analogkid

So do you guys actually use mp3 and AAC? both formats are horribly lossy - why not use FLAC which gives you some compression but is lossless. In fact, if you properly rip your cds to your PC ( I use exact audio copy) you eliminate the jitter issue that causes problems with even the best CD players. I built my own Media Center and output the sound digitally to my Yamaha receiver; I was considereing a high quality DAC as well - the Yammie does fine but it is a fairly old unit and I am sure the DAC inside it is outdated. AK

Honestly this isn't about analog or digital - it's about why the ipod - which is a noisy, tinny source in my opinion - sounds better than his turntable setup. Something is not matched correctly here - any decent amplifier and speaker combo should be able to showcase the ipod's lack of bass response, particularly with the god-awful sounding AAC codec that itunes tracks us. Are you listening to both sources in 2-channel stereo? Music, ESPECIALLY from LPs, is 2 channel only (forget quad LPs for now)and often sounds pretty poor when played back through 5.1. Next, and you were going to try this, what is your cart and can you get a different one? Next, have you tried a different phono preamp? Just because your receiver or Preamp HAS a phono stage doesn't mean that it properly matches the cartridge you are using OR that the RIAA EQ is correct. AK

My speakers were built in 1982 according to the serial numebrs. I oredered a kit directly from Bob Crites - link here: http://www.critesspeakers.com/ The kit included the schematic and all new caps. Took me about 30 minutes epr crossover to swap out the parts, but if soldering is not your cup of tea Bob can do the work for you, or you can get a pair of his replacement crossovers for less than $200.

Well I went ahead and did the recap - holding off on the staining etc for now. I must say that the sound is much improved! I do have a question: What is the formula for calculating the crossover points? I don't want some online calculator was just wanting the actual formula(s) so I can do some figuring with this fantastic new computing device: pencil and paper!

Another great idea groom - especially with those stain pens I can get real close the label without staining it (I hope).

My plan for working around the labels is to use a stain pen the same color as the stain, and just be very careful around them. We shall see. As for the terminal connector, I haven't given it that much thought - the connections are quite solid and I may leave them as is. I will check into that gasket tape today.

I posted some pics a while back of my Cornwalls, showing my home-made grills and the risers I built to 'II' them up a bit. I received a small package today from B&K Sound containing the crossover upgrade kit. My Cornies have the B3 networks, and the 30 year-old caps I'm sure need to be replaced. I'm very excited! I thought that at the same time I would go ahead and stain the backs (I held off because I wasn't prepared to work around the factory label) and perhaps do a mod on the backs. As I understand it, The Cornwall II and III's all have the backs sealed and access is basically through the woofer. I was thinking that I could 'seal' my backs on with a thin layer of weatherstripping which would tighten them up and dampen any vibration. I haven't had any rattle issues, but the change in the later models was amde with some forethought. What do you guys think?

That sounds like what I was trying to say, except in actual English!

Not sure I can simply explain what I am trying to say, except I have run into situations where running a preamp at a very low level with a high-wattage amp resulted in poor sound. If you already have the amps it will do no harm to try them out, and in the end if you are happy with your setup then that is all that matters. It's just as bad - no worse - if you have too little power and have to drive the amp to near or at clipping to get enough volume. The real point I was trying to make is that Heritage series speakers are very efficient, and you don't need gobs of power to make them sing

Sounds like you are on the right path, I would look seriously at the Cornwalls for the best combination of sound/availability/price on the used market. That Carver amp will likely sound great BUT 250 watts is complete overkill with the Heritage series... from my experience one of the things that makes the Heritage series so popular even today is thier efficiency - with 250 watts you will barely be able to move the volume knob on your pre-amp. In my opinion (and I only speak for myself so someone else hop in here and speak your mind) you want to be able to run your pre- or receiver at a minimum of 30% for normal listening. AK

They do seem to sound a little better - cleaner and more distinct bass is what I am noticing most.

Ok I got them built and on - I took no pictures during the build process, which I will on the next project. I learned much of what NOT to do, but they turned out decent anyway [:$]

Alrighty, I found that my local Home Depot carries 2' X 4' sheets of 3/4" birch plywood, which was PERFECT for me since my Cornwalls were originally Raw Birch. The 20-something year old that helped me was awesome, used their fancy saw to cut me 8 2" strips so all I had to do was mitre cut them to size and nail them together. I'm still deciding how to attach them, I'm thinking two metal brackets on each will be fine.

Got the nameplates today, they look great!

Awesome and thank you! I'll post picks when I get them made.