HT_Andy

Thanks for all the good info on maintaining the speaker finishes. I have a pair of birch lascalas that I'd like to leave in their natural state. However, I'm guessing there is something I could apply that would preserve the wood, and keep it clean, without affecting their color? Any suggestions appreciated.

John, Don't know if you've purchased the AV-8's yet. I considered them for some time, but ended up buying the MGSI15DT from ASL. Its an integrated amp with 5w/15w output switch - although I leave it on the 5w setting. I use this amp for 2-channel listening with LaScala fronts. Sound is phenomenal. Costs a little more - but I don't think you'd be disappointed.

I'm setting up a 5.1 home theater using a pair of RS-3's as surrounds. Thanks for all the helpful placement information. What do you think about haning the RS-3's vertically on the wall? If I can do that, then I can place them perfectly from listening position, i.e. slightly above & behind. Thanks!

Thanks for the comments. The TV is a Sony 42" flat-screen gas plasma, HD capable. The only thing I've tried that is somewhat hi-def is my progressive scan dvd player. The best dvd's that show off the TV are Fantasia/Fantasia2000. BTW - I live in Colorado & have heard that altitude can have negative effects on plasma TV's. The match between the KLF-C7 and LaScalas is ideal (to me). Even with the distance between the speakers, you just get a "wall of sound".

I'm attaching (hopefully) some pics of my home theater. The speaker positions aren't ideal, but the room wasn't designed for home theater (next house maybe). Anyway - I've relied on the advice of several smart people here & its much appreciated. Fronts: LaScalas Rears: Heresy II Center: KLF-C7 Sub: KSW-12 Sony PFM500-A3W Plasma TV JVC XV-D721 DVD Audio/Video player Yamaha RX-V596 Receiver Technic turntable (20yrs old - I forget the model no.)

What's a Jubilee? I'll take two.

I recently picked up the JVC723 DVD player off of ebay. They can now be had for $399 at Best Buy. It has DVD Audio capabilities and 480p progressive scan output. The DVD Audio, to me, is a huge step up in sound quality - & is immediately noticeable. DVD Audio discs are hard to come by, I've tried ELP Brain Salad Surgery and Foreigner. Yes, you have to use the DVD player decoders & run analog cables to the external decoder jacks on your receiver. I've seen a Technics receiver that will decode DVD Audio digital input. The progressive scan output is underwhelming on the other hand. Maybe because this is such a cheap unit? I'm using a Sony 42" plasma TV with Monster 3 component video cables. I'm hard-pressed to tell the difference over 480i input. For the money, the DVD Audio alone is worth it.

I have a Yamaha RXV-596 a/v receiver. It will do everything you want (bass management, 2-channel, 5.0, 5.1). It also has external decoder inputs in case you want to upgrade to something like DVD Audio someday (its awesome btw). They're relatively cheap - Soundtrack occasionally has them on sale for around $450, cheaper if you do a little surfing. It was recommended to me by someone who actually knows something about electronics. Don't give up on the sub. I felt the same way originally, but it does help both 2 and 5 channel music and movies. I set the volume & frequency both fairly low.

I meant to say I'm looking for less brightness. That's what I get for doing this late at nite. gto6 - thanks for the info. I don't know much about monoblocks. Do you use a preamp? Can you use phono input? Interesting that the tubes make that much difference. I'm looking forward to catching the fever!

Gents, thanks for your help. I am very happy with my LaScala/Heresy home theater setup with Yamaha receiver. In two channel mode, the LaScala's are fatiguing to listen to after awhile (course I play 'em kinda loud). I guess what I'm looking for is "brightness" or "aggresiveness". If the Jolida wasn't that different, are there others you have tried and/or recommend? I've been trying to find information on the Dynaco - are they still in business? Antique Sound Labs appears to have a wide selection for reasonable dollars - has anyone out there tried them? Thanks!!

Here's my suggestion - keep the LaScala's & buy some Heresy's for the rear channel. The KSW-12 would be a nice addition, as would a KLF-C7 center. The LS's will still give you a good 2-channel system. Once you have all that in place, who needs the TV??

