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fwphoto

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  1. When I started streaming from computers years ago they really didn't have decent "built-in" DACs. Had to run the USB or FireWire into an outboard DAC to get any signal that even resemble hi-fi quality. 1/8" audio out split to RCAs just didn't cut it. Bought a couple inexpensive units (DACs) to run headphones & they worked OK. Eventually, I got a reasonably priced KACES USB DA-151 DAC to run the USB output of my laptop into & then output RCA to the stereo gear. Still using that DAC to stream from my iPad Pro into my tubes/Klipsch system & I've A/B'd it against vinyl & CDs & my ears can't tell the difference. Sonic BLISS! Here's my signal path: iPad Pro (Apple Music) > KACES USB DA-151 DAC > Dynaco PAS3 (Spare Input) > Dynaco ST70 > Forte IIs. Even though I have a very good CD player & turntable I usually use the iPod Pro. Sounds great through my system & is very versatile. I love Apple Music's Essentials. Very nicely curated. Plus, I don't have to mess with it like I do with records or CDs. Frank
  2. Here's my signal path: iPad Pro (Apple Music) > KACES USB DA-151 DAC > Dynaco PAS3 (Spare Input) > Dynaco ST70 > Forte IIs Even though I have a very good CD player & turntable I usually use the iPod Pro. Sounds great through my system & is very versatile. I love Apple Music's Essentials. Very nicely curated. Plus, I don't have to mess with it like I do with records or CDs. Frank
  3. Snapped this shot while getting the old tubes back in service after several years in storage. Posted this in a different thread but thought it might go here, as well: - New Tubes in PAS-3 preamp - Re-biased K77s in the ST-70 - Caps Reformed (via gradual volt increase) - Using Rega Planet CDP as Source - Klipsch KG 3.5 speakers as Load Trying to make space for it all with my Forte IIs. They really were made for each other. 🙂 Frank
  4. I just re-tubed my Dynaco PAS-3 & re-biased the KT-77s in my ST-70. Can't wait to get them back with my Forte IIs. I won't sell my ST-70 for $400. Hope you were lucky enough to get it! Frank
  5. I started with the Forte IIs & a Marantz 1152DC. A wonderful match! I still have the Marantz but went with tubes a while back for the Fortes. That would be the Dynaco ST-70 amp & PAS 3 pre. The Fortes sound even better (IMO) with tubes! Still using a KECES DA-151 as a DAC. I'm sure there are better but it is very musical, again, IMO. Frank
  6. Recently bought some refinished KG 3.5s from John (Iteachstem). Excellent transaction! Very pleased with the finish. Speakers were exactly as described & we had a fun "garage audition." You can certainly buy with confidence! Highly recommend this seller. Frank
  7. Thanks John! Was worth the trip! Pleasure chatting with you. Took the long way home but it was smooth sailing all the way. Will hook the 3.5s up tomorrow & I'm sure they'll work well in my 5.1 HT setup. They sounded fine in your garage. 🙂 Have a great school year, whatever it brings! Take care, Frank
  8. Yeah, keep the Forte IIs. Love mine. The only reason you might let them go is if one or more of the speakers are damaged. Otherwise upgrades will make them sing again. You can send your OEM crossovers (on terminal cups) to Crites to be rebuilt or have him build you a better set that will come mounted on separate boards. At that point they are all but plug-n-play. I'll also suggest getting the Crites titanium diaphragms for the tweets. Some say they are a bit harsh but I've had mine for several years & think they are great! Well worth the +/- $50 they cost & are very easy to install. Take care, Frank
  9. Currently, I am running a 3.5 HT system with a sub. Haven't decided on rear speakers yet. I'm using a Marantz NR 1509 & finished the setup with Audyssey. So, how would I run a crossover between speakers? I haven't fine-tuned the sub beyond the Audyssey settings but I think it's set around 80Hz. Frank
  10. Well, there doesn't seem to be much interest in discussing rebuilding KG 3.5s, but I thought I'd post my experience in doing so anyway. I ended up replacing both K-1002-K woofers with 8 Ohm Dayton Audio RS225P-8A 8" Reference Paper Woofers @ about $65/ea. from Parts Express. They are not "drop-in." I had to enlarge the holes in the speaker cabinets (a real PITA!) & put bigger push-on connectors on the speaker wires to match the spades on the new speakers. The new speakers have 6 screw holes & the originals only had 4 so I ended up drilling new holes as well. That said, the new woofers sound very good in comparison to the 25 year old OEM ones. Since the KG 3.5s are the fronts in a HT setup I decided to swap out the phenolic tweeter diaphragms for Crites titaniums. I figured it might give the high end a bit more clarity & that might help with cleaning up the dialog a bit. I had done this with my Fortes long ago & liked the mod with them. These diaphragms are definitely drop-in & took me about 20 careful minutes to make the replacements. As expected, they did brighten up the top end & indeed have helped to make the dialog in movies easier to understand. I considered doing something with the crossovers & may someday, but for now, the mods have really breathed new life into these nice older speakers. Even the wife thinks they sound much better & have really improved our viewing pleasure! 🙂 Take care, Frank
  11. One of my Kg 3.5s is really distorting the low, low frequencies in my HT setup. Otherwise it still generally sounds OK. No distortion in the other speaker. Haven't pulled it apart yet but, from the front only, the K-1002-K woofer(?) looks undamaged. I am running a R-100SW sub & R52-C with the KG 3.5s. Haven't settled on rear speakers yet. Might actually end up getting something different for the fronts & putting the KGs in the rear, but either way want to get the KGs working properly. I am considering a crossover rebuild (Crites) but want to deal with the K-1002-K issue first. I've done a few searches & haven't found a source for the OEM speakers (no surprise) & will probably post a WTB in the Garage Sale forum, but do see replacement copies from MA Audio for about $65/each. Anyone have experience with the MW Audio MW-5082 8" replacement speakers? I imagine if I swap out one I should replace both? Any other thoughts/suggestions? Thanks, Frank
  12. Thanks. That's a great price. Got a couple of audio projects going but will think about it. Frank
  13. To install, would you just set the boards on the bottom of the interior & plug the wires into the 3 speakers & the terminal? No soldering? Looks like a very easy install, right? Frank
  14. You're killing me! I would jump on these in a heartbeat if I were in a position to pick them up from Ohio in the near future. I'm sure it would be March or April before I could make that trip. If you still have them then, though . . . Good luck with your sale! Frank
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