EL-34 tubes, personally. The stock power cord is also included. Please contact me via PM for actual photos of amp. I will split shipping actual charges. You pick the delivery method. Or, pick-up in SE WI or NW IL.

I bought this poster off Ebay UK last month and have decided I don't really have a good spot for it. It is brand new, never mounted or framed and in the original shipping tube. I paid $36.00 shipped for it. I have included a link to one for sale currently so you can see more photos and a description (this is NOT my poster, but the same one). The poster is very high quality and looks great. No sense it sitting in a tube when someone can enjoy it! I can send you a picture of the actual poster in my possession if you want, but it looks EXACTLY like the one in the link, and is in perfect, unused condition. $30.00 shipped in the US. Tom http://www.ebay.com/itm/History-of-the-Turntable-Poster-Linn-Rega-Roksan-Technics-Garrard-Thorens-Dual-/140902875326?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Turntables&hash=item20ce7740be

Use this protractor: http://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge-alignment-protractors.shtml It's simple to use, and if you carefully align your cartridge per the included instructions you will be amazed at the improvement in sound quality! Tom

I am in the process of putting together my "vintage" 2-ch system, on a budget, of course. Tube integrated amp, heritage Klipsch (hopefully Cornwalls, I keep looking), a Sony X55ES CDP and a nice vintage TT to mark my return to vinyl after selling it all off in the late '80s[:'(] I'm trying to compile a list of "desirable" turntables to keep my eyes and ears open for. I'm not in a huge hurry, so I'm willing to wait for the right deal to come along ... I'm just not sure what to look for. I really like the look of wood bases, as they are the TTs from my youth. I especially like the older Marantz and Denon TTs. I'm all ears for suggestions and opinions as to what might be a table to suit my needs that I can hopefully find for "cheap" if I keep my eyes open. Dual, Denon, Marantz, Yamaha, AR all have models I'm attracted to, but I'm not sure which ones are/were any good. Help??? Tom

I would definitely like the extra reserve power for when it's needed ... I a HUGE old Genesis fan, and the mood to crank it strikes me quite often when I listen to it! I have been searching around for used Scott equipment (222 and 299) as suggested. There's a couple sets of Heresy's for sale locally, one with x-overs updated by Bob Crites (HBR) for $425. I may give them a listen ... haven't seen any Cornwalls of late.