Thanks for all the good info re tube amps. I'm trying to put together a 2-channel system with LaScala's & a tube amp. I like what I've read about the DecWare and Jolida amps. Can anyone share their experience with these amps? The DecWare looks like it puts out only 5 watts. Jolida has several models, but they have a minimum of 25 watt output. Any suggestions? Do you also need a pre-amp with these set-ups? Thanks.

Thanks for all the good info re tube amps. I'm trying to put together a 2-channel system with LaScala's & a tube amp. I like what I've read about the DecWare and Jolida amps. Can anyone share their experience with these amps? The DecWare looks like it puts out only 5 watts. Jolida has several models, but they have a minimum of 25 watt output. Any suggestions? Do you also need a pre-amp with these set-ups? Thanks.

Thanks for all the good info re tube amps. I'm trying to put together a 2-channel system with LaScala's & a tube amp. I like what I've read about the DecWare and Jolida amps. Can anyone share their experience with these amps? The DecWare looks like it puts out only 5 watts. Jolida has several models, but they have a minimum of 25 watt output. Any suggestions? Do you also need a pre-amp with these set-ups? Thanks.

Thanks for all the good info re tube amps. I'm trying to put together a 2-channel system with LaScala's & a tube amp. I like what I've read about the DecWare and Jolida amps. Can anyone share their experience with these amps? The DecWare looks like it puts out only 5 watts. Jolida has several models, but they have a minimum of 25 watt output. Any suggestions? Do you also need a pre-amp with these set-ups? Thanks.

Ordering 3 Heresy's is a good idea, using two for surrounds and one for center. If funds are limited, buy a used pair of Heresy's off ebay - as well as a KLF-C7. I use a KLF-C7 center & it sounds great with Heritage line. Also the C7 speakers are shielded for use next to TV.

You can still order the KLF-C7 with an oak cabinet from a dealer. I'm very happy with mine & think they'd sound great with the Chorus II's. You can find black ones on Ebay a little cheaper.

The speaker matching chart recommends the KLF-C7. I'm using the KLF-C7 with Heritage speakers & am very happy with how they sound & fit with the others.

I bought speaker stands for my HII's at Oak Express for 25 bucks each. They are basically oak veneer boxes that raise the speakers 16". If your speakers are oiled oak, they fit so well that it looks like Klipsch made them that way. I've been told that this might reduce the base output of the HII's, but mine are surrounds & I really can't tell the difference.

82" to top of TV 36" to ear 15' from TV to ear

Ray, Thanks for the explanation - makes perfect sense. I'll give it a try. Will break my heart if the expensive Toslink cable doesn't sound better. Andy

I assumed my DVD player would sound better due to more cabling options. I use the digital optical audio cable. Wouldn't either the digital coax or optical connections sound better than the older RCA audio?

I'm in for a pair. I called Klipsch a while back to see if they would ever consider firing up the Cornwall line. Never heard back - figured it was a dumb question. Bought LS's instead, but there's always room in the basement!

Colin, I'll tell you what I remember from a few months ago. I'm no audiophile, or any kind of qualified critic. First of all, I'm a Klipsch bigot & they all sounded good. The KLF-20's and RF-3's were next to each other & easy to A/B. The RF-3's seemed just a bit clearer sounding on vocals (Steely Dan CD). Another person in the same room might have said the KLF-20's sounded warmer. The H-II's (tucked away in a corner) seemed to be somewhere in the middle. I don't remember the CD or receiver make - but it was some pricey stuff. Given that, the KLF-20's & RF-3's seemed a little flimsy in comparison. As much as I respect new technology, I went with the classic looks.

I recently made the same decision. Compared the RF-3, KLF-20 (not 30), and H-II. Actually found a dealer that had them all. I thought the RF-3 maybe had a slight edge in overall sound- but too me they couldn't match the looks of the Heresies (wife-factor here, too). The dealer had a pair with mahogany finish that was beautiful. Anyway, I ordered an oak pair (also beautiful) & was well worth the wait. Anyway, I made the right choice as I ended up getting LaScalas, too. The Heresies are a perfect match for rear channel (if you're ever so inclined).