Khornfan

Thanks to all for your suggestions. I would love to listen to some of the various combinations mentioned but there do not seem to be many khorns in Oklahoma. Maybe I can make it to Indy in June and see (hear) something.

Thanks, Bob. Good info.

I've had my khorns for about a year and recently took the plunge and bought a tube amp, a receiver actually. The Harman Kardon TA5000X is essentially a A500 amp with an am/fm tuner. It has been recapped and has a new complement of preamp tubes as suggested and supplied by Jim McShane. The difference in the tubes is noticeable! In my 40+ years of hifi ownership this is by far the best I have ever had. The music sounds REAL! I can also listen longer and louder without ear fatigue. But now my curiosity is on a new level. My question to the forum is this: How much difference would I hear if I were to change to a VTA ST-70, VTA ST-120, Citation II with upgrades, or any other suggestions? Of course this would also mean a good tuibe preamp to go with a new amp.

Amazingly enough, an old friend just told me today that he knows someone who builds tube amps and would like to hear my khorns. Seems like a trial can be arranged!

On a farm at the end of a dirt (correction, mud) road SE of Smithville. Tough to get them but they sound great and I actually think they are getting better (believe they had not been used for a while and the crossover caps may be limbered up now). Also got a BIG improvement in sound by digging out my old haflers (DH-220 and DH-110) and updating the caps. They sound way better than the consumer grade Sony 5.1 AV receiver I was relying on. Bought the cap kits from ray17760 on ebay. I think it is a result of pooge(sp?) upgrade/tweaks from the DIY crowd. Anyway, quality components, clear instructions and great folllow on support. He is in St Peters MO. With everything esle going on, I haven't yet tackled the Empire 298 and Jelco tonearm, so for now I am using the Sony PSX-70 TT with Shure V15/IV. Not bad. Two questions. I also bought a Jelco TT cable set. It has a 5 prong female connector, but there is no matching connection at the tonearm. Is there a connector available to complete this? Also, Have you heard which phono cartridges work well with this arm (Jelco 370H)??

Sorry for the delay. I tried a reply yesterday (or was it the day before?) and it didn't work. The khorns are 1982 models with AA crossovers. I bought them on eBay from the original owner, who lives in the country north of Kansas City. This was the first time I had seen any for sale within reasonable driving distance (from near Oklahoma City). The hardest part was getting uphill to the house on the muddy driveway! I only got them re-assembled, placed in corners and hooked up a few days ago when my son came over and helped. I was surprised that they don't seem any more efficient than my Altec A7-500s, but the bass is better and they are overall much smoother and more agreeable. Currently I am using a Sony Audio/video 5.1 receiver until My Hafler DH-220 and DH-110 are back in action (I am in the midst of complete capacitor upgrades.) Longer term plans are to supplant the Sony PS-X70 turntable with an Empire 208and Jelco 370 tonearm I just purchased. I will build a substantial plinth and may machine an aluminum billet base. Also interested in ALK crossover and would like to learn more about how khorns respond to tube amps. I don't know if tubes are really "better" or just "different".

Hello, I am new to the forum but thought it appropriate to join since I just obtained my dream speakers, Klipschorns! After years of raising children and getting them through college, etc I am reviving my home audio interest, revamping old equipment, buying vintage equipment I have always wanted, etc. I do not have "Golden Ears" but I do love music. I won't prattle on just now, but I do have one question. I have purchased an Empire 208 turntable and I would like to hear others experience with tonearms and cartridges and also home made heavy duty plinths. I am interested in using a Technics SL-1200 tonearm as I have heard they are very user friendly and greatly under rated. Detachable headshell is desired since I also want to play my 78s